TRAGIC MISTAKE

Hokitika Guardian, 29 December 1931, Page 6

TRAGIC MISTAKE

BANK OFFICER SHOT. MISTAKEN FOR BURGLAR. (By Telegraph—Ft. Press Association) FEILDING, December 29." Mr Bruce McOorkindale, aged 22 years, an. officer in the Bank of New Zealand here, lost his life i'asfc night in tragic circumstances, being shot by J. L. Burton, a fellow officer of the Bank. Burton usually slept on the premises buit had been away for several days, McICorkindale taking his place. Burton was due back last night and McGorkindale went to the Bank premises to make sure that "Burton had returned, but he could get no response to his knocking. McCorkindale then tried to enter the Bank by the rear window of the sleeping room. Burton was awakened by the opening of the window and fired twice. Constable Johnston, who was on duty nearby, rushed to the Bank where the tragic mistake was discovered. , McCorkindale ded .within a few minutes. ■ Burton explained that he had heard no noise until he was roused by the window being opened. He thought it was a. burglar and fired twice. The poignacy of the tragedy is deepened by the fact that Burton and McCorkindale were close friends. “GRABBED REVOLVER AND FIRED.” FEILDING, December 29. Burton stated that he reached the Bank at 10 p.m., and retired to .the sleeping room. He-did. not hear any telephone, or other call, but later, lie was awakened by hearing a person endeavouring to enter through the window. He could just distinguish the outline of a man, and grabbed ithe revolver and .fired without taking aim, but did not know that he had hit the man. He then looked out of the window, expecting to see the man escaping, but saw a .polVieman coming into thfj aliey-way, who told him that he had shot Bruce McCorkindale.

It was found that McCorkindale had been shot in the left eye, and must have died within a few minutes. Constable Johston states that he left McCorkindale at the back of the alleyway, ithe latter saying that he knew how to glet into 'the bedroom through the window! The next minute, he heard two shots ring out, and rushed back land found McCorkindale dying.. Sergeant Cahill took charge of the investigations, and informed the parents.

The victim was a most promising golfer, and was this season promoted from VjunLor to senior rank in the local gjolf club, and played in the final for the senior championship. His farther ,'fias bd?n a member of the Borough 'Council for a number ot years, while his mother is prominent in social work, and was Dominion 'Secretary of the Women's Division of the Farmers Union.

This morning, the jnqutst was opened before Mr E.. Goodbeheret, the Coroner. Evidence was given by the father, who last saw his son alive at 9.45 p.m., vh'-n he left for the Bank to make sure that Burton had returned to take his place at sleeping on the premises. At midnight the police informed him of the tragedy. The inquest was adjourned sme aie.