PATIENT GETS AWAY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 1, Issue 57, 7 January 1913, Page 3

PATIENT GETS AWAY.

From Auckland Mental Hospital. Thomas Henry JohnstoD, a miner, aged about 30, who figured prominently in the shootrg 'ncldent connected with a riot at Waihi during the recent labour trouble?, and who was subsequently committej to the Auckland Mental Hospital, Whan, effected an escape that institution durirg Saturday forenoon. He was working at the time «ith several oth:r patients in the hospital grounds, and accepting an opening when no eyes were upon him set off at top speed. An alarm was raised just as he was disappearing among a thick grovth of gorse ojtside the grounds, and alth ugh the cutdoor attendants made immediate search no trace of the runaway could be found. The matter was tlun reported to the police officer at Avondple, who in turn reported to headquarters in Auckland. Mounted troops's have been engaged in scouring the district since Saturday, and a number of mental hospital attendants have been searching nearer noma. So far their efforts have been without avail. It will be remembered that when Constable Wade (formerly of Pukekobe district) was shot during i disturbance at Waihi on November 13th last a second man received a bullet wound in the leg. That man was Johnston, and he still limps from the effects of the injury. When he took French leave of the menral tospital on Saturday he was wearing the regulation dress of moleskin trousers, light-coloured shirt, and moleskin tat. His height is 5 f> et 7 inches, and his build is fairly substantial. To further aesist identification it may be mentioned that he baa dark brown hair, blue eyes, and a light growth of whiskers. His teeth are discoloured and oroken, he has a very prominent forehead, a square mouth, and a slight impediment in his speech. Tbe mental hospital authorities (says the Star) state that Johnston is of quiet disposition, and they do not regard him as dangerous. He was admitted about the middle of December, and received a visit from his wife just before Christmas. After that he was exceedingly depressed. It is considered probable that Johnston will endeavour to make a crosscountry journey to Waihi, where bin wife still resides.