PIHA "TRAGEDY"

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19886, 13 March 1939, Page 7

PIHA "TRAGEDY"

TALBOT BEFORE COURT POLICE ALLEGATIONS IDENTITY OF REMAINS BODY PROM CEMETERY (For Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this dav. Described in the charge sheet as a labourer, aged 38 years, James Arthur Talbot, a well-built man of medium height, was charged in the Police Court to-day, before Mr. C. R. OrrWalker, S.M. "that on or about February 10 he did improperly interfere with human remains." Representing him, Mr. John Terry did not at this stage enter any plea. but asked for bail. A large crowd waited outside the public entrance and later crowded the space reserved in the court. After outlining the facts leading \o the arrest of Talbot, Detective Sergeant Walsh said it was now alleged by the police that the remains found in the debris at Piha were those of Patrick Henry Shine, from a grave unlawfully opened at Waikumete cemetery. Mr. Walsh asked that in the event of bail being granted, the amount fixed should toe substantial and in two sureties, with a proviso that the accused should report twice daily to the police. He requested a remand until March 17. Mr. Terry said that the accused was charged under the Crimes Act and was bailable as of right. He had shown no desire to leave New Zealand during the police inquiries. In fact, he had assisted the police. The magistrate granted a remand until March 17 and adjourned the court while the question of bail was discussed in chambers. Twenty minutes later Mr. OrrWalker announced in court that he had fixed bail in the accused's own surety of a bond of £4OO and two other sureties each of £2OO.