MISSING FROM THE MARAROA

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3092, 24 May 1917, Page 4

MISSING FROM THE MARAROA

A HOAX OR A TRAGEDY? Wheu the Alararoa from Lytteltoh , reached port yesterday morning, Captain J. Alawson reported to the authorities that on an ico chest aft, a prayer-book, a set of rosary beads, and a note were found. The noto contained the words; "Just a line to let you know: I have gODe overboard. Don't grieve," Inside the prayer-book was written the same of "Hugh Doherty." I'roin inquiries made, it appears that a ticket from Lyttclton to Wellington was purchased by a man. giving the name- of Hugh Dohevty oil Tuesday, and the ticket was handed iii at the Mararoa's gangway at Lytteltoit the same night. No luggage belonging to Doherty was found on the steamer, and except for. one passenger no one on the vessel appears to havo seen or heard of him. The passenger was told by a man supposed to Le Doherty that he (Doherty) came from Ashburton. The police, who have tlio matter in hand, are not decided whether the whole thing is a hoax or a genuine tragedy. The cost of a ticket from Lyttelton to Wellington is <i matter of a few shillings, and it would be easy enough for a man to hand his ticket in at the gangway, board the steamer, and quietly disembark. The fact that no luggage' was found rather favours this theory! and also the fact that the prayer-book and note were placed .whero they were ssre to be found. On tho other hand, it may be a real sea tragedy, carefully planned Ly the unfortunate man.