FEARS ALLAYED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 6, 8 January 1935, Page 7

FEARS ALLAYED.

MISSING BRIDEGROOM.

ON ROAD AT NIGHT.

TRAIN JOURNEY PLANNED,

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, this day

Doubts about the safety of Stanley Newland, who disappeared within an hour of his wedding last week, and conflicting rumours of his whereabouts and activities have now been dispelled by the story of Alfred Skedgewell, of Salisbury Road, who about 5.15 on Sunday night spoke for about 15 minutes with the "missing bridegroom."

Nothing has been seen of him by any other person during the five days since his disappearance, and his movements since Sunday are unknown. Mr. Skedgewell was walking along Salisbury Road on his return from Midhurst to his home, when lie saw a man coming along the road towards him. At first lie did not recognise him, because of his slightly unkempt appearance, but Newlaiul stopped and shook hands with him and thev conversed for a few minutes. Newlaiul then saw his uncle, Mr. J. Webb, coming along the road, and, saying that lie must keep out of sight, climbed over a hedge. Mr. Skedgewell went home with Mr. Webb.

One of Newland's first questions was whether anyone was out looking for him, said Mr. Skedgewell. He was told of the search parties, and then he said he was "doing a mike to Whakatane." Mr. Skedgewell expressed his • doubts, and Norland produced a railway ticket for Whakatane. No further search for Newland will be made>by the police.

In explaining the attitude of the police, Sergeant T. Kelly, of Stratford, pointed out that Newlaiul had committed no'- crime, and 110 charge could lie brought. While fears for his safety were being entertained, it was the duty of the police to iind liim or to ascertain what had become of him, but now that it was certain lie was alive and well there was 110 further need to search for liim.