MAN COMES BACK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17826, 7 January 1920, Page 5

MAN COMES BACK

AFTER THIRTY-SIX YEARS. TRAGIC DENOUEMENT. (Fbom Oua Own Cobbkspondent.) SYDNEY, Deoember' 31. The story of Francis Joseph Rutherford is ono of life's dramas. Born at Goulburn (N.S.W.) 59 years ago, and a butcher by occupation,, ho left home in 1883, and went to South Africa, leaving here a wife and young family. Then oame news that he was in the firing line with the British army in the Boer war. Upon reoeipt of a message that he had been killed in action, his wife and family went into mourning. But the great stance that had engulfed the man was broken on Christmas Day. His wife, who had been living as a widowi since his supposed death, and his now .;: grown up family had just finished their • Christmas dinner when a figure appeared , at the door. It was Francis Joseph Rutherford. He stood in front of the be- , wildered family, but they did not recognise him. Time had evidently brought its changes. He spoke to them, but they regarded him' as a stranger, - and there; was no familiarity in the talk that passed. Turning abruptly, Rutherford walked out of the house. , , A few minutes later a stranger passing by found him on the pavement in front . of the gate. Alongside him was a bottle - which had contained poison. He was admitted in a dying condition to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. His wife, finally , recognising him, followed him to the hos* pital, and sat by him until h© died. ThuS Francis Joseph Rutherford passed out» of what must 'have been a strange world to him. * ! 4