MAN OVERBOARD

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10274, 8 May 1919, Page 8

MAN OVERBOARD

A SOLDIER'S FATE LOSS OF PRIVATE RUSSELL FROM THE MARAROA. The disappearance of No Rifleman John Russell from the Wei-liagtoh-Lyttelton ferry steamer on October 25th is the subject ot an which is now in progress atrto Dnll Hall.- Buckle street. ihe Court ot inquirv consists ot Major i u. R:N.Z.A Resident and tho following ■ «■ £ Ashwortn, 6th Rifles, and Captain W. M. Bell, >..&■ St .lolm Hutchison, Brooklyn, a cousin of deceased, in the course ot evidence, said that Russell had shown, signs ot some queerness of mind, such as statins; that his relatives were m- Wellington, and he could sec them>. and that the "Jacks" were after him. Witness took him. to' the medical military hospital, but M.sell, on finding himself there, declared "this is. a damn ™M*7 hospital," and ran away. Russell talked about someone following him, ana hinted frequently about doing away with himself. Russell was bemg sent down to Hanmer,' and witness secured an escort for him. Witness took Russell to the boat, and was assured that he would not bo allowed off again, but an hour after the vessel sailed Russell appeared at a house which witness was visiting. Witness subsequently seized the opportunity of having him arrested by the military police for desertion. The military police said they would take him to the south boat and hand him over to an escort. Witness did not see Russell again, but on October 25th read of his disappearance from the Mararoa.

Captain C. C. Brinsley said that Mr Hutchison had asked for one attendant,' and a Private Stephens had been detailed for the duty. Stephens had stated that Russell had been up about eight times on the trip down, but had not given much trouble. Between 4 and 5 a.m. Russell was up again, and he quietly disappeared.' Russell had returned' to New Zealand suffering from trench fever. The inquiry was not concluded when the court rose for the day, and it will be continued this morning.