A SOLDIER'S DISAPPEARANCE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 197, 15 May 1919, Page 5

A SOLDIER'S DISAPPEARANCE

4 MILITARY INQUIRY CONTINUED, The military inquiry into tho facts sur T rounding the disappearance of Riliemnn John Russell, N.Z.E.F., from tho ferry steamer Mararoa, on the night of October 24-25, 1918, was continued at the Wellington Barracks yesterday. The members of the Court were Major F. G. Hume, R.N.Z.A. (president), Major W. G. Ashworth. and Captain W. M. Bell. Samuel Morton Arcus, Harbour Board clerk, stated that he remembered Sergeant Stephens biking Russell aboard the Mararoa, on October 24. Stephens told him that tho man was suffering from shell-shock, and had got away from his escort the previous night. Witness remarked to Stephens that he would have to keep his eye on tho man. .Stephens replied that he could manage him all right, with a bit of common sense and by humouring hiin. Stephens was quite sober, and did not appear to regard the case as, a serious one. Robert M'lntyre, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, said that Russell had shown signs of mental disturbance several days before leaving Wellington. Witness and Hutchison took Russell to the ferry steamer on October 23, and got him aboard before.the escort (Goodwin) arrived. Russell camo off several times, and was persuaded to go aboard again. When Goodwin arrived they pointed out Russell to him, and Goodwin went aboard. , Sapper Albert Goodwin said he had been told to meet Hutchison and M'lntyre, and receive Russell from them. When he reached the wharf thev (old him Russell was already aboard." He went aboard himself, but did not succeed in finding Russell. He learned later that Russell had left the. ship before the departure from Wellington. The inquiry was adjourned until to-1 day.