A MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 971, 13 December 1882, Page 3

A MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR.

o—i.—— [per PRESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, This day. Yesterday afternoon, a man named Robert Hardy, aged 40, was brought to.the hospital in a cab by Mr Orchard, a publican, and a woman, who stated she was Hardy’s wife. Hardy was in a state of unconsciousness, and was much contused about the face, it was at once seen that he was dying, and he took two convulsive fits and expired half an hour after admission. Orchard and Mrs Hardy stayed a few minifies. An examination of the body after death showed a cut on the right temple; also an abrasion near the cut. There is also a cut under the right eye and a bruise adjacent to the lobe of the left ear and one on the side of the temple. The left temple is contused in appearance as if from blows, and the nose also is marked. There is a patch of disfiguration on the back as if from a knock or bruise. Orchard told the Hospital men that deceased has been fighting and had stood great punishment. Mrs Hardy was in such a state of excitement that little could be got out of her. She was understood to say that Hardy was drunk and went to strike a man, missed his blow and fell clown. He had been drinking ever since. He took to his bed on Saturday, and yesterday began to take fits. Enquiries subsequently made at Orchard’s hotel where deceased had been staying, elicited a statement that clashed with those given at the hospital. Hardy was said, to be in comfortable circumstances and intended opening an hotel here. An inquest will be held.