SHELL ACCIDENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3716, 12 November 1927, Page 2

SHELL ACCIDENT.

MR. LINKLATER QUESTIONS MINISTER. Addressing the Minister of Defence in the House of Representatives on Thursday, Mr. J. Linklater (Manawatu), drew attention to the statement of an officer of the Department at Palmerston North that owing to the softness of the sand and the possibility of a richochet, it was not always possible to find a “dud” shell after it had been fired and that action of the wind on the • sail'd often exposed the shells. Mr. Linklater asked whether a record was! kept offall “dud” shots fired and >vhether the Minister would have a thorough search made of the locality periodically in order to locate, as far as possible, all “dud” shells now in existence in the area and have them destroyed. The member asked also that adequate noticeboards be erected to warn the public of the danger of “dud” shells. The Minister of Defence (Hon. F. J. Rolleston) replied that it was not alway’s possible to tell whether a shell was a “dud” or not. A very careful search was made for nonobserved shells after every shoot. There was no objection to having a more thorough search in the locality. LAD PROGRESSING SATISFACTORILY. Upon making enquiries at the Palmerston Hospital concerning the condition of the lad, John Shortt, the victim of the shell explosion, we were informed that he is making capital progress. Fear was expressed that his eyesight would be permanently affected, but it was ascertained that he is able to visualise objects nearby.