A Gruesome Proceeding.

Manawatu Herald, 19 April 1902, Page 2

A Gruesome Proceeding.

A question was asked us the other day, writes the Moteuka Star, as to whether it was true the heads of the notorious Maungatapu murderers ware secured for scientific investigation. We are in-a position to give a true version of the matter. After the bodies were cut down and buried, the'grave was opened one night and the heads removed. A well-known chemist and a phrenologist (both now dead) obtained possession of them; they were taken to the shop of the former and, in order to strip the heads of flesh arid hair, they were put into a copper filled with water, which was placed over a fire. During the “cooking" operations, and in the temporary absence of the man of physic, an apprentice entered the .'.. r. * U_jL 'j ?_ ' i_l j

kitchen, whose curiosity prompted him to lift the cover of the CO PP® r find out w,h»t was going on. When ha saw the heads of Burgess, Kelly and Levy, bobbing up and down, and grinning diabolically, he let out one loud Indian warwhoop and fled, ami no persuasion would induce him to return to learn the art of making up black draughts and other delectable admixtures which the apothecary so skilfully prepares. The youth became a printer, and is now living m Wellington.