OBITUARY

Hokitika Guardian, 12 September 1925, Page 2

OBITUARY

DR. FRANK HAY. (Christchurch Spectator.) Bv the regrettable decease ot the above gentleman, New Zealand 10-es one of its ablest officers who had ever adorned its public service, and a wide circle lose a iriend who bad endeared himself to them, llis death is tinivcrally regretted. He had devoted his liie to the study of the insane, and on the death of Hr Macgregor. became Inspector-General ol Mental Hospital-, a position to which lie brought natural abilities of a high order, constant stmlv, and a long and valuable experience. ||is annual reports to Parliament were marked by high literary talent as well as a keen grasp ol detail, and hi- administration was cliarcterIsed by the widest sympathy bn the iiniortttnate patient- and strict justice to the stall' ot the institutions. The present writer i- able to speak thus because he was associated with Dr Hay as Minister in t barge ot Mental Hospitals, and the collaboration ereati cd a friendship which only death couh. sever. The duty of a departmental head is to secure the largest measure of progress possible with the money available, and Dr Hay realised to the full his rc-ponsibility to the taxpayer, lie was in tael a model public oliher. Ever brimming over with good humour. a follower of art lor art’s sake, a devoted Shakespearean student, a lover of Kipling. —he was sought and esteemed in private liie. and was the centre ol any social gathering at which lie was present. His death leave- a gap it i- impossible lor another to tillTwo years ago he married Miss Marx Smart '.-'eibbiii, daughter ol ibe great Liberal Prime Minister, and owing to his failing health,—an insidious disease having developed, he and hiwife proceeded to England, where it was hoped the advice ot specialists ami the warm climate ol the southern coast would restore him. But it xvas not to lie. Death had marked him. Dr and Airs Ilav were returning to Ha Dominion by the steamship Bualiiue. and last Saturday evening he " erossen the bar.” The good ship was hen lied at AA'elliligton on Sunday with hot tlags at half-mast and a widowed lady on bnnnl.

The funeral took place on 'I nesday morning. A service was held at St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral, conducted by the Yen. Archdeacon Johnson am Canon Bean, of Christchurch, brother in-law of the deceased gentleman. 1 was a large gathering, including man,' political heads. Dr Hay's widow, he mother (Airs Seddon). All's Bean. Air: Gilmer (a w ithiwed sister). Air I. I'. Y. Keddmi. Mr E. Dyer, and oilier representing the Scddon iainily. AHe the service the cortege proceeded P Karori Cemetery, where the mortal re mains were cremated "ashes t< ashes. ” Airs Hay followed her bus band’s body to Ibe last. So ends tin career of a scientist, a liuie.-mitarial and a true gentleman. Act the in fluence of his beautiful life will lout remain a- an inspiration to bette things. (LAY.IB