SHAMEFUL DISCLOSURE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3733, 20 December 1906, Page 4

SHAMEFUL DISCLOSURE.

Auckland, Dec. 13

Reference was made at last night’s meeting of the Auckland Trades and Labour Council to the treatment accorded to the body of the man Clarke, who was killed in the Calliope Dock accident. Mr Dauthereau, of Devon-port, stated that the body was left in an old shed to be rat-eaten, and was then placed in a box and carted hway in a dray at three o’clock in the morning. He considered the way in which the body had been neglected was disgraceful. When the body was recovered after the accident it was carried along the main water front uncovered, and and followed by a crowd. It was then allowed to lie on a ladder carelessly placed in the hotel outhouse, and later on some children mentioned the state of affairs to two women who out of compassion made a wreath and visited the body. On their visit the women noticed a movement under a sack thrown over the feet of the deceased, and on making investigations they then found an army of rats. The women promptly complained at the police station'] a constable was put on guard to keep the rats away from the body. Mr Dauthereau moved—“ That the Council condemn the action of the parties responsible for their disgraceful neglect of the body of Mr Clarke.” Mr Rosser seconded, and after several delegates had spoken the motion was carried, and an instruction given that a copy of it be sent to the Minister for Public Health. It is understood that the parents of deceased are residents of Brisbane, and that they are now on their way to New Zealand.