Supposed Relic of an Ancient Custom.

Manawatu Herald, 22 December 1892, Page 3

Supposed Relic of an Ancient Custom.

Mr Wynne E. Baxter, the East London coroner, decided not to hold an inquest on the human remains which were found afc Black wall Cross. It appears that some workmen were engaged digging for the construction of a sewer, and on Thursday evening found a few bones, about 12ft from the surface. Insp. Newport went to the spot, and under his directions the whole of an adult skeleton was unearther, and removed to the mortuary, where the bones were examined by Dr Brownfield, the divisional surgeon. That gentleman expresses the opinion that the remains have been buried at least 100 years, the peculiar nature of the clay soil preserving the bones. Some of the teeth are still in the jaws, and the skull is in fairly good condition. The coroner suggested that the remains wore those of a suicide who had, in accordance with ancient custom, been interred at the four cross roads, and said that it would, in the face of the doctor's opinion, be utterly useless to hold an inquest.