EXTRAORDINARY SHOOTING AFFAIR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2982, 20 January 1917, Page 6

EXTRAORDINARY SHOOTING AFFAIR

SENSATION ON A' TRAIN.

By Telegraph—Press Association. ' , Te Kuiti, January 19. A man named William Richards,; 44 years of age, au engine-driver working near Taihape, boarded the train.at Taumarunui. Guard Duncan, on. checking the tickets, found that Richards had none, and advised him that he would be fined sixpence. Richards strongly objected, but e'ventually paid the amount and settled into' his seat. Some time after leaving Tauinaruuui he walked on to the platform of a carriage, and, leaning over, fired into- the carriage he had just left with an -automatic revolver, the shot narrowly missing a lady passenger.. The guard rung for the police at Te Kuiti, and Sergeant Eccles mot the train.; The guard pointed to the man, and the sergeant asked that an intorview bo held in the-st-ation yard. The sergeant said thaC- a police officer was going jo search him, and tho man and the sergeant closed. During a violent struggle, Richards fired at the sergeant, but missed birn. Assistance was called from amongst civilians, and Richards was placed tho lock-up. He appeared befors Mr. Rawson, S.M., charged with discharging a loaded revolver at Sergeant Ecclcs, with intent to do grievous bodily harm.A remand of eight/days was granted. Other charges are'pending.