ESCAPE PROM ASYLUM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16962, 23 September 1918, Page 4

ESCAPE PROM ASYLUM.

MENTAL PATIENT AT LARGE.

SEARCH PROCEEDING LAST NIGHT.

A patient at the Auckland Mental Hospital named William Wright made his escape from the institution between two and three o'clock yesterday afternoon, and at an early hour this morning was reported to be still at large. Wright was committed to the hospital from Opotiki in July last. He was last seen by an attendant shortly alter two o'clock, and his absence was not detected until about three o'clock. His departure from the institution was not observed by anyone in the neighbourhood, and for sorno hours it was not known which direction he had taken. Wright evidently preraediated an escape, for a search revealed that in addition to the clothes he was wearing he had packed a parcel containing a suit of overalls, and probably other articles.

The police wero notified at once of the escape, and a search party of attendants at the- asylum scoured the country in the vicinity. At 7 p.m. information was received that Wrignt had been seen in Winchester Road, Avondale, heading towards Richmond, and four men from the institution were at once despatched in the direction indicated. The Central police station, on being apprised, notified all substations and the staffs at Newton, Grey Lynn, Mount Albert, and other stations were Instructed to join in the search for Wright. The police at Onehunga were instructed to keep a sharp look-out, and the main South Road was guarded, while motor cyclists proceeded from the Central station to search the district roads in the vicinity of tho hospital. Wright is a half, or quarter-caste Maori, and of rather fine appearance. He is 40 vears of age, weighs 15st 61b, and his height is 6ft OJin. At the time of his escape he was wearing a brown suit, black and white waistcoat, a light felt hat, and reddish tanned boots. His hair is turning grey.