RIFLE RANGE FATALITY

Taranaki Daily News, 4 November 1926, Page 9

RIFLE RANGE FATALITY

VERDICT OF ACCIDENTAL DEATH By Telegraph.—Press Association. Masterton, Last Night. The Coroner’s inquest on the death of Private Athol H. B. Morris, of Greytown, at Te Ore Ore Rifle Range on Friday, October 29, was concluded to-night, when a verdict was returned that deceased met his death by wounds from a rifle shot accidentally fired by Squadron Sergt-Major Sage. The Coroner said that though a military court had made a thorough inquiry into the case, it was due to the public that a coroner’s court should also make a searching inquiry to determine whether there was anything unusual responsible for the accident. He found that every detail in regard to the inspection of arms and the check on the distribution of ammunition had been faithfully carried out. The officers were all trained men and with the non-commissioned officers under them, had strictly observed the regulations laid down in connection with rifle meetings. Mr. J. F. Thompson, counsel for the relatives, stated that his clients wished Sergt. Sage to know that they did not consider him in any way responsible for the accident. They realised that it was a case of pure misfortune and that the act of omission had occurred long before he touched the rifle. They were grateful to the military authorities for their courtesy in allowing them to be represented at the court of inquiry, and especially to Captain Sugden (area officer) for the assistance he had given. The Military Department had endeavoured to keep nothing back and they were satisfied that the inquiry had been conducted in a proper manner.