BANK CLERK KILLED.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3885, 18 December 1928, Page 3

BANK CLERK KILLED.

FATAL .sequel to jest. Auckland, December 16. A distressing accident occurred at the Whangarei branch of the Bank of New South Wales at midday on Friday, a member of the staff, Mr. Henry Samuel Kedgley, being seriously wounded as the result of the accidental discharge of a revolver.

Mr. F. Potter, who resides on the premises, had just gone into his room to change his coat, and was followed by two of his fellow employees, Messrs William Grove and Kedgley, who were ready to go to lunch until him. Mr. Grove, in. playful mood, placed a Mexican helmet on his head, and Mr. Potter remarked: “Now all you want is a revolver.” He picked up the bank revolver, which was lying in the room, and handed it to Mr. Grove, telling him to put it on his hip. Not thinking that the revolver was loaded, nor realising that Mr. Kedgley was in the line of fire, Mr. Grove pressed the ti'igger. In an instant there was a deafening report, which alarmed everyone on the premises. Mr. Kedgley was found to have been shot through the stomach, the bullet of .45 calibre having passed out through the small of the back. Although gravely wounded, Mr. Kedgley was perfectly conscious. His (’ompanions telephoned for a doctor, and Dr. H. F. Buckley arrived post haste at the bank. He immediately ordered the injured man to be removed to the public hospital, whither he was taken in the Y.M.C.A. ambulance. An operation was performed immediately. The injured man died to-day. He was 22 years of age, and was the son of the Rev. E. H. Kedgley, of Otorohanga.