DISAPPEARANCE OF BOY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 218, 14 September 1928, Page 8

DISAPPEARANCE OF BOY

TELEGRAPHIST ON WARSHIP. SUVA, Sept. 8. A general gloom has been cast, over the cruiser Dunedin as a result of the complete disappearance of the boy telegraphist, William John Tunzelmann, aged 16 years and 11 months. On Monday night at 11 o’clock he was seen 1o turn in as usual and lie in his Aammock. He has not been seen or heard of since, and it is feared that he has met his death, probably by drowning. The discovery that the boy w’as missing was made when the crew turned to for duty at six o’clock on Tuesday morning. The hammock had been left suspended—against all the regulations of the ship. This gave rise to the feeling that something must have happened to the lad, and a search party explored every compartment and corner of the ship without result.

On Tuesday afternoon and yesterday morning a lengthy inquiry was held on board into the mystery, but no evidence was forthcoming which threw any light whatever on the occurrence. No reason could be given which might suggest that the lad wished to die or to leave the ship. No boats left the ship from midnight until six a.m., and not a sound was heard by the night-watches. No native boats were seen during the night, which was clear and pleasant. Had the lad attempted for some reason to break ship and swim ashore the likelihood of his reaching it alive wen; remote as several big sharks have been seen in the harbour during the past few nays.

Tunzclmann was a native of Invercargill. and joined the Dunedin in February from the training ship Philomel mol at Auckland.