Second Edition A CEMETERY SCANDAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 13, 14 January 1913, Page 6

Second Edition A CEMETERY SCANDAL.

GRAVEDIGGER’S GRUESOME

GROPING

COFFINS AND CONTENTS PILED ON RUBBISH HEAPS.

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyrights (United Press Association.)

(Received 9.40 a.m.) Hobart, January 14

A revolting state of affairs lias been revealed at the Queensborough Cemetery. A gravedigger who was dismissed has made a statement to tho Health Department and the press, wherein he alleges that it has been the practice for a year'past to remove coffins from the graves in order to permit of fresh burials. There was no room to replace the disinterred shells nor the gruesome contents, the result being that they were piled on top of ono another on rubbish heaps, and in some instances were burnt.

.On ono occasion, in trying to find room for another coffin, his pick pierced the lid of the. shell, and was embedded in a skull, which it brought from tho casket.

Doctor Sprot, reporting to the Beard of Health, says lie has verified many of the gravedigger’s statements, more particularly regarding the inability to replace tho coffins after a fresh burial. He had no hesitation in saying that the method of disposing of the dead filled him with horror' and amazement. There was a real danger to the public health.