A SOLDIER'S DISAPPEARANCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 May 1919, Page 5

A SOLDIER'S DISAPPEARANCE.

CASE OF RIFLEMAN RUSSELL. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The inquiry into the disappearance of Rifleman Russell was resumed to-day. The examination of Sergt. Stephens, who had charge of Russell on the journey from Wellington, was continued. He stated that it was about daybreak when Russell disappeared from the ship. There were few people about, and a man could have gone over the side unobserved. He did not see Russell until just before the ship sailed. His impression had been that he had charge <sf a sick case. Russell appeared normal, and it was not until later witness understood that the man was mentally unbalanced. Witness left Russell alone on deck for a few minutes during the afternoon. William J. Hocking said he had been a butcher on the Mararoa at the time of the disappearance, and saw Stephens aboard the steamer during the evening. Stephens was looking for his patient, and said he was not going to worry himself very much about thfc man, and was not going over the side after him if the man went over. Up till 10.30 p.m. witness had seen Russell two or three times walking the length of the bottom deck alone between 2 and 3 a,m. Russell passed- witness in the room, calling out, "Where is that woman ?" Witness had known Russell well. Deceased appeared quite unstrung. Witness saw Stephens on one occasion during the trip in the steerage bar, and did not see Stephens with Russell during the voyage. Stephens, recalled, said the military police from whom he received Russell did not tell him the man was mentally upset or give him any instructions. Witness did not think it necessary to apply to have Russell locked up, as the man's abnormal conduct consisted of simply trying to get down below to an imaginary woman. Witness might have said he would not go over the side after Russell, but had not said he wouldn't worry much about the man. The inquiry "continues to-morrow.