AFTER TEN YEARS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 58, 7 March 1912, Page 5

AFTER TEN YEARS.

DIVORCE AND ITS SEQUEL. MOTHER AND CHILD REUNITED VANCOUVER, March 0. A pathetic meeting has occurred between Mrs. Kilbourne, of Tacoma, and her daughter, who was taken away from the mother nine years ago. Following on divorce proceedings, the father removed the girl, and for a long time no trace could be found of her. Eventually the British Consular authorities located the girl in Auckland. A MODERN ROMANCE TEN YEARS IN AUCKLAND. Inquiry by a "Star'' representative this morning indicated that the information contained in the above cable is substantially correct. The American Consul at Auckland (Mr. W. A. Prickitt), when seen on tbe subject, stated that as the result of inquiries made by him through Consular agencies, mother and daughter had, after many years, been brought together. Tbe name of tbe parties concerned was Petersen, and probably a second marriage accounts for the name Kilbourne, used in the cable. Miss Petersen, who was only 18 years of age, had communicated with him some time ago, and having told him her story, Mr. Prickitt communicated with the British Vice-Consul at Tacoma, Washington State, and had the satisfaction of receiving a cable in reply, stating that the mother had been found, and had immediately made arrangements for her daughter joining her. Subsequently the British Consul wrote to Mr. Prickitt acquainting him with the facts of the case, and added, "I might state that Mrs. Petersen is overwhelmed wtih joy at the thought of having her daughter returned to her, and I am quite certain that Miss Lillian will have a happy home here, as her mother is in very comfortable circumstances."

The American Consul accordingly made preparations for the reunion of mother and daughter, and Miss Petersen left Auckland by the Makura for her home on the 16th of last month.

A member of tbe Christadelphian Society, of which Miss Petersen and her father were members, was able to relate further particulars to a reporter. It it now some nine or ten years ago since father and daughter arrived m Auckland from America, and when they took up their residence in this city they assumed the name of Williams, by which they were known all the time they were in Auckland. Miss Petersen was then only a little over 8. years of age, and both were very reticent regarding theil previous movements. The father established a small photographic studio in Upper Queen-street, near the Town Hall, | and for about ten years carried on busi-1 ness there. His death took place early in the present year very suddenly, his daughter finding him dead in bed one morning. A letter was then found amongst deceased's effeats, disclosing his life's story, and the fact that the mother was probably still alive in America, bat would be quite unaware as to whether her daughter still lived, or in what country she resided. A wish was also expressed by tbe father that in the event of his death, the daughter should endeavour to find her mother, and return to her. Miss Petersen, who by now had grown to be a handsome young woman of 18 years, sought the assistance of the American Consul, with tbe result that, u above indicated, mother and daughter are at last united.