THE MCKINNON PASS MYSTERY.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1920, Page 3

THE MCKINNON PASS MYSTERY.

MISS REID’S DISAPPEARANCE. DUNEDIN, Jan. 24. A thorough search is to be made of the Milford Track for Miss Reid, the Dunedin lady who was lost near M’Kinnon Pass. Mr S. Turner, F.R.G.S., a experienced alpine climber, and Guide Cowling, of the Mount Cook Hermitage yesterday arrived in Dunedin and conferred with Superintendent M’Grath, of the local Police Force, on the subject of the search. The superintendent arranged fo rtlie party to be accompanied by Constables Dunford and Hamilton of the local station, and to be joined at Lumsden by Constable Henderson. The party, who left by the first express south this morning, are well provisioned, and intend to make a thorough search not only in the vicinity of the hut, but in every possible place where the unfortunate lady might have been lost.

Messrs Turner and Cowling are on their way to attempt to climb Mount Tutoko, Milford Sound, and this they will attempt after the search lias been made. Mr Turner ascended Mt. Cook alone last year, and has a wide reputation as an expert mountaineer. Guide Cowing, who is well known to tourists, is also an experienced mountaineer. Mr Turner’s theory is that Miss Reid may have slipped off a bridge near where she was last seen, and which is known well to him, and fallen into the river.

Athough Superintendent M’Grath has acted in the matter, the scene of activities is really in the Southland district. A party of five or six men, organised by the Invercargill police, have been searching for some days, but no trace has been found of the missing lady.

The members of the Field Club yesterday interviewed Mr Stptliam M.R. and placed themselves in communication with Mr Side.v, M.P., who is in Wellington. From the member for Dunedin South the following reply has been obtained “On receipt of your telegram I interviewed the Prime Minister and men of Tourist Department. Obtained assurance that instructions would he at once given to organise a strong search party. This would • be done through the police. Sidey. The following reply has boon received l,v the Mavor of Dunedin and Mr G. E. Stntham, M.R,, to, the messages sent bv them t othe Prime Minister : Ke-,/r-ot exceedingly to learn of the sad fatality on the Milford track; In repl to vour telegram I have conferred with Commissioner rtf Police and the superintendent at Dunedin has been mrtructed t« confer with Inspector ot I olic a vereargiU as to steps taken ,and to gaiiise such further search as may seem neccssarv. Minister in charge ol loui is t Department also informs me that his Vella sene, formerly ot T " '