MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF A SCHOOLMASTER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 198, 7 September 1903, Page 2

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF A SCHOOLMASTER.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. CflßiarciiUßCH, September 5. A painful sensation was caused in aehoktfuc circles yesterday by the spread of a rumour ih it the R«v. J. M. ItU:s.h..l), of the Wangan'd Collegia Sjhoo), and a well-kno'vn cricketor, was missing. Mvrahall has heou for soma years the ch\p!iin and first apsistant: master, and was recently appointed head master during the absence of Mr Empsoti. Mr Marshall came to Christchurch 10 days a«o to meet the Wanganui school football team, who were in town for the annual college match. It had bean his custom in past years to travel with the team, but this year he was in Dunedin when the team left, A few months ago he euflfired from an attack of rheumatic fever, and a holiday being necessitated by his state of health Mr Marshall came to Christchurch as the guest of the Rev. Cocks, Yicar of Opawa, an old fellow student and friend, who noticed his health and spirits were not so good as usual. On Wednesday morning Mr Marshall ate a good breakfast about 9.30 and strolled into the vicarage grounds. A member of the family saw him go out of the house, and supposed he was going for c) walk. At lunch time he Lai not returned but ho was expeoled to return to the vicarage during the afternoon, bu. there was no sign of him and vll enquiries were of no avail. Miisr, membars of the team left Lyttelton for Wellington by the Mavaroi on Wednesday evening, but Mr Marshall did not accompany them, His friends became very anxious and the police were informed. On Thursday and yesterday search parties were out on the hills, and the rivers were scoured, but no word could be obtained, and his disappearance seems oomplese, A representative of the Times who travelled to Wellington by the Mararos, said his name appears in the passenger list, but though he knew him well he did not see him on board, September 6.

No trace has yet been found of the Rev J. M. Marshall. Search parties are out to-dav.