BOYS AND PEA RIFLES.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXV, Issue 13034, 30 March 1910, Page 5

BOYS AND PEA RIFLES.

DUNEDIN FATALITY.

(Per United Association.) DUNEDIN. March 30. An inquest on the body of Geoffrey Fisher, who died in the hospital tbis morning from the effects of a wound in the groin sustained aa the result of a pea rifle accident at Middiemarch, was opened tonight. Geoffrey Fisher, father of the deceased, gave evidence that the deceased and two bo;s named McCorkindal? and McBantney were in company when the accident happened. The deceased loaded the rifle, and shortly afterwards McCorkindale picked it np. As he lifted it the hammer slipped and the rifle went off. the bullet lodging in the deceased’s groin. The inquest was adjourned till Wednesday evening^ The boys McCorkindale and Mcßantnev have been brought before the Court at Middiemarch on a charge of being in possession of firearms while under the age ol 16 years. The boys were severely admonished and ordered to pay the costs, and the firearm was confiscated. An adult who gave the rifle to Afcßautuey about a year would also have been prosecuted but for the fact that the time * limit for laying the information has expired.

ANOTHER PEA RIFLE ACCIDENT.

DUNEDIN, March 30. A farmer named Joseph Hewson, aged 60 rears, was accidentally shot in the back at Tahitita on Friday. His son was loading, a pea rifle, which went off, the bullet lodging m Hewson’s back, lie injured man waa brought to the hospital to-night, and! an effort will be made to locate the bullet.