MURCHISON SKELETON

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 August 1927, Page 8

MURCHISON SKELETON

DEATH FROM ' STARVATION The skeleton of a man was found by Mr. John Knight near Maud Creek ip the Murchison district. Constable Robertson, accompanied by Mr. Knight proceeded through six miles of rough country to the spot where the skele ton was found lying on a bed of bark overgrown with roots and moss. Ihe skeleton appeared to be that of a mar. about sft Ilin in height and to all appearances had been there for about ten years. Only a small part of the knee of a pair of riding breeches with brass eyelets was found, which showed he had been wearing riding breeches at the time of death. There was no trace of any other clothing or blankets. Several old tins and a frying pan were also found, but there w,as nothing to lead to identification. The earth in the vicinity was dug up withp.pt anything being found. It is surmised that the man died of starvation. 'Mr. Knight informed Constable Robertson' that about March, 1917, he was camped at the foot of Mapd Creek wlicn a, prospe.cjqr cpllep at his camp, but did not give his name. Hp was a man between 45 and 50 years of age and was wearing ordinary miner’s clothes and riding breeches. Mr. Knight is of the opinion that the skelfttqn ?oupd is of (his man-. From information received it is believed the skeleton is that of Duncan Stalter, of Blenheim, who has been missing since 1917. Relatives of this man still reside in Blenheim. ’With tpe exception of fillings in the teeth there is nothing to ’ help identification. The remains removed about six or seve.n miles and buried in a shallow grave in the more open country in the meantime..