Missing Bride Search Abandoned By Police

Northern Advocate, 1 October 1943, Page 2

Missing Bride Search Abandoned By Police

(Special) AUCKLAND, This Day. After searching since February 27 last for Mrs Mary Eileen Turner, who has been missing from July of last year when her wedding took place, the police have abandoned their operations and it is not expected that the case will be re-opened unless fresh developments take place.

Carrying out the search every day, the police party which numbered between 10 and 12 covered thousands of acres of South Kaipara Head, the district, and the Waitakeres. Decision to abandon the search has been made as all likely places have been thoroughly investigated and because of the lapse of time since the woman's disappearance. At first it was thought that the solution to the mystery lay in Helensville as Mrs Turner had visited that district on the day of her wedding, but later evidence revealed that she was seen at Titirangi after her visit to Helensville. Each morning, except on very wet days the police party left Auckland in a heavy truck and continued a search of the localities in which she had been seen. Ground was closely investigated for signs of recent disturbance but growth of vegetation made this an arduous and nearly impossible task.

Hundreds of interviews have been carried out by the police in Australia as well as New Zealand, and although the actual search has ceased, inquiries connected with the ease will proceed. A daughter of Mr and Mrs W. Sparge, of Henderson, Mrs Turner was married in Auckland on July 11, 1942. She was then 38 years of age and it was understood' that immediately following her wedding she was going overseas. It was not until December that her parents, concerned at her welfare, reported the matter to the police. Inquiries revealed that she spent the night of July 11 at Hclensviile.