SOLDIER DISAPPEARS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10281, 16 May 1919, Page 6

SOLDIER DISAPPEARS

THE INQUIRY CONTINUED.

Yesterday, at the Buckle street Barracks, circumstances attending the disappearance of Private John Russell from tho ferry steamer Mararoa in October last, were further investigated. Rifleman Robert Mclntyro corroborated all that portion of Mr Hutchison's evidence concerning himself (witness), with the exception that when Russell ran away irom the hospital witness went after him, overtaking Russell near the band stand in the hospital grounds. Witness further stated that ho had not seen or heard anything of Russell since he was arrested by the military police, on October 24th, 191 b. Sapper Albert Goodwin deposed that ho had been instructed to meet Hutchison and Mclntyre; and receive Russell from them. On reaching the wharf he was informed -that Russell was already aboard the vessel, and on going aboard himself ho was unable to iind Russell. Later he;learned that Russell had left the ship before its departure from Wellington. He then made it his duty to go around tho ship asking for Russell,; but his search proved unsatisfactory. He (Goodwin) reported to Captain Kidd, and also related the circumstances - to, him. When the Mararoa arrived at Lyttelton he watched the disembarkation at the gangway, and also went through the troop train on the way to Christchurch. Ho was of opinion that Russell was mentally affected. In answer to the court, as to irhothcr Hutchison would , hand tho patient over to witness at tho wharf, and did ho consider ho was carrying out his orders by being content to receive Russell from a steward, witness said that ho did. . ■ -

The inquiry will bo continued this afternoon.