A GRUESOME DISCOVERY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11479, 6 March 1918, Page 4

A GRUESOME DISCOVERY.

HUMAN SKELETON UNEARTHED. BY AN OHINGAITI RESIDENT, From Our Own Correspondent Quite a sensation was caused at Ohingaiti hist week, when it became known that a male humail skeleton h:d been found near the township, and speculation became rife as to the nature of the remains and the length of time they had been in the ground. Up ito the present all inquires as to the identification of the departed human have met no success, hut the greatest probability seems to be that the skeleton is that of a Maori, who was buried there over two decades ago. From details of which the police now permit publication, it is stated that on February 23rd, Mr M. R. B. Hammond, of Ohingaiti, rang up Constable J. Farmer, at Manga - weka, and informed that officer that he had discovered a complete human skeleton while cuttng a drain to lay pipes round his house. 'Che remains were three feet under the soil. • Constable Farmer at once looked up tile Police Gazette, and found that a man named Harry Wisdom (correctly, “Wisdom”) had been missing from Ohingaiti since the 23th May, 1304. As it was considered possible the skeletcu might be that of the missing man, a brother, Mr W. E. Wisdom labourer, of Rangiwahia, was telephoned for, and subsequently came over and with the police viewed and the skeleton.

Mr Wisdom expressed himself as confident it was not that of his brother, as ho was only Gf'E 6 inches in height, whereas the dead man’s remains were well over six feet.

All the bones were in perfect condition, and the jaws contained a splend.T sot of natural teeth, lending colour to the theory that the skeleton is that of a Maori. Mr Hammond, the discoverer, who lias lived in Ohingait for Si years, considers this very probable, as numerous natives were camped there years ago. Any information that might lend to identifying the remains will be gladly received by the local police officer, Constable Lame.