Echo of Piha Case Heard in Court; Talbot Remanded

Northern Advocate, 17 March 1939, Page 8

Echo of Piha Case Heard in Court; Talbot Remanded

[Special to “Northern Advocate ”] AUCKLAND, This Day. , ON MARCH 10 ON A CHARGE OF IMPROPERLY INTER-

FERING WITH HUMAN REMAINS, JAMES ARTHUR TALBOT, AN AUSTRALIAN, AGED 38, MADE HIS SECOND APPEARANCE IN THE POLICE COURT, BEFORE MR C.K. ORR-WALKER, S.M., THIS MORNING.

Talbot, who was taken into custody soon after the dramatic discovery by Detective-Sergeants Aplin and Trethewey that the body of a returned soldier was missing from a grave at W aikumete Cemetery, was the occupant, •With Gordon Thomas McKay, of the four-roomed bach which was destroyed by fire at Piha about 1.30 on the morning of Sunday, February 12.

.In asking for a further remand, the police today disclosed that they had not yet completed their investigation cf the case, and that considerable inquiries had yet to be made.

Counsel’s application for a reduction of the bail was refused

Last Saturday, when Talbot first appeared on the charge, Mr Orr-Walker following a discussion in chambers, fixed bail in accused’s own surety of a bond of £4OO and two other sureties, each of £2OO.

Great Public Interest.

The widespread interest manifested in what is now known as the “Piha Case,” was again manifested this morning, when a large crowd was present outside the public entrance to - the Police Court.

The crowded courtroom became strangely silent when Talbot’s name was called.

James Arthur Talbot, labourer, aged 38, was charged that, on or about February 10, he did improperly interfere with a dead human body—the body of Patrick Henry Shine.

Detective Sergeant Walsh asked that accused be remanded until March 24.

“The police have not yet completed their inquiries, and if counsel has no objection, the remand can be arranged to March 30. I have no objection to bail if it is allowed as formerly.”

Mr Terry: I have no objection if we can get some sort of indication that the hearing will take place on the 30th. Detective-Sergeant Walsh: I cannot give any indication of when we • can go on. Considerable inquiries have yet to be made. Mr Terry: Will the detective-ser-geant meet the position in regard to bail. This man is a stranger here, and the finding of two sureties each of £2OO is impossible. The magistrate interposed to say that without consent he could only remand the accused for eight days.

Bail Not Reduced

Detective-Sergeant Walsh said he had no objection to the remand if the bail was to be the same. “I have indicated that it is impossible,” said Mr Terry, who consented to a remand to March 30.

The Magistrate: It is to be hoped the police will be ready to proceed then. Bail will be renewed. Mr Terry: Does Your Worship feel disposed to reduce bail? “I cannot see my way to do that,” declared Mr Orr-Walker.