EXCITING ADVENTURE IN THE HARBOUR

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2237, 25 August 1914, Page 6

EXCITING ADVENTURE IN THE HARBOUR

FISHING BOAT FIRED AT MAN GRAZED BY A BULLET A fishing party in Wellington Harbour were made to realise on Sunday that the British Empire is at war with a foreign too. They also learned that the sentries posted at different points in the harbour are on the alert,- especially those whose duty it is to guard the Gorman prisoners on Somes Island. For the past few weeks the order has been that no vessel, or craft must be allowed to approach within a certain distance of the island. If this- rule is ignored a challenge is issued, and if those concerned fail to take notice of the command they are likely to be fired Uoon. It is the intention of the authorities to carry out .these instructions to the letter, as the eight fishermen know to their cost.

Following their usual custom a fishing party of eight' made for that part of the harbour opposite Ngahauranga in an ordinary boat. The fishing was not very good, so it ws decided to take up anchor and make for the mouth of the Hutt River. . A course was shaped on the Ngahauranga side of Somes Island. At about noon the boat, which had an ordinary lug sail hoisted, was making fair progress about half a mile from the island. Suddenly the occupants'were startled by hearing the report of a rifle. Thinking that it was only a warning to let them know that they were approaching the restricted area, preparations were made to,keep further out from the ; island. Before this could be done, however, another shot rang out. This time it was accompanied by a bullet, which hit'the water several yards away and ricochotted across the-boat to the other side. In its flight it passed through the coat and waistcoat of one of the occupants of the 'sailing craft and grazed the skin of his abdomen.

Needless to relate the fishermen were, to say the least,, considerably alarmed. At first it was thought that the man was seriously wounded. He became very sick and swooned. On investigation it was found that nothing, serious had happened, but the boat's head was turned towards Petone and all speed was made for the shore. Speaking to.a Dominion reporter last evening one of the eight said that included in the party wero two Russians. Everybody was much alarmed at first, but later on the whole affair was looked upon as a good joke.'