MISSING MAN.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20093, 24 November 1930, Page 19

MISSING MAN.

A WEST COAST MYSTERY. j ISrSOXii VO fflE 1-3133.) GREYMOUTTi, November 23. The search for Ernest Mansfield Burr, who has been missing since November Bth, was continued to-day in the rough bush-covered country around Marsden, but no trace has so far been discovered. All the available members of the Greymouth police force, reinforced by Detective-Sergeant Young and Detective Halcrow, of Christcnurch, and a. number of Marsden residents are taking part in the search. Every effort is-being mado to find some trace of the missing man. Yesterday some sensational rumours were in circulation regarding his possible fate. The country in the Marsden district is extremely rough, and in the case of either theory suggested—that Burr met his deatli by foul play, or that while under. the influence of drink he did away with himself—proving correct, his body may never be located. To-day the pond where the Dutiganville dredge is lying was thoroughly dragged in the hope of finding the bodv. . A small boat, which Was seen there . within _ the last week being missed, gave rise to the report that its removal was not withqut connexion with the mystery. .To-day the searchers were augmented by the whole staff of Mill, B'lirr" " having been employed 'by tho company .at' Marsden. .One of the residents in the locality, who is 6tated to hare been the last man seen in Burr's company, has been questioned by the police. The finding of bloodstains 06 bedding belonging' to the missing man hac caused a more organised search to be j made to find some trace of him. It is generally thought that 110 did not go away from the locality. An inspection of the house in which he lived in. .Marsden indicated that just prior to Burr.being missed he was engaged in making toys for his children ' Burr is a married min with three children and was always looked upon as a hard worker and a steady, unassuming man.