THE ELOPEMENT BY THE WAIRARAPA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1217, 14 August 1884, Page 3

THE ELOPEMENT BY THE WAIRARAPA.

Dunedin, August 11. The following are further particulars of the elopement by the Wairarapa. The young woman who has succumbed to the charms of “ Captain” Bedingfield is very respectably connected, being a niece of Captain Bandall, whose name is well known throughout the colony as Secretary of and Valuator to the Wellington Underwriters’ Association. While in the Army Miss Bendall was christened the “little wonder,” on .account of her wonderful oratorical powers. Her friends communicated with the police as soon as they heard of her departure, but unfortunately the Wairarapa had left the Bluff two hours before the news reached Invercargill. The Army observes the strictest silence on the subject, the officers only admitting that the late “ Captain” has been discharged from the service. It is rumored that a subscription is being set on foot in aid of the unfortunate Mrs Bedingfield and two children, who, it is expected, will arrive in Dunedin this evening from Ashburton. Bedingfield, when he enlisted in the Army, was a compositor at Christchurch, and is about thirty years of age, while the fair one is seventeen. He has been commanding at Ashburton recently. August 12.

With reference to the Salvation Army elopement, it is stated that on the return of Major Pollard from Melbourne, tha whole affair will be made the subject of a strict inquiry’, and in all probability the headquarters’ staff will grant a small pension to Mrs Bediogfield. An effort will be made to bring Captain Bedingfield and the girl back. Legal force, if available, will not be {used, but the strongest moral suasion will be brought to bear on the couple to try and induce them to return to their respective homes and friends.

The Press gives the following additional particulars The “ Captain” referred to was, we understand, a compositor in Christchurch about twelve months ago. He attended the Army meetings in the Gaiety Theatre, and the warmth and enthusiasm of his devotions recommended him to the notice of the “Army" authorities, and ultimately he resigned his position and became a prominent figure at the Salvation meetings. He possessed a good reputation in Christchurch, and was regarded as one of the most respectable of the Army. Miss Eendall has also * Christchurch a visit, and •" . paid chief attraction* oi " ” ..as one or the . ui Army meetings here