A SHOOTING EPISODE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 49, Issue 14852, 5 February 1923, Page 4

A SHOOTING EPISODE.

TWO MEN, WOUNDED. . ► HUSBAND’S DESPERATE ACTIONS

A shooting episode of an exciting nature occurred on Mr Walter Cameron’s ‘ ‘ Black Rock ’ ’ property at Te Ore Qrei • early yesterday morning. Palcira Haeata, a native, 28 years of ;.ge appears to have resented the relation's between his wife and James Kenrick, a half-caste, aged about 40 years, with whom she is said to have been living for the past three months at “Black Rock,” where Kenrick is employed as V J a. shepherd. , Appeals from Ilaeata to return to him being unheeded by his wife, and also to Kenrick to have nothing to do with her, proved fruitless, so Haeata, armed with a double-barrelled breachloading gun and a number of Eley’s cartridges, visited Kenrick’s cottage about 2 o’clock yesterday morning.- Kenrick, who was preparing to leave home to drive stock to the railway station for trucking, was spoken to by Haeata, who fired, some of the shot striking Ken- Jl rick in the head. The later had a miraculous escape from being blinded. Kenrick made for the house, when two more shots quickly followed, both findingtheir mark, though the distance/rendered them ineffective. Kenrick took refuge inside the house,, where he loaded, his own gun and waited for Haeata to appear. The latter cautiously approached the cottage and, after calling to the women insida to come out of the way, as he was going to r shoot at Kenrick, he fired two moreshots, one through the window and the other through the front door.

Meanwhile Kenrick was waiting in the bedroom, and when Haeata reappeared at tlie window Kenrick discharged his gun with one hand, and his assailant fell, his arm being badly injured. Kenrick’s daughter communicated, with “Black Rock”' homestead, and thepolice were-*'summoned by Mr Cameron, at 3.30.

Sergeant Sweeney and a party of constables, with Dr. Cowie, immediately left for the scene of the tragedy, and on arrival found both men on the verandah, Kenrick with his arm round Haeata’s neck. Haeata’s arm -Was. bleeding profusely, and Kenrick was badly peppered with shot. M They were brought to town by the? “ police and admitted to the hospital at 5.30 a.m. Both are progressing favourably. ■