PROSPECTIVE BRIDE DISAPPEARS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20740, 25 February 1939, Page 2 (Supplement)

PROSPECTIVE BRIDE DISAPPEARS

Extraordinary Story of Cancelled Nuptials

LONDON, Jan. 18 A rich Indian merchant, an 18-year-old girl and her miner fiance are figures in an extraordinary situation revealed yesterday following a cancelled marriage at Blaina, Monmouthshire. The girl is Miss Phyllis Britton, whose father works at Blaina gasworks, and her wedding to Alexander Powell, aged 20. was to have taken place last Saturday. But It never took place, because on Friday Phyllis Britton disappeared in company with Miss Olga Bailey, who had been acting as her maid. Mr Powell was working a night shift in the pit on Friday and before he left home he said “good-night” to Miss Britton, who was staying with his parents. As soon as he had gone, Miss Britton said, “I am going out to buy a wedding hat.” She did not return. “Phyllis had worked as a maid for an Indian named Nulsi Whaddia, living in Surrey,” said Mr Powell yesterday. “I was offered £IO.OOO if I would ftreak my engagement, and received a cheque for that amount. “I did not want money that way. I tore up the cheque and threw the bits in the river.” While Phyllis was staying with the Powells—she had been there since Christmas—she received a number of cables from India, said her fiance. One read: “You deserve better things. Please keep your solemn undertaking. Stand by me whatever happens." Another: “Don’t let age rule me out. Flying back immediately. Will never cease loving you.” A third: “If you love me less. I still love you as no other man ever will. Willing to carry out all your wishes.” There was also a letter: “What has induced you to fail me at this eleventh hour?”

Finally, last Thursday came a cable: “Sorry you ill. Get well soon. Arrive Glyn House, Myself sailing immediately.” On the same day Mrs Bailey, mother of the maid Olga, who lives in Newport road, Cardiff, received this cable from Bombay: “Send Olga at once attend Phyllis Wilson, who is very ill at Blaina. Situation permanent. Myself pay all expenses.—Whaddia.” Olga went to Blaina and on Saturday Mrs Bailey received from her daughter a letter containing the sentence, "I believe we are going to make a getaway.” Olga Bailey’s uncle said last night: “Mr Whaddia, who is very wealthy, had stayed In Cardiff and used to meet Miss Britton, but there is no doubt she was in love with Alec Powell.” When Mr Thomas Britton, Phyllis’ father, returned to Blaina yesterday after a week-end visit, he said: “Mv daughter is safe and sound.” When a Daily Herald reporter called at Glyn House, Epsom, where Mr Nulsi Whaddia lives when he is in England, he was told that Miss Britton was in bed.

“We were surprised when she returned on Friday,” said one of the servants, “as we thought she was going to be married on Saturday.” Last night Alexander Powell made this final comment at his home in High street, Blaina: “I still like Phyllis, but it is all over. I will join the Army.” Glyn House is a large half-timbered building set back in large grounds off Burgh Heath road, Epsom. Mr Whaddia bought it about two years ago and spent a large sum of money on re-decorating it Before that it had been unoccupied for some years. During the war it was used as a school. The house is at present in the care of the chauffeur and his wife, who is housekeeper.