A GHOULISH ACT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9503, 28 May 1913, Page 3

A GHOULISH ACT.

GROSS OUTRAGE AT A CEMETERY. (Peb Pbess Association.) WAIROA, May 26." A gross outrage at the Wairoa cemetery was reported to the police this afternoon. A resident of Mangaone was buried yesterday afternoon, and the grave was topped over in the ordinary way. To-day it was reported to the police that the grave had been opened up down to the coffin,' the lid which was splintered with a spade or axe, and the trimmings exposed. No motive for the outrage can be suggested. The deceased had nothing of value buried with him, and haying been a most inoffensive man. there is no suggestion of revenge. At 5.30 p.m. the police arrested a man named Richard M'Kenzie Edwards, alias De Courcey, on suspicion of rifling the grave. When charged, he confessed, and handed over the tools used. The only statement made was that, he was after money. When before the authorities accused's behaviour was peculiar. WAIROA, May 27. Edwards, in addition to confessing to the desecration of the grave, admitted tampering with another grave some time ago. lie had evidently refilled it, and the sexton Mas misled into thinking that merely the usual subsidence had occurred. It. is assumed that he also broke the second coffin, as a screw was found in the loose earth. Accused was medically examined, and though not insane, the record was so bad that it is doubtful if he will be lit to plead.