DISCOVERY OF HUMAN REMAINS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1832, 3 April 1884, Page 2

DISCO VERY OF HUMAN REMAINS.

A mscoi khy which may peihaps lead to the dealing up of some mystery now almost fin gotten was made on the farm of Mi Jobeph Cochrane, near Hamilton, on Tuesday last. Old residents of Waikato will remember that the road between Hamilton and Cambiidge formerly ran acioss what is j now MrCoclnane'sland, from theKiiikirhoa redoubt (near Capt. McPherson's old residence) to the ford on the Tanuihere creek, about a quarter of a mile fin thfr down the stream than the present bridge. Mr Cochrane hah recently been burning off the fern, and on Tuesday Mr John Cochrane was engaged surface-sowing, when he ca«r>e across a human skeleton lying near the old track. From their appearance the lemains must liavn been there for a considerable number of years. The whole of the larger bones and the skull weie almost peifect, though somewhat charred by the fire. A pair of '"Daubeny" boots lay near by. They arc of tho pattern used by the tioops, and though rotten, had evidently not been much worn, as the letteis W.D. (War Department) with the broad arrow, are distinctly visible on the soles. Some iion trouser buttons, almo->t consumed by rust, a gaiter buckle, and a shilling were also found on the spot. Mr Cochrane communicated with the police, and the remains were biought into Hamilton. Almost all those who have examined the skeleton appear to be convinced that it is that ot a white man. From measurements taken he must have been close upon G feet in height, and as the size of the boots is nine, it is not likely that a Maoii of that stature could have ' got them on. The skull, too, does not resemble that of a native. The most interesting circumstance remains to be related. The skull bears evidence of having been pierced m two places by a rifle bullet, and the probability, is, therefore, that tha nr>", *vh<)<""»- ho was, was murdered Fro.n tlie fact th z the present road ha*> been hi use seventeen or eighteen years, it is evident that the occunence took place soon after the close of the war. Stories of the mysterious disappearance of men at that period are by no means uncommon, and some of the " old hands " may perhaps be able to recall some circumstances to their minds which will serve to connect the remains found on Tuesday with some poor fellow whose life recoid ended none of liis comrades knew how. A correspondent informs us that, some time in the year 1805, if he recollects aright, a Militiaman left Cambridge for Hamilton to transact some business ; that he reached the latter place, executed his commission, started on his return journey, and was never afterwards seen. Little notice was taken of the affair at the time, and our correspondent says it had not come into his mind for years before the finding of these remains recalled it. The police purpo&e keeping the skeleton on view at the barracks for some time in the hope that some-due to its identity may bo forthcoming.

A notice important to the ratepayers of the Hamilton Boiough appears in another co'uran. Mr M. Moses will continue his Cambridge sale this week. No reasonable offer refused. Mr Mooie offers a reward for the recovsry ot a pony&lr J. S. Buckland advertises a lot of Napier horses for sale at Qwynne's Hotel on the sth inst. , <, • '■ ' , We bee to draw attention to the sale of the farms of Mr Ellison, and that lately in the occupation of, Mr Beauchamp. which takes place at the Hamilton Auction Mart on Saturday. Mr Knox advertises other land for «le »Uo,