MISSING ACCOUNTANT.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 16, 20 January 1926, Page 8

MISSING ACCOUNTANT.

.BELIEVED STILL ALIVE.; j DESPITE THREATS OF SUICIDE. The Auckland accountant, .Edgar David Hamilton McEwen, who left his wife and child on the morning of January 11, and who subsequently wrote to the firm where he waa employed, as well as to his wife, intimating that he "would be found among 7>it: cri-ail men," is believed' to have left Auckland. Even the police express the opinion that McEwen, despite his -threats of suicide,. is alive and well and that he is not in Auckland. There seems to be some sound reason to support this theory. Shortly after the "Star," which ■ contained an excellent photograph, as well as a description of the missing man, was published last evening, the wife of a city hotel proprietor communicated with the police by telephone stating that she recognised the photograph as that of a man who stayed at her hotel on the nights of January 11 and 12. The missing accountant came to the hotel on the afternoon of January 11 and occupied a room on the premises that night and also on the following night. However, he did not stay all night on the 12th. Before he left he stated that he had had some trouble and was getting out of Auckland for a while. McEwen, who gave his correct name at this hotel, added- that he was leaving on a scow for Gisborne the following day. and that he wanted a change and would not be back in Auckland until about Easter. When seen by a "Star" reporter this morning, the hotel licensee's wife said that • McEwen seemed ,to be quite rational and did not appear to be a man who was contemplating taking his life. It is also stated that a well-kno'#3 Auckland commercial traveller had a conversation with McEwen on the Nelson" Street wharf, when McEwen told him he was getting out of Auckland for a while and that he was going down the coast on a scow. Tlie traveller also recognised McEwen from the photograph which appeared in last night's "Star," and immediately telephoned to ine watch-house, advising the police of the conversation he had. with the missing man. Inquiries are now being prosecuted by the police,, who are hopeful that they will locate McEwen shortly. ■9 ■ ■"" -