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William Stewart Woodside (1902–1957)

Police are puzzled by the disappearance of wealthy William Stewart Woodside, 54, from the Taroona in Bass Strait yesterday.

He is a brother of Lady Morshead, wife of Sir Leslie Morshead, director of the Bank of N.S.W. and many Sydney companies.

Woodside, who lived in the select harborside suburb of Vaucluse, vanished when the Taroona was about 100 miles from Melbourne heading for Launceston.

Relatives told police he flew to Melbourne on Wednesday on business.

Sir Leslie Morshead said tonight that Woodside often visited Flinders Island, in Bass Strait, to inspect his mother's property.

His stepson, John, 27, said: "We expected him back from Melbourne on Thursday.

"This is a great shock!"

Police were told there that Woodside travelled on a one-way ticket.

Taroona's third officer, Donald MacNeil, saw him about 12.30 a.m. yesterday in his cabin.

He told detectives Woodside had his head between his hands.

Later he appeared at the deck railing, then left to go below decks.

He has not been seen since. His bed had not been used and his luggage was not claimed when Taroona berthed yesterday at Launceston.

Police said in Launceston: "It seems he has been lost overboard."

Police found a photo of Woodside's wife in his baggage, but no personal papers.

He was travelling in a single cabin.

Original publication

Citation details

'Woodside, William Stewart (1902–1957)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/woodside-william-stewart-20993/text33550, accessed 13 October 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

6 January, 1902
Australia

Death

3 January, 1957 (aged 54)
at sea

Properties