IDENTIFICATION ESTABLISHED

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 31 May 1927, Page 4

IDENTIFICATION ESTABLISHED

BODY FOUND AT KAKARAMEA

EX-HAWERA RESIDENT.

The remains of the man’s body which were found, on tne sandliuls near Ivakaramea an Saturday were ddentihed yesterday afternoon as those of Mr J. ueirne, formerly of flawera when, as the result of inquiries made by the police, an inspection was made by Messrs 8>- Riley and S. R. Veitch, of idLawera. , , , when discovered, the body was beyond recognition, as it had. been reduced to a skeleton, death having occurred some months previously, and tne principal factor tin establishing the identity was an art union ticket Bearing the name of “J. Deirne.” Mr Beirne was formerly engaged in a seed and general produce business in Princes Street, Hawera, and was well known to both Messrs Riley and Veitoli who by comparing the writing on the ticket with specimens in their possession were able to give the opinion that the writing was that of Mr Beirne, while Mr Riley was a'so able to identify a watchchain and also the clothes.

The cause of death at present is shrouded in mystery. It is known that Mr Beirne discontinued his businessi at Hawera in the early part of January, and a sale of the household effects at the residence iin Erin Street, where he lived with his wife and daughter, took place on January 17. His wife and daughter had previously left Hawera., but their present whereabouts are 'Unknown. He had been an occasional visitor to the home of Mr and Mrs Riley, which is situated opposite the house he had occupied, and shortly after the sale he left 'some of liis persona. l ! effects with Mr and Mrs Riley, and l left Hawera, saying that he intended proceeding to Kakaramea in .search of employment, and would isend later for his belongings. No communication has same© been received from him, and so far .as can be ascertained he was not subsequently seen alive by anyone who is now able to recall, the occasion. Further inquiries are being made with a view to establishing connection with his relatives and an inquest is to be held at a later date.