“FIND” OF BONES.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1926, Page 1

“FIND” OF BONES.

AN AUCKLAND SCARF. AUCKI.tV.ND, Fob. 27. The borough of Dovonpm l is seething with excitement. A esterday the news spread like wildfire that a gruesome discovery of human holies had been made hv the police, buried in the grounds of a veil-known suburban resilience. A crowd quickly gathered and found borough workmen and police busily engaged in sifting the earth under a fence at Die edge of the front lawn and carefully placing to one side a number of grisly relics, which appeared to have been recently buried. .

It- appeared that workmen engaged in street reconstruct ion came across portions of wlial were taken to he human remains ill an advanced stale of decomposition, and the police were immediately communicated with.

Prompt investigation resulted in a serious view being taken of the dis-

covery and to ensure that no one should have the opportunity of removing the remains a police cordon was at onto established and officials hurriedly dug and sifted the soil for further

incriminating evidence. A well-knon'ii Devonpori medical practitioner was called in to determine what had happened prior to the police action. AA'haL was the astonishment of the eager by-standers when tho doctor hurst into a roar of laughter and exclaimed : “Good Lord ! That’s my old tom cat!”

By nightfall all Devonport -was chuckling hilariously at the unexpected denouement.

It- appears that, some weeks ago the doctor's cat died, and an obliging son of a neighbour offered to bury tile.animal in his father’s garden. When the discovery of the remains was made yesterday it- was decided that not the slightest inkling of the discovery should l,c given to the occupants of the place, who, it might he mentioned are well-known and highly-respected residents. They are gifted with a sense of humour, and, although at first, puzzled at the unwonted activity of the workmen and police at their front fence, when they discovered the reason for the feverish search and the atmosphere of secrecy displayed. saw the humour of ihe situation and remained as “mum” as the proverbial oyster. Devonport will not readily forget its latest baby-farming scare.