Fatal Gun Accident.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3578, 4 August 1890, Page 2

Fatal Gun Accident.

Shoclslnpc OoourrsnooMb of aTOHsuora Settler of Cartortoa. . [ByTeleorath.] (From Our Own CorrGßpondent.) Cabterton, Monday.

Andrew MoKenzie, the well-known storekeeper of Belvidere Boad, is dead, He was found this morning at about half past seven, lying in a pool of blood' at the rear of the Btablea near his house. He w&s quite lifeless when discovered, and i discharged gun was beside him. His son William, who was the first on the scene, ascribes the unfortunate occurrence to an accident, and explains that hie father had gone out shortly before, saying that he intended to Bhoot a dog that had regularly-ravaged hie hen roost. The wound was in the mouth. The fingers also seemed scorched. The gun was lying with the muzzle away from-the body. It had never been used before apparently, and was new." The spot was within view of .tho White Hart Hotel and a number.of houses, The body was found on it 8 left side close to a fence, aud was warm.but lifeless when discovered, The deceased was considered to be

in good circumstances. He was a member of the Masonic order, and was also a Borough councillor. He leaves a widow and six sons the eldest of whom, Richard McKenzie, is in the My-mile Bush. He also leaves, two daughters, one of tiern married. It is stated that the deceased's life was insured for either £SOO or £750 in the Australian Mutual Provident

Society. Constable Darby, the local constable, was absent on duty, but Constable Eccleton, of Greytown,was here by half past nine o'olock, and Dr Bey, who had also been summoned, arrived shortly afterwards, The latter will no doubt be authorised to make a post-mortem examination and an inquest will follow. The melancholy occurrence has caused a very gieat sensation iii the township, for Mr McKenzie was a very old resident, is considered to possess a good share of prsperty, and has always had a largo local interest. Later. Andrew McKenzie's life was insured for £SOO divided between the Australian Mutual Provident Society and the Government, The gun which was the means of his death was a muzzle loader, The inquest will be held at : qine o'clock to-morrow morning..