Sympathetic Messages Sent To Mr And Mrs Bridge

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29239, 24 June 1960, Page 22

Sympathetic Messages Sent To Mr And Mrs Bridge

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, June 23,

More than 200 letters of sympathy and “Christian goodwill” from friends and complete strangers have been received by Mr and Mrs Dudley Bridge, of Waipipi, since the deaths of their daughters. They have also received many telephone calls, both personally and through relatives and friends who accepted calls on their behalf.

Today Mr and Mrs Bridge reaffirmed their faith in God and said: “We still love our sons as much as before the tragedy. Our faith and confidence in God’s love and help have not been shattered. Rather, they have been strengthened.”

Mr Bridge said that there had been many questions asked of him about what he now actually believed. He and his wife were still at a loss to understand the reason for the tragedy, but believed in the overruling power and authority of God.

“We believe He has allowed this to happen for the glory of His name somehow,” he said.

“My wife and I bear no malice against our elder son, Robert, for what has happened. We love him as much today—perhaps even more because he now needs our love most of all—as before the event. We will be constantly in touch with him and will be visiting him as much as possible during his treatment for his illness.”

Many persons had asked him what he thought about dealing with the problems which had confronted him and his wife, said Mr Bridge. “I think the principal thing in

dealing with this problem is to keep the minds of young people active with good things,” he said. “We must keep their bodies active in work and recreation so they cannot dwell oq other dark matters. “If they are Christians they should follow Christ faithfully in their life and work." Robert, aged 16, who was found not guilty, on the ground of insanity, of the murder of his two young sisters, is being detained in "strict custody” in the Auckland Prison, The Minister of Justice (Mr Mason) will decide where he will be detained. The Minister’s decision will be made after he receives a report on the trial from the judge, Mr Justice Turner. '

Robert appeared unmoved when the jury gave its verdict. His completely impassive expression did not alter,

His senior counsel, Mr L. P. Leary, Q.C., was in tears after the verdict was announced. Robert’s brother, Trevor, aged 12, who was acquitted, ran sobbing into the arms of his. mother. He will return to his parents’ home, probably tomorrow. At the moment he is at the Awairaka Boys’ Home.

Excursion Trains^—An excursion train will run to Arthur’s Pass next Sunday, June 26, at P. 30 a.m. The Railways advise that this train is already heavily booked, but additional trains will be put on if necessary. A special train will also run to the Ashburton races next Saturday, June 25, leaving Christchurch station at 9 a.m.