SUPPOSED MURDER.

Kumara Times, Issue 301, 21 September 1877, Page 2

SUPPOSED MURDER.

DISCOVERY OF A SKELETON. The skeleton of a man was found this morning, about 9 o'clock, by two little boys, sons of Mr Caldwell* carpenter. It was lying in the dense bush, about 20 yards from the E.B. track, at the back of Mr Cornfoof s new house, near sections 61 and 62 of Learmonth's property. The skeleton was clothed, and from its appearance had lain where found for many months, probably since the beginning of the Kumara rush. The children informed their father, who at once communicated with the police. Sub-Inspector O'Donnell and Sergeant Browne at once took steps to have the skeleton conveyed to the Police Camp, where it will remain until the inquest, which will probably be held next Wednesday. Upon examination it wa« found that the back of the head had been smashed to pieces, and as the remains were covered with moss and a fern tree, there can be little doubt that the unfortunate man had been murdered, and afterwards dragged to this spot, where he had been too-effectually hidden. The clothes were those of a working-man. They consisted of a flannel singlet, a brown striped Crimean shirt, black cloth trousers, a brown saccoat, with velvet collar, lace-up boots (nearly new), and merino socks. There was no vest nor hat found. In one of the pockets was found a portion of a- fishing line wound on a stick. There was also found ajright-side trnss, of which the spring is so strong that pvo'iiiblv it bad been only lately worn l>efore death. The body which was that of a man about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches tall was found lying face down, and one arm was extended, the other under the body. Deceased had lost two teeth. Sufficient hair has been found to show that its color was dark brown, apparently long and thin, interspersed with grey. The hair of the beard, which was also slightly grey, was of a lighter brown.