MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE

Cromwell Argus, Volume VII, Issue 326, 8 February 1876, Page 5

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE

Within the last six months it has been our duty to chronicle as many as three sudden disappearances of men belonging to this district, in two at least of which there is no room to doubt an untimely death—namely, in the oases of Ben Nash and Robert Ingdis. We regret to say that another has to be added to the Jisfc, and in it tho evidence is strong in support of the idea that death came suddenly and swiftly upon the victim, who was one of the first residents on the Wakatipu goldfield, for many years at Arthur's Point and lately at Cardrona. Mr G. B. Bond, of the Empire Hotel, Cardrona, was well known throughout this and the neighboring district, A and, although not without his faults, was a man in whom there were many good points and much ■sound judgment. But latterly he appears to have given way to inebriation, and it was while suffering from the after-effects of drink that death overtook him—for the evidence leaves little doubt that the Kawarau Kiver has found another victim. The particulars are as follow: Bond came down to the Cromwell Hospital on the 2nd instant, and remained in that Institution till the sth, when he left without the consent of the Resident Surgeon. He went to Goodger's hotel, and there appeared to be improving in health and spirits. On Sunday he was about town and conversed rationally enough with several residents. Bond retired to rest about twelve ■o'clock p.m., and then appeared to be all right. - Shortly after one o'clock, a man sleeping in the same room, named Burke, was awoke by Bond getting up. He put on his trousers and coat, and said " I will get out of this, anyway." He got up on his bed, threw open the window, and ••sprang out. Burke tried to catch him, but failed, and ho then roused Mr Goodger. They went together in, search of Bond, but could find no trace of him. Information was given the police, and Sergeant M'Gann, with others, at once instituted a search along the river bank with lanterns, but without result. It may be mentioned that from the back of Goodger's hotel a steep and broken Innk runs down to the river. The foot of this bank is strewn with broken liottles and rubbish. On examining the bank yesterday, 1 Constable Bell found traces'of fresh blood from where the broken glass lies right down to the edge of the river. The blood is spattered In spots, as though from a cut, and the supposition is that Bond either cut his naked feet running down the bank, or was injured in rolling down.; It is almost hoping against hope to think he did not go down the bank, as the police have made enquiries at all the outlets from the town without any information respecting the missing man. It may therefore be concluded he •got into the river, and has been carried down, as the current runs strong, being near the confluence «af the Kawarau and Olutha.