THE LATE MR. JOHN HAY.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 18, Issue 1185, 30 November 1871, Page 2

THE LATE MR. JOHN HAY.

The Wanganui Chronicle says:—Many of our readers would read with much regret of the death of Mr Hay, ed-itor-of the Wellington Independent. JVl;yHay was originally a teacher at Portob.ello ill Scotland. On coming to Wevr Zealand he entered into business with his brother in Otago. Latterly he. joined the Independent, and for the. last nine months has, devoted himself untiringly to editorial woik, writing often two leaders a day. He was a man of genial kindly temperament, and during his residence in Wellington had made many friends. '* Death, hath this also," says Bacon, " that it openeth tho gate to good fame and; extinguisheth envy- -Extinctus ambitur idem.'" In the face of the sudden death of Mr Hay, all cavilling ceases, and his excellencies and abilities are recognised. The Independent, referring to its la te editor, says : "Mr Hay was no ordinary man. A good classicist, particularly as. a Greek scholar, he brought out with him to Otago in 1865 high testimonials from Archbishop Whateley and other eminent men. Shortly after his arrival he applied for the Inspectorship of Schools in that province, but was, like all other applicants, unsuccessful, no, appointment being for t>he time made. He then articled hjmself to Howorth, Barton, and Howorth. After remaining with whom for some two or three years, he cancelled his articles, and became a partner in the firm of Hay Brothers and Wright, Dunediiv Subsequently he removed to Wellington and assumed the editorial chair of this journal, a position which he tilled with great ability for nearly 18 months, evincing a knowledge of New Zealand politics, and an aptness and facility which obtained foi Ijim deservedly a high position as a writer. Well known in Dunedin, as also in Wellington—loved for his social qualities, and respected for his mental attainments —bis loss is a loss indeed, as well to the community as to th os j near and dear (o him, whose hearth is now darkened and whose hearts are bowed down."