THE RUSSELL INQUIRY.
A SOLDIER'S DISAPPEARANCE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, May 7. • The military inquiry into the circumstances of the disappearance of Rifleman John Russell from the Mararoa while en route from Wellington to Lyttelton on October 24 last was resumed in Wellington to-day. Evidence was given by John Hutchison, secretary of the Wellington Tramways Union, cousin of deceased, that Russell returned from active service on October 8 and was ordered to Hanmer for curative treatment, but was granted 14 days' leave. Russell seemed queer in the head and was under the impression that pe«ple were following hire. He hinted frequently about doing away with himself. Witness endeavored to get him placed in military confinement, but on approaching the military police was told there was no place in f > which to confine him owing to the influx of returned soldiers. There was great difficulty experienced in getting Russell to the steamer. Russell escaped from the boat and went to a friend's house. He then appeared to lie in a worse state than before. Deceased passed a bad night and disappeared in the morning, but was recaptured after a long search and placed on the Mararoa under escort. On the voyage down to Lyttelton he disappeared. Captain Brimsley was also examined. His evidence showed that Russell was sent away in charge of Stephens. Russell got up a number of times during the -night and early in the morning Stephens accompanied him to the lavatory, from which he disappeared while the attendant's back was turned and he was. never seen again. Witness did not know Russell was a shell-shock case. His papers ehowed that he was suffering from trench fever. The inquiry is proceeding.
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Taranaki Daily News, 8 May 1919, Page 5
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282THE RUSSELL INQUIRY. Taranaki Daily News, 8 May 1919, Page 5
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