TRAGEDY IN A HUNTING FIELD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 4 June 1907, Page 4

TRAGEDY IN A HUNTING FIELD.

London, April J'2. A terrible tragedy attended ilu> last meet of the season yesterday of the Ripley and Knaphill Harriers, Mr Robert •Spcns. the sou of Mr Nathaniel Spens, of Frimley Park, being accidentally .shot bv some soldiers at practice. • The accident was an extraordinary one. The meet took place near L'irbright. and a large field was present. Very soon a fo": was put up. and tta hounds led the field across Normandy Common, and up the eastern slopes of the Fox Hills.

The western slopes of the hill are occupied by the Ash Ranges of the Aldershot command, and on these a number of soldiers wen- engaged in firing practice. A small plateau at the top of the hills divides the two slopes, and the danger zone at the back of the ranges is marked out by rows of red posts. These were not noticed by the hunt, however, as they galloped along in the mist. The first indication that they were in serious danger came from an exclamation from the master, who felt a bullet whiz by his face.

| He turned his own horse and promptly shouted to the others to ride back for their lives, but at that moment Mr Spens was seen 1o fall from his horse. There was a rush to his sido. but it was too late. A bullet lias passed through his head, killing him instantly. Mrs Spens, the mother of the young man, was taking part in the hunt, and was one of the first to reach his side. While some of the huntsmen rode off to stop the soldiers at their practice, others obtained an ambulance, and the body was removed to Kriroley Park.