MURDER SUSPECTED

Hokitika Guardian, 4 March 1925, Page 1

MURDER SUSPECTED

A SHIP'S K.MiiNKKH. UV TELEGRAPH —I’llliSS ASSN., COPT RIGHT. A I’OK LAN I-, .March 3. Advice lias liefii received that an inquiry into the disappearance ol John Pearson from the Canadian lixplurer. vviu'll till- vessel was heiween -N’ortii I lead and Tin I iri Island, was held at Brisbane, blit it failed to throw any light on the affair. It is generally believed that Pearson lust ins life as the result of foul play, but the cremating ol his body at the spot where it Hunted ashore leaves little hope that the mystery will ever he saisfaelorily cleared up. Advice front Coromandel states that u|»jn the report that the biidt ol a man had been found in the water close to the beach at the (irauite Quarries, Coroner J. VC Parker and Constable Spellitiitn. early on Sunday morning, proceeded by launch to Paritu hat, where a Coroner’s inquest was opened. Constable Spellman made a complete examination of the body, which was that of a well-built man. about till, in height. The only clothing consisted of a singlet, drawers, woollen socks (new) anil dungaree pants, held tip by a narrow leather belt. There were no maths of violence. The features and hair of the head were gone, owing to the length of time that the body had been in the water. Several teeth on both sides of the upper jaw were gold-tilled, but - there was no marks on the boot by which identification could he established. The trouser pockets were quite empty. A brand of trade mark, showed on the inside of the hand ol the drawers. This the Constable secured and after careful drying and examination with a magnifying glass, the letters “Toorkat-son" appeared. Quarryman, Lawrence Cleary, deposed to noticing the body on l’chruari 21st. floating about two chains off shore at Paritu Bay. The quarry manager. 1 . L. Loop , i . said he gave directions to have uie bode brought ashore, and then proceeded to the nearest telephone, about J miles awav, and informed Constable Spellman. * The body was cremated on the spot.