ACCIDENTALLY SHOT ON THE RIFLE RANGE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3558, 4 November 1926, Page 3

ACCIDENTALLY SHOT ON THE RIFLE RANGE.

INQUEST EXONERATES OFFICER. ;■: .Mas ter ton, Last Night. The ' Coroner’s inquest on the death of Private Athol Morris, of Greytown, at Te Ore Ore rifle range on Friday, October 29, was concluded to-night, when a verdict was returned that deceased met his death by wounds from a rifle shot accidentally fired by Squadron Serge-ant-Major Sage. The Coroner said that though the military court had made a thorough inquiry into the case it was due to (he public that, the coroner’s court should also make a searching inquiry to determine whether there was anything unusual responsible for the accident. He found that every detail in regard to the inspection of arms and check on the distribution of ammunition had been .faithfully carried out. The officers were all trained men, and with non-commissioned officers under them strictly observed the regulations laid down in connection with rifle meetings. Mr J. F. Thompson, counsel for the relatives, stated that his clicnls wished Sergeant-Major Sage to know that they did not consider him in any way responsible for the accident. They realised that it was a case of pure misfortune, and the act of omission had occurred long before he touched the rifle. Tliev were grateful to the military authorities for their courtesy in allowing them to be represented at the court of inquiry, and especially to Captain Sugden (area officer) for the assistance he had given. The Military Department had endeavoured to keep nothing back, andj they were satisfied that the inquiry had been conducted in a proper manner.