RECTOR DISAPPEARS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 24 August 1928, Page 5

RECTOR DISAPPEARS

A VILLAGE MYSTERY.

HIS BUTLER ALSO MISSING. ROOM FOUND IN DISORDER (United Press Association—By Elecfrie Telegraph Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.; LONDON, Aug. 22. The mysterious cliis'appoaTance (is reported of the (Rev, Franklin Hutchinson, rector of the little village of Doddinghurst, Essex, and formerly ’of Bendigo, Victoria. He lived in Ith'e rectory tviith ihis 'butler and Miss Thicket, his secretary. He should have resumed duty after a holiday a fortnight ago, but nothing lias (been heard of him except a letter to the chaplain announcing his intention to resign. The butler, named (Sir awn, is also massing. ’Miss Tricket said Mr Hutchinson told her he was going on a vacation to Ireland. He was married, ibut had not been living with his wife recently. Joseph Morgan, an accountant friend of Mr Hutchinson ’is, says the rector was worried in connection with his wife. A dispute led to proceedings between them in the High Court last ye'ar. “1 1 , as friend and councillor, knew ithe whole circumstances of the case,” said Mr Morgan. “I have been trying to get in touch with him. There is a considerable sum awaiting him 'here as soon as he has complied with certain leg'al formalities, but I have not received word since he left Itihe rectory. His total income is about £ISOO from the parish from a share of a school 'and from literary Work.” The “Daily Express” states that. Mr Hutchinson received £3OO just before bis departure from the rectory. ‘Though the police are reticent it would noit be surprising if the mystery should develop on sensational lines. The strangest feature of the case is that Sfcrawn ’s Co y m at the rectory Was found in the utmost disorder. No one saw Rtrawn leave the rectory, though it is believqd he accompanied t'he rector in a motor c'ar.

'The statement that 't'he. rector Was married surprised t'he villagers, .as it was generally believed he was a bachelor.