AN EXTRAORDINARY OCCURRENCE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 11 March 1908, Page 5

AN EXTRAORDINARY OCCURRENCE.

A STRANGE SHOOTING ACCIDENT

CHRISTCHURCH, March 10. A rather peculiar shooting accident occurred at Culverden on Sunday last it appears that Walter Davidson, a blacksmith, accompanied by two other men, was returning home in a gig after a days shooting. Davidson had a double-barrelled gun in his possession, tho stock of which was resting on the floor of the vehicle, while the muzzle was leaning against his chest. Both barrels were fully loaded, but the hammers were down. Previous to starting on their homeward journey a dog, belonging to one of the party, had bean placed under the seat, but he evidently did not enjoy the drive, and made frantic endeavours to escape. -Whilst seeking freedom it is thought he-must have placed on.c of his paws on the hammer of the gun and pressed it back, not far enough to cock it, but sufficiently far enough to explode the c*rtr"*se, for suddenly the gun went oft. riie greater portion of the charge, entered Davidson's chest, while the remainder of the shot was scattered round his face and left ear. A' doctor was summoned to attend to his injuries, and found that a small portion, of the man's chest had been blown away,, but the wounds are not considered to be of a very serious nature.