MISSING SINCE THE WAR

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5277, 21 May 1928, Page 2

MISSING SINCE THE WAR

NEW ZEALAND SOLDIER. 1# FATHER GOES IN SEARCH. A New Zealander returning from the war wounded, was taken into hospital at Adelaide som r nuie years ago. Since then his relatives have been unable to learn anything erf. his. fate. The olsdier was Percival West, fate. The soldier was Percivail "West.' His father, Mr Andrew 'West, of Morrinsville, left for Australia for the second time last Wednesday in the hope of tracing his son. Before leaving on this quest Mr West remarked that it was a painful business, but one that he wanted to' see settled while he had the strength. He is 76 years of age. When the great war broke out Mr. Percival. West was in. Australia, and joined one of the. first Australian regiments sent to the front. Although three times wounded, >he continued in active service right through the war. - When peace was declared Mr West was suffering from the effects of his third wbund and was shipped back, anid on arrival was sent into hospital at Adelaide. Ft;om there he last wrote to his people. Mr West was busy at the time and cotUd not get away from his farm work at once, but did later go to Australia, intending to bring his son back with him, but could find no trace of him. No word hajs since been hearjd of Percival. West. The father has now provided himself with papers from the Defence Department, and is going to Australia with the intention of doing ailj he can to find his son or find out what has become of him. He is first going to Sydney, then, overland to Melbourne, and from there to South Ausr tralia., whert he has manly friends, anti he hopes to be able to clear up what has been a very painful mystery for the family for so long.