LONG VIGIL ENDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23558, 22 July 1938, Page 6

LONG VIGIL ENDS

AGED WOMAN’S DEATH HUSBAND WHO VANISHED SHE WAITED FOR 40 YEARS Ceaselessly praying for the return of her husband, who vanished from home without any explanation 40 years ago, Mrs Edward Spencer, of Wilson street, Clitheroe, Lancashire, never locked the front door, and never went to bed. She slept in an armchair by the fireside so that she might be able to welcome her husband if he came back Now Mrs Spencer has died at the age of 82, her long vigil ended without her hopes being realised. HAPPY HOME LIFE Forty years ago, Mr and Mrs Spencer were living quite happily in their cottage. They had not a care in the world. Then one morning Mrs Spencer set out to work in a local cotton mill, and was accompanied to the house door by her husband He wished her a cheery good morning, and went indoors. That was the last time Mrs Spencer saw him. It was learned that he left (he town the same day, but neither relatives nor acquaintances cast eves on him again. Mrs Spencer always seemed certain her husband would come back In addition to keeping the door unlocked for 40 years, she kept ready for him a complete change of clothing. So long as she was able to work, Mrs Spencer had little difficulty in paying 8s 6d a week rent and rates for her home. KIND NEIGHBOURS

Later, with her income reduced to 15s a week, including the old age pension, she still stubbornly refused to leave the house to which she thought her husband would eventually return. “ I want him to be able to come back to our old home and find it iust the same,” she said. “ I would not like him to come back and find me not there.”

Neighbours took pity on the old woman One provided her Sunday dinner for years Another sent in a meal every Saturday. Bags of coal were delivered without her knowing who was paying for them.