FIFTH MAN SHOT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 October 1941, Page 5

FIFTH MAN SHOT

AGRICULTURAL OFFICER FROM GREYMOUTH STATEMENT BY COMMISSIONER. MEMBERS OF HOME GUARD ASSISTING POLICE. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH. October 9. The Commissioner of Police, Mr D. J. Cummings, who arrived by steamer express this evening, made the following statement on the Hokitika police tragedy:— “Mr Ridley, agricultural officer from Greymouth, visited Graham’s farm in the morning, owing, it is believed, to some trouble having arisen there between Graham and some neighbours. What took place between the agricultural officer and Graham we do not know, but it appears that the inspector rang Constable Best, of Kanieri, who went to the farm. "Constable Best, subsequently rang Sergeant Cooper, Hokitika, and, as a result of their conversation, the Sergeant and Constables Tulloch and Jordan left for Graham’s farm about 1.30 p.m. About 3.30 p.m. the Hokitika police received . a message that some of our men were injured. Inspector D. L. Calwell, of Greymouth, De-tective-Sergeant H. E. Knight and De-tective-Sergeant C. H. Davis, of Greymouth, and some constables left for the scene. I was informed at 9.30 this evening that Sergeant Cooper, who was in charge of the Hokitika district, and Constables Jordan and Tulloch were dead, that Constable Best, of Kanieri, was shot in the stomach and was in Hokitika Hospital and that Mr Ridley, Agricultural Inspector, was also shot and was in hospital. Graham could not be found but is believed to be hiding in the bush which is now under observation. Some of the local Home Guardsmen are assisting the police. Nothing much can be done till daylight as it is believed that he two rifles with him. Inspector Caldwell is organising a posse of men to assist in surrounding the bush. Reinforcements from Christchurch will leave by the early, morning railcar. “It is the worst tragedy I know of in my experience and my very deepest sympathy goes out to the relatives of the men who lost their lives in the execution of their duty and also to those who have been injured.”