CROWNING RALLY REAPS SUCCESS

Northern Advocate, 28 October 1935, Page 6

CROWNING RALLY REAPS SUCCESS

PEOPLE FROM ALL PARTS OF NORTH TAKE PART

The poignant elements of the Waiotu drama stirred the people of Northland to the depths, and yesterday the response made to Mr G. Martin’s appeal for participation in a community search proved little short of phenomenal.

police officers, of whom six were on duty, and despatched in groups of between 30 and 50, in the charge of near-by settlers, who'mostly concentrated upon working their own properties, While several detachments made for the swamps and watercourses, the greater number concentrated upon the steeper country which rises at the back of Johnson’s house and stretches towards Tapuhi. Many Women. Many women, moved with compassion, were present to lend a hand. For the most part they assisted with the commissariat, or formed small units to work on the flank of the larger parties. When the news that success had crowned the glorious gesture was received, Mr Rushworth, M.P., speaking from a lorry on the roadside, on behalf of the parents, thanked the settlers and all those who had attended that day, for their splendid help in their time of terrible anxiety.

Between 600 and 700 people converged from far and near to lend a helping hand M:o their neighbour in distress.

“The lesson of such a day helps to build confidence in human character,” Was the remark passed both by Mr H. M, Rush worth, M.P., in thanking those who participated, and by the district coroner, who made especial reference to the effort at the conclusion of the inquest. 3500 Acres Covered, With such' numbers available, the police, led by Detective' Nalder, were able to organise a search on a much larger scale than previously, covering fully 2500 acres. From Whangarei, 26 relief workers, headed by their president, Mr R. Welham, travelled in a free bus, while several lorry owners placed their conveyances at the disposal of those arranging the drive. Many travelled out in private cars, the owners of which gladly made seats available, so that all vehicles carried full complements. Every household in the Marua district contributed its quota, while from-Pipi-wai Mr Griffen brought a team of 26 bushmen, and Tapper Bros, and R. D. Finlayson a large party of settlers and natives. Three lorry loads came from Hikurangi, while large contingents were present from as far north as Moerewa and Kawakawa, and as far east as Whangarei Heads, the district from which Mr and Mrs Jagger originally came.

That the crowds had turned up to help and not out of idle curiosity, was shown by the quick manner in which the .district regained its loneliness after the making of the discovery. So ended a day full of rich fellow feeling and the desire to serve.

From Far North,

Story of Search,

The story of the memorable search was reviewed at the inquest by Constable Butler, of Hikurangi. He said that on the night of the child’s disappearance between 200 and 300 people, mostly settlers of the Hukerenui and Whakapara districts, had worked unceasingly.

The following day Inspector O’Hara was communicated with, and rein,forcements of police arrived. The local residents had co-operated splendidly, he said, and daily, throughout the week, parties of not less than 200 had worked at high pressure. Hospitality had been given freely, especially by Mr W. Johnson and the Mesdames Parsons. Special reference was made to the part played by the Natives, particularly Mrs Gardener, Albert Potter and Moses Haora. Among the local people who had played leading roles in the stupendous effort were: Sowefy Bros., Hansen Eros, and Messrs G. Martin, R. Parsons, A. Bain, P. Henwood, W. H. Wilkinson, R. Williams and T. Hutchings.

Car loads motored from Hokianga and Opua to help, and Mr Eddie White, a connection of Mrs daggers’, came all the way from Victoria Valley, in the Far North, to assist. The first cars arrived at Waiotu before nine o’clock, and thenceforward, for a couple of hours, the roads in the vicinity were lined with transport vehicles. Arrangements for parking were in the hands of Mr d. Skow, A.A. Patrol, who estimates that 150 cars, besides the bus, lorries and trucks, were bn the road.

Everyone was keen to make a start, the casual onlooker being conspicuous by his absence. As contingents arrived they were marshalled by the