THE WAIRARAPA TRAGEDY.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume X, Issue 204, 13 September 1920, Page 5

THE WAIRARAPA TRAGEDY.

THE CORONER’S FINDING

HAY NOT OF NORMAL INTELLIG ENCE. Masterton, Sept. .11. Mr. E. G. Efton, District Coronor. hold an inquest on the bodies of Gavin McKenzie, who was murdered in a shocking manner on Thursday last and Edward John Hay, the eighteen-year-old farm boy who perpetrated the deed, at the residence of the McKenzie family, Fernbridge, Miisterlon, on Saturday afternoon. Formal evidence was given on the lines already published, J. Dineen, probation officer for the Wellington District, said Hay was always regarded as a, bright, industrious, honest boy and likewise had given every satisfaction to his employers who had him for four years previous to his entering the employment of John McKenzie. Witness had’ it on reliable authority that Hay’s father also suicided. ilis employers gave IPiy on excellent character.

Another witness said he saw Hay and the little boy playing in a. paddock about Lio o'clock, apparently quite happly and contented. Witness waved to them and they returned his salutation. He was ion far distant to speak to them. The Coroner returned a verdi-t regarding the little boy to the effect, that the decease], Gavin George McKenzie, died from injuries rec.’ivei from a blow from an axe delivered by one Edwnnl William John Hay. H* was killed by deceased Hay some time between 1 and 2 o'clock on Thursday, iScplemner mil. on the properly of his father. George McKenzie, farmer, r.t Fernbridge. Tin Coroner also found that the deceased Hay wns not of normal intelligence. The Coroner conveyed his personal heartfelt sympathy and that of the whole district to the afflicted parents in connection with the tragedy which, he said, was viewed with horror >n all parts of tin- Dominion. A. verdict of suicide was returned m refori'iice to llav.

'1 he little victim was liuric I in the Masterton cemetery this afternoon. A large concourse followed the remains to the grave, where pathetic scenes wore ■witnessed.