MISSING SOLDIER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 121, 23 May 1919, Page 5

MISSING SOLDIER

FURTHER EVIDENCE

(United Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 22,

At the inquiry relating to the disappearance of Rifleman John Russell from the ferry steamer Mararoa on the night of October 34th-25th last, Mr John Hutchison, the only relative of the missing; soldier in New Zealand, was granted l - the privilege of addressing the court.

Mr Hutchison said that in his opinion some points for. decision had been proved. H© asked., the court to pay special attention to Sergeant-Major McLeod’s evidence stating that reporting to him was not reporting to the ‘‘military authorities” : also to the evidence -of witnesses that Russell had a suicidal intention. The evidence all through testified in one direction, that Russell was not’ keen on going;to- Hamper. Mr Hutchison also contended that statements made, to the court went- to show that the export provided for Russell was not adequate; also that there was the part of the medical authorities, in> not having Russell exam ned as to this mental condition prior to his leaving Wellington, Mr Hutchison also said thari he considered that the escort had not* “been sufficiently careful of Russell. Mr Hutchison thanked the court for its departure from the usual procedure in allowing him. to question witnesses and address the court.