THE LATE MR JOHN HAY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 43, 18 November 1871, Page 12

THE LATE MR JOHN HAY.

It is with the deepest regret that we chronicle the sudden demise of Mr John Hay, editor of the Independent. Carried away in the full vigor of health, and without a moment’s warning, his untimely end has cast a gloom over the whole city, and brought desolation and sorrow to a happy home. Elsewhere will be found the particulars of such facts attending the sad event as are known. Mr John Hay was no ordinary man. A good classicist, particularly as a Greek scholar, he brought out with him to Otago, in 1805, high testimonials from Archbishop Whateley and many 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 the time made. He then articled himself to Hovvorth, Barton, and Howorth, after remaining with whom lor some two or three years he cancelled his articles, and became a partner in the firm of Hay Brothers and Wright, Dunedin. Subsequently he removed to Wellington and assumed the editorial chair of this journal, a position which he filled with great ability for nearly eighteen months, evincing a knowledge of New Zealand politics, and an aptness and facility which obtained for him deservedly a high position as a writer. Wellknown in Dunedin, as also in Wellington —loved for Ins social qualities, and respected for his mental attainments —his loss is a loss indeed, as well to the community as to those near and dear to him, whose hearth is now darkened, and whose hearts are bowed down.