TRAGEDY FEARED

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18897, 12 January 1927, Page 8

TRAGEDY FEARED

WOMAN DISAPPEARS

FOOTPRINTS ON RIVER BANK

[THE PRESS Bpeclil SerriM.]

AUCKLAND, January 11

A woman, who has been identified as Mrs Myrtle Blackburn, of St. Holiers Bay, Auckland, disappeared from the riverbank at Ngarua'wahia this afternoon, and is believed to have been drowned.

Mrs Blackburn had with her two boys, aged about 18 months and thrca years. She called at the home of a resident near the Waipa river, and asked for a drink of water, which was given to her. On leaving the house she and the children went toward the bank of the river. A littlo later the eluer boy returned to the house with his clothes wet, crying "Mummy in the water."

The resident and a .neighbour rushed to the 'river-bank and found the younger child lying on. the bank unharmed. A woman's hat and handken chief were on the bank, and there were footprints letfding to "tho water, but no sign' of the woman could be seen. ;

Mrs Blackburn left Lor hozne at St. Heliers Bay- in the morning with her two children, stating she was going to the store. When she had not returned by noon, a search was commenced, but without result.

This morning, a, letter from her was roceived by her husband, Mr Neil Blackburn.. In it she stated: ''When you receive this, wo will bo in the deep." No reason can Ihj Riven why' Mrs Blackburn should t have gone to Ngaruawahia, as she'has no relatives "or friends there. She is SO years of age. On the _ discovery of the hat and handkerchief on the river-bank, the police were immediately summoned, and dragging operatjons were commenced. A local swimmer also dived in search of the body, but without success. The river is deep, and sluggish at th&\ scene of the tragedy.