Discovery of a Corpse.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1704, 4 August 1875, Page 3

Discovery of a Corpse.

The dead body of aman apparently about 40 years of age, was found floating in the harbour close to the Onehunga pier yesterday afternoon, about four o'clock. Mr. John Vause of the telegraph department, was walkirjg down when he saw the body about 15 yards away from and below the wharf. He called attention to it, and several persons collected, among them being Mr Brewer, the Onehunga Collector of Customs, who, finding that no one volunteered to approach the corpse tucked up hisjfcrowsers and waded to it. He then promised a reward to any one who wonld assist him in getting it to land. Five volunteers then came forward arid the body was brought to the shore. It was in a highly advanced state of decomposition and had apparently been in the water about a fortnight. It was taken up to Hardington's stables, where it was placed in an out-house. Capt. Macfarlane, of the s.s. Taupo, having given instructions to his carpenter to make a stretcher. Captain Stayers, late of the Glimpse supplied some timber for the purpose. Deceased is not identified nor has any one to our knowledge been missed from the township or shipping. The inquest was to be held by Mr Barstow this afternoon. The body was decently clad in corduroy trousers, and good coat and vest, with nearly new pair of boots on the feet. We would remark on the utter absence at Onehunga of any decent means of disposal of human remains which may be similarly found.