EMPTY CASKET

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20784, 20 April 1939, Page 10

EMPTY CASKET

DISCOVERY BY POLICE Describing his interview with Talbot, Detective Tretheway said Talbot referred to the two trips to Piha and back left about 80 miles unaccounted for. Talbot said he would try and recollect and then left the room. Later Talbot said be remembered that on the Friday night he and McKay travelled to Princess Street. Onehunga. Witness remarked that that accounted for about 15 miles. That, said Talbot, was the only trip they made. On March 2 witness saw Mr GriQln gather samples of clay from five portions of the cemetery including one from Shine's grave. Witness went on to describe the opening of Shine’s grave in the presence of police and Health Department officials. The lid of the casket was found to be unfastened and could be lifted. Among the clay on top of the casket were found two casket screws (produced;, Casket Found Empty When the casket was lifted from the grave, it was found that there was no-

body in it. There was no effluvia coming either from the grave or from the casket. Inside the latter there was clay, including some pieces indicating that the casket had been opened while inside the grave. After the exhibits were collected, the casket was replaced and later that morning witness saw Talbot in Customs Street West. Witness spoke to him, asking him to call at the detective office that morning as they wished to have a talk with him and let him see a ring found at Piiia. Talbot agreed to come to the office then and there. During the ride Talbot remarked that “the newspapers are making it very hot.” One paper even suggested that McKay had tost his memory. “That,” commented Talbot, is all hooey.”