GIRL’S ESCAPADE

Grey River Argus, 9 May 1936, Page 2

GIRL’S ESCAPADE

Journey to Auckland FROM NEW PLYMOUTH. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 7. Inspired to go adventur ng by the exploits of David Copperfield, Alegan Davies John, the ,12-yixir-ol I daughter of Mrs. E. B. John, of Vogeltown, New Plymouth, who had been missing from her home since Alonday, was located to-day at the residence- of her uncle, Air. F. W Sargent, of B’irkdale. A pretty girl with smiling face and curly hair, Alegan recently saw a picture of the adventures of David Copperfield, and the Dickens character, who tramped over 70 miles immediately became her hero. She wanted to see Auckland, and further afield. The night before she sot out she thought about walking to Auckland, when she was in bed. She was not determined iu tho morning, but when she set out for school, she tentatively put a spare frock beside her lunch in hc-r small school bag. She had no money. She made tip her mind as hen approaching the school, and immediately sot out for Stratford. After tramping about six miles she called at Alangoroi dairy factory for a drink of water and then continued her way. Presently she was picked up by a motorist, who took her about 20 milts to Stratford.

Arriving at Stratford about midday. Alegan walked about tho town and then went to the women’s rest room near the railway station. She told inquirers that she was waiting for someone with whom she was going to Auckland. Her growing hunger was abated by some biscuits provided bv the attendant. Then, after dark, she set out on the east road leading to Ohura, and eventually the King Country. bl was getting very Jute, when another motorist picked her up ami took her on to Ohura. They reached there early in the morning, and the child immediately set out. on her .journey again.

“It was just getting dawn.” Slogan said, “when a man came along in a ear and asked me -where 1 was going. I said I was going to Auckland, ami he replied that it was a- long for a little girl, and that 1 had better go with him.’ Again tin l journey was continued, this time without a break, until Auckland was reaeheil about mid-day on Tuesday. When ‘he child arrived al Auckland on Tuesday -she crossed to Birkenhead that evening, staying the n’ght at the residence of Air. G. Price. She kept her identity secret, but said she was going to Mr. Sargent’s place. Whim slip was taken there on Wednesday, she still maintained silence, and her uncle and aunt not having seen her Iv’t'ore. thought she was a relative's ch'id from Wellington. It was not until mid-day. when Air. Sargent saw an account of her disappearance in the “Herald,” that he realised who she was.