THE BRISBANE TRAGEDY

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXXII, Issue 56, 3 May 1924, Page 3

THE BRISBANE TRAGEDY

EVIDENCE AT'THE L3QUEST.

Press Association— -Copyright

Sydney, May 2

At the inquiry into the tragedy >n tlio cruiser Brisbane on April 17, Petty-Officer Willden gave evidence that on five previous occasion p men had been at tacked in their bunks m a mysterious manner. Two of the.se attacks occurred aboard the Brisbane; two ashore, and one on board the Adelaide. The general opinion was that Brown was responsible. So far as witness knew a casual inquiry had been held in only one case, when 3 seaman had been struck on the head with n blunt instrument while asleep in hi a hammock.

The witness added that brown was in the habit, of wandering about the ship at night, and on one occasion witness had him watched, but did not suspect that he was mentally unstrung. There wa g no dispute between Ritchie and Brown. Several other witnesses told how they had been assaulted while asleep, stating that the general opinion was that Brown was responsible, but the incident,, were not reported to the officers as there was no proof. The coroner adjourned the inquest to enable further evidence to hi obtained from the ship':-; officers.