TRAGEDY IN A HUNTING FIELD

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2116, 26 June 1907, Page 3

TRAGEDY IN A HUNTING FIELD

London, April 12.—A terrible tragedy attended thee last meet of the season yesterday of the Ripley and Knaphill Harriers. Mr Robert Spens, the son of Mr. Nathaniel Spens, of Frimley Park, being accidentally shot by some soldiers at practice. The accident was an extraordinary ono. The meet took place near Pirbright, and a large field was present. Very soon a fox was put up, and tho hounds led the field across Normandy Common arid up tho 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 were engaged in firing practice. A small plateau at tho top of tho hills divides tho two slopes, and the danger zone at tho back of tho ranges is marked out by rows of red posts. These wore 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 horso and promptly shouted to tho others to ride back for their lives, but at that moment Mr. Spens was seen to fall from his horse. There was a rush to his side ,but it was too late. A bullet had jiassed through his head, killing him instantly. Mrs. Spens, the mother of the young man, was taking part in the hunt, and was one of tho first to reach his side. While some of tho huntsmen rode to stop the soldiers at their practice, others obtained an ambulance, and the body was removed to Frimley Park.