RIFLEMAN RUSSELL'S DISAPPEARANCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3403, 4 June 1919, Page 42

RIFLEMAN RUSSELL'S DISAPPEARANCE.

WELLINGTON, May 20. At the inquiry into the disappearance of Rifleman Russell from the Maxaroa, Frederick William Ruthberg, forccabin stcwara, said that Stephens and Russell were at tea together, and witness noticed nothing strange about either man. On tihe way out from tea Russell said to witness: "Where is that woman that is calling" out?" Witness took no notice, and Russell passed on. Stephens entered the bar about 6.30, and had, witness thought, a glass of beer. He was not in the bar more than five minutes, and when leaving remarked that he was going to look for his patient. Witness saw nothing more of Russell or Stephens that night. Between 6 and 6.30 next morning Stephens told witness he had lost his man. Up to the last time witness saw him, Russell did not appear to have had any drink. May 22. At the inquiry relating to the disappearance of Rifleman John Russell from the ferry steamer Mararoa on the night of October 24-25 last, John Hutchinson, the only relative of the missing soldier in New Zeaand, was granted the privilege of addressing the court. Mr Hutchinson said in his opinion some points for decision had been proved. He asked the court to pay special attention to Sergeant-major M'Leod's evidence, stating that "reporting to him was not reporting to the militai-y authorities"; also the evidence of witnesses that Russell had suicidal intentions. The evidence all through testified in one direction, that Russell was not keen on going to Hanmor. Mr Hutchinson also contended that statements made in court went to show that the escort provided for Russell was not adequate; also that there was neglect on the part of the medical authorities in not having Russell examined as to « his mental condition prior to leaving Wei- V lington. Mr Hutchinson also said that he considered that the escort had not been sufficiently careful of Russell. Mr Hutchinson thanked the court for the departure from the usual procedure in allowing him to question witnesses and address the court.