HERMIT MISSING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23828, 7 June 1939, Page 15

HERMIT MISSING

BELIEVED TO,BE DROWNED DINGHY AND OARS FOUND (Per United Press Association* NELSON, June 6. . An elderly Norwegian, Mr Peter Petterson, who for a number of years has led the life of a hermit in a hut on Tatas Island, near Ligar Bay, Tarakohe, Golden Bay. is missing, and is believed to have been drowned. Mr Petterson visited Takaka on May 24 to buy his month's supplies. On his return he was seen leaving the mainland in his dinghy, and a local resident watched the boat until it had almost reached the island. An East Takaka resident later went to the Tatas, and, as he did not see Mr Petterson about his hut, inquiries were made. Search parties have covered the sea coast in the vicinity, but no trace of the missing man has been found. Mr Petterson's dinghy has been found along the coast and the oars picked up near Tarakohe. A parcel containing clothing has been found near Tarakohe by Mr Ben Manson, of Ligar Bar, and it is believed that the clothing was that purchased by Mr Petterson on his last visit to the township. An inspection shows that he did not arrive at the hut with his stores. The mainland used to be visited by Mr Petterson only to land fish or collect his pension. Parties visiting the island and ships taking shelter in the lee of the island in rough weather were always extended a warm welcome by the old man.