MISSING SON

Hokitika Guardian, 5 September 1930, Page 3

MISSING SON

MOTHER'S LONG AVAIL

DOES NEW ZEALAND HOLD ■ SECRET?

SYDNEY, Aug. 28

Is Melville Albert Madder, formerly of Collins St. Camberwell, Melbourne, who has just turned 21, hiding somewhere in New Zealand? It does not seem likelv, hut there is just a chance. One night last week twenty-one candles graced the table in the Madder home. But the boy, for whom those candles were lit was not expected to be present, and as a matter of fact bis birthday was celebrated in his absence. It was the third year in which his chair had been vacant, but every •ear his mother celebrates his birthday in the hope that her son will remember the date, and come home to her. It is just four years since hoi left.

“He was only seventeen then,” said his mother (Airs A. -T. Madder), on the night of last, week’s party. “He came to me cue morning, and asked for PI from his savings to have Ins

watch-glass mended. And then he

wont off. and we have not seen him since. We can’t think of any reason for his going—unless it was that ho haled the idea of compulsory;drill, and, saidMlint ho would never do it. AddejTy to that, I" think he'dreamt of’ adventure. He was always reading “Wild West” stories, and lie .talked, a great deal about wanting 1 to go on to a. farm. He had pen- friends all over tly> world. He did not 00111,0 home, and messages o’ver the air brought yo response.'' J thought he, in sift have gone' to America.,' but enquiries from the'authorities there were

in vain.”

Mrs> Mafld'r said that later she was able to get. into‘ touch with a girl at Broken Hill, who was one of her s ads pen friends. , She learned that her soft, had hern in .Broken Hill in July, blit all attempts, to trace him ended in failure. Further wireless appeals were made, and there was no news. Has he gone to New Zealand? That is the question that is being asked now. tf so, has he lost his memory?

His sad mother, hopes that her son will lie present to blow out the twentytwo candles that will be lit in the little Camberwell cottage this time next. year. Hers is a wonderful faith.