Strange Disappearance of a Clergyman.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3647, 15 May 1906, Page 3

Strange Disappearance of a Clergyman.

Perth, May 12

A sensation has been caused by the disappearance of Rev. T. A. James, Minister of the Albany Methodist Church) and an expresident.of the Conference. HC left on April Ist for a month's holiday. After visiting friends in Victoria, he went to Sydney. From there he wrote his wife on April 16th and mentioned he had formed a friendship with a man named Hunter, Whose lodgings he Was staying at on the way. On May 2nd, Mrs James received a wire from Sydney, signed Hunter, stating that Rev. James had been accidentally drowned, but that the body had not been recovered.

Seven days after a letter was received from Hunter, dated April 26th, purporting to have been written at sea. The writer stated that he and James Were sailing in Sydney Harbour on April 18th, and that James fell overboard and was drowned. The writer gives lengthy details, and expresses regret that he had not reported earlier. He adds: “I. was afraid to report to the police; besides, I had excellent reasons for not being brought into prominence just now, and I could not be delayed on the journey I am about to make.”

In the meantime inquiries put afoot in Sydney showed that the telegram and letter were posted at Suva on April 23rd, with a letter to the postmaster at Sydney, asking him to forward them to Albany. The letters were written in a cramped or disguised hand. The Sydney police have had no information of a case of drowning which corresponds with the date given. All bodies recovered in the harbour have been identified. The whole affair is shrouded in mystery.

It is understood that prior to his departure James raised a considerable sum on his property. He had further money wired to him at Melbourne,