THE DEATH OF MR. JOHN HAY.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 38, 20 November 1871, Page 3

THE DEATH OF MR. JOHN HAY.

THE INQUEST. An inquest was held yesterday afternoon at 2 o’clock, at the European Hotel, before Dr. Johnston, Coroner, and a jury, as to to the death of Mr. John Hay, late editor of the Independent , who had been found drowned on the beach, Lainbton. Quay, on the previous day. Dr. Grace: Yesterday, about 4 p.m., I inspected the body of the deceased, which was then lying in the European Hotel. There was a scratch or a bruise perceptible on the forehead, which in my opinion must have taken place before death. It was a very trifling injury, and would have no serious results in itself. It might have been done by falling into shallow water on the beach. From other symptoms about the body, I judge that deceased had been drowned. I examined the deceased for any other external signs of violence, but found none, only the signs always found after drowning. Alex. Reid deposed : I am sub-editor of the Wellington Independent. 1 was in companywiththedeceased on Saturday evening. I -\Vas with him until about a quarter past II o’clock, which was the last time I saw him alive. I then left him in Willis-street near to Custom-house-street. I parted with him in a perfectly friendly manner, wishing him “ Good night.” 1 understood he was going home, as he resided in Willis-street, a short distance from where I left him. On parting with him I proceeded along Manners-street to Taranakistreet. We were at Greville’s News Room together for a considerable time in the early part of the evening, and then went to the Pier Hotel, where we remained in the billiard-room for some time. From there we went to Donuecker’s, where Mr. Hay had some supper. After that we had some oysters at the Galatea Oyster Saloon, and shortly afterwards we parted company. The deceased was in unusually good spirits during the whole of the after —noon and evening. Towards the latter portion of the evening, however, he became drowsy and sleepy. I knew that ha had been up until nearly five o’clock on tho previous morning, and had not had his regular rest. I heard nothing more of tho deceased until half-past two p.m. on the following day, when I was told that he had been drowned. I also ascertained that, subsequent to my parting with him, he had been seen at the Empire Hotel. Wo were on the most friendly terms together, and his whole conversation during tho evening was cheerful and lively. William Sellars, Benjamin Ling, Mr. Reid, and Sergeant Maraghan also gave evidence. Mr. Millar, F.S.A., desired, as a friend of the deceased, to make a statement. Mr. Hay had made enquiries during tho day as to the time the ‘ Samson ’ would sail, and was anxious to see his friends who were to leave by her. Mr. Miller thought it very probable that he had, attempted to go on board, and had been blown off the wharf. This concluded the evidence, and tho Coroner referred to Mr. Millar’s statement as a probable explanation of the accident, but considered that there was only evidence of the circumstances under which the body had been found. The jury at once returned a verdict of “Found drowned.” —Wellington Independent, November 14.