The Shooting Affair

Waikato Argus, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4322, 10 February 1910, Page 2

The Shooting Affair

* ■ A CUN FOUND. Throughout yesterday the police pursued their search and inquiries in connection with this matter, and though various rumours as to an arrest, even so far as to give the man’s name, were current, these proved incorrect As a result of the search in the immediate vicinity of the place a single barrel breechloading gun was found planted in a ditch at the top of the gully. There was a loaded cartridge in the [chamber, and an empty shell, probably the one fired at Mr Jordan was found about 50 yards away from where the buggy was at the time of the shooting. Various experiments were made from different positions as to the penetration and scatter of a shot, but these gave little satisfaction, as the charge used was not known, and the whole matter would depend on this. The gun found has been taken possession of by the police, and steps arc now being taken to trace the ownership, which, if established, should furnish some clue as to the motive for the outrage, for such it is held to be by those in the best position to judge, the idea of an accident being entirely scouted. In connection with the naming of the place where the affair occurred, many stories are current, but the one which is correct is as follows: —A Captain Davis, quartermaster of the 3rd Waikatos, owned a little chestnut mare named Mystery, which, while being riddeen from Ngaruawahia to Cambridge, was bogged in the gully at what is now known as the Putney crossing. Captain Davis walked on to Cambridge, whence a fatigue party was |sent out, and the mare rescued. By the way, Captain Davis was married to a Miss Vialou, a former resident, and daughter of the first Mayor, of Hamilton. Mr Jordan’s condition, although he is suffering a good deal of pain, is satisfactory, and he is showing signs of improvement.