GRAVE DESECRATION.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13735, 29 May 1913, Page 6

GRAVE DESECRATION.

THE WAIIIOA SCANDAL,

ACCUSED COMMITTED TO AN

ASYLUM

[United Pjiess Association.]

Wairoa, May 28. Richard McKonsdo Edwards, the grave des'ecrator, has been committed to an asylum.

■A-gross outrage at the Wairoa cemetery w«s reported to t-lio polios, on Monday. A resident of Mangaone was buried on Saturday List, and the gravo was topped over in tho ordinary "way. On Monday it w.as reported to tho police that tho grave* had been opened up down to the coffin, the lid of, which was splintered with a spado or axe, and tho trimmings exposed. No motive for tho outrage was suggested. Th-s deceased had nothing of value buried with him, and having heon c, most iuoffen? sive man, there is no suggestion of revenge. At 5.30 p.m. tho police arrested a mnn named Richard McKonzio TCcjwards, n.lias De -CouTOG-y. on suspicion flf rilling the grave. When charged, ho confessed, and handed over tho tools used. Tho oiily statement made was that ho was after money. When .before the authorities accused's behaviour was peculiar.