MYSTERY OF 70’S

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 336, 23 April 1928, Page 11

MYSTERY OF 70’S

BOY WHO DISAPPEARED COURT ACTION 90 YEARS AFTER A boy, who left Auckland 50 years ago and disappeared a few weeks later, and who has never been heard of since, was the principal cause for an application to presume his death, heard by Mr. Justice Blair in the Supreme Court this morning. 'Hie missing boy was Robert Charles Austin, and the application was made by Mrs. Lillian Park, of Auckland, as administrix of the estate of the late Mrs. Minnie Saunders (Mr. V’. N. Hubble). Mr. E. T T. Northcroft appeared for the Public Trustee arid opposed the application. Mr. Hubble stated that the boy left Auckland in 1878. when 14 years of age, and went to Sydney. The family received letters from him for a few months, after which the correspondence suddenly ceased. Inquiries were made and the parents were informed that the boy had gone to another State, but there was no further indication of his whereabouts. In August last year a similar application was made before Mr. Justice Stringer, and he had adjourned the case pending the result of further advertisements in the Australian newspapers. This had been done, but the mystery was as deep as ever. It was explained by Mr. Hubble that legal authority was necessary for the administration of the estate of Mrs* Saunders, under which Austin or liis children, if any, would be beneficiaries. His Honour reserved his decision.