A SOLDIER'S DISAPPEARANCE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 161, 2 April 1919, Page 7

A SOLDIER'S DISAPPEARANCE

INQUIRY INTO THE CASE OF PRIVATE M.OULD. By Telegraph—Press Association. Duncdin, April 1. The Military Court to-day resumed the inquiry into tne disappearance of Private \George Mould iroui'ihe steamer Maori on February 3. .Major Fleming gave evidence as to the otticial steps taken on the disappearance of tlie mun being reported/ - Sergeant-Major Wheeler, who was on tho iUaori when she brought tho Matatua's draft, corroborated ■ Lieutenant M'Carthy's testimony given x at tho previous sitting as to the assistant-purser of the Maori telling them that on the night of Mould's disappearance he saw what he took to be a boy, blindfolded with a handkerchief, go ever the side. It was possible the assistant-purser said "soldier," but witness tholgiit ho said boy.

Frederic Percy Ussker, soldier, said he saw Mould on board after sailing. Mould was intoxicated, and was brought to bed by a civilian.' In the morning, there was no appearance of Mould. John Campbell. M'Gill was Mould's "cobber." But witness knew him, as they were in camp together, and he would describe Mould as of very quiet disposition! In every way he was sound and reasonable, and there was nothing whatever about him to suggest that he was likely to disappear in this manner. Colonel Colquhoun, president; said M'Gill was now in Gisborne, and his evidence would be taken there. The evidence of Leslie James Liste, assistantpurser of the Maori, but now on the Moeraki, also the evidence of. Captain Cameron and Purser Munn, flf the-Maori, would be taken in Wellington to-morrow. The Union Company had handed him the following telegram from the Walling : ton manager: "Press telegrams relating to soldier lost overboard from the Maori entirely misleading regarding assistantpurser. The latter was working in the office-with the purser when, the matter •was reported by another soldier. The captain was immediately . advised by purser, but a considerable time had elansed before any mention was made of the" man going overboard." .' :