THE SEARCH FOR CUMMINGS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2515, 23 August 1888, Page 2

THE SEARCH FOR CUMMINGS.

(BY tklkokaph— own cobresposdknt.) Auckland, Wednesday. So far no trace has been discovorcd of Wm, Cummings, reported last week to have been , lost in Mahakarau Bush, near Mercury Bay. Constable Walker telegraphed to Constable Rist, "E Curomandel, and stated that it was thought that Cummings might hate Rone to Manaia or Uncle's Hotel at Tiki. Consta'olo Rist went out and inaxlo every possible seaich and inquiry at the golrlliolds, also at various native settlements, bnt failed to obtain any trace of the missing man. He then followed the coast along the Waikawhau as far as the Thames road, and called at various settlers' places in that direction, as there were tracks out by gumdiggers from whero Cummings started to the above places. Finding no trace, he returned home, and on the 19th inst., Btarted for Mahakarau Bush which is about half way between Mercury Bay and Coromandel. At this place, Cummings was last seen on the 11th inst. Here Rist met Walker who was out with a Bearch party of twelve men. They formed into couples, thoroughly scoured the bush, anil continued search until 4 p.m. on 20th inst. Ad no trace has been discovered, the party broke up, and Constable Walker started for TCaiwarawa to make further inquiries. Cummings left Auckland for Coromandel four or five weeks ago, and after ton days started for Uncle's Hotel at Tiki, whero he stayed eight days. On Tuesday, the 7th, he left for Mahakarau to join James Acton Rogers, who were out prospecting. Arrived at their camp on the fith inst., and worked with them until the 11th, when he wanted to start for McGack's Blow, and have a look at it. This idea Acton persuaded him to give up. Cummings then went out with a gun and said ho would look for a bird, and has not been seen nor heard of since. The range on which Cun-.minsrs is supposed to be lost is covered with good open bush in which a man should be able to mako his way all right. There is, however, a large creek running at cach side of it. It is possible Cummings crossed this, and getting benighted, attempted to get back again on Sunday and as there was a heavy fresh on at the time, the chances are, that any man would havo been drowned in the attempt.