MILITARY INQUIRY.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 109, 8 May 1919, Page 4

MILITARY INQUIRY.

A SOLDIER'S DISAPPEARANCE, LOST FROM THE MARAROA. (By Telegraph—"Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The Military Court of Inquiry into the circumstances connected with the disap- | pearance of Rifleman John Russell from the steamer Mararoa, en route from WeiI Hngton to Lyttclton on October 24 last, I was resumed in Wellington to-day. I Evidence was given by John Hutchi* ] son, secretary of the Wellington TramI way Union, and cousin of the deceased, that Russell returned from active service .on October S. He was ordered to Hanmer for curative treatment, but was I granted 14 days' leave. Russell seemed I queer in the head and under the impression that people were following him. He I hinted doing away with himself. Wil- ! ne-s endeavoured to get him placed in I military confinement, but on approaching the military police was told there was Ino place in which to confine him, owing jto the influx of returned soldiers. Oreat I difficulty was experienced in getting j Russell'to the steamer- Russell escaped ' from the boat and went lo a friend's 1 bouse. He then appeared to be in a | worse state than before The deceased passed a bad night and disappeared in the morning, hut was recaptured and placed mi 'he Mararoa. under escort. On the voyage down to Lyttclton he disappeared. . i apl.iin Rrimsli'i ».>- also examined. i His evidence showed thai Russell was sent away in rharee of one Stephens. Ru-.-i'H got up a number of times during the night. Knrlv in the n'ornimr Stephens accompanied him to the lavatory, from which lie disappeared while hi* I attendant's back ivm turned. He win never sy-n again. V.'itnes- .lid not know Russell we.- a -'.••!! -hock case. The papers -bowed l:c v.:i- suffering from . trench fever. The inquiry was adjourned.