A SOLDIER'S DISAPPEARANCE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 204, 23 May 1919, Page 10

A SOLDIER'S DISAPPEARANCE

INQUIRY CONCLUDED. The military inquiry regarding the disappearance of BiHoinan John Bussoll, jN'./i.E.P.; from the ferry steamer Maraioa, was completed at the Wellington Barracks yesterday. Major F. Q. Hume, R.N.Z.A., presided. John Hutchison, cousin, of the missing soldier, was recalled. He said that when asking that an escort should bo- provided for Eussell ho had emphasised that tho case was a mental one.

Mr. Hutchison was permitted to inako o. statement to the Court. Hβ submitted that the escort had not been adequate, especially in view of the fact that Hus : sell hnd escaped {torn .the etenmer Maori thi> day before he was sent south on the Mararoa. The man in charge of I?iiseell hr.d not taken proper precautions. On the (lny Itussell was sent south he was kept locked up ashore and closely guarded on his way to the ship. Similar precautions should have.been taken during the voyage, which was the- moat dangerous part of tlio journey. Yet the evidence had shown ttiat the escort (Stephens) more than once allowed the man out of his sight. The medical officers hnd been informed that there were suicidal tendencies, and the case should have, been handled accordingly. The Court reserved its decision, i