TWO SHOTS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 221, 15 April 1933, Page 5

TWO SHOTS

DESPERATE MAN IN BABY CAR Garage Proprietor Injured NO MONEY TO PAY FOR PETROL Car Recovered Near Hamilton POLICE COMBING THE DISTRICT Press Association. —Copyright. Auckland, Today.—James Pennington Bates, a garage proprietor at Mercer, was injured in the groin by one of two bullets fired from a revolver by a motorist about 10.30 last night. The motorist, who was driving a baby car, obtained some petrol and attempted to drive away without paying. Bates jumped on the running board of the car, which stopped. The driver alighted and is reported to have said, "I am desperate; I haven't any money." Bates retorted, "That's no good to me," whereupon the motorist drew a revolver and fired twice. Bates retreated, and it is believed the motorist drove on southward. This morning it is reported that the car, which had been stolen from Auckland, had been found abandoned near Ngaruawahia and a large force of detectives and police are searching for the driver. Bates, who is aged 49 and married, is now in Auckland Hospital. His condition is satisfactory. Hamilton, To-day. A baby car answering the description of the vehicle driven by the man concerned in the Mercer shooting was recovered at Ngaruawahia, 30 miles south of Piercer, at midnight last night. The police describe the wanted man as youngish, slight to medium build, sft. 7in. high, dark hair, and wearing a dark grey suit and white shirt with dark stripe, and sandshoes. He had no collar or hat.