DEATH AND MYSTERY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9022, 7 April 1888, Page 5

DEATH AND MYSTERY.

A report reached Kawakawa on the 26th ultimo that an old man, a gumdigger, who had lived the life of a recluse in a retired gully on the Hukerenui gumfield, had been iound dead in his whare on the day previously. Police-Constable Hughes at once communicated with the local J. P., Mr. T. P. Moody, who acts as coroner on emergencies, and proceeded with a cart and coffin to the locality, it being over twelve milee from Kawakawa, and to make arrangements for a coroner's inquest in the meantime. However, it was made known to Mr. Moody that the mail having been missed for several days from his usual occupation, as gumdigger, was found dead in his bed, there being no suspicion of foul play, but that he haa died of old age, or from natural causes. Mr. Moody directed Dr. Denton to proceed at once to report on the case, and direct, if necessary, the immediate interment of the body, as he feared it would be dangerous to have an inquest on the body after it had been brought to Kawakawa. The doctor's report was according to the above account, and orders were given for the immediate interment, an inquest being deemed unnecessary. A full report of the case was forwarded by Mr. Moody to Whangarei to Mr. J. S. Clendon, the coroner of the district. It appears, however, that the deceased, John 0 Hallaran, who stated that he was from County Cork, Ireland, had lived in the Hukerenui district for the last 13 years quite as a recluse. His whare was up a gully, apart from the other residents. His habits were peculiar, as he seldom associated with anyone, had no mate or even a friend on the gumfield, and though he was a'moatindoiatigable gumdigger and very successful, he lived most penuriously, saving, as was well known, a large sum of money during the 13 years he had been there. His habit was to go once or twice a year to Auckland, and lodge his money in some bank. Some say he did so in three banks, but being reticent, little is known for a certainty. One circumstance is told which shows las peculiarity. On one occasion his deposit receipt from being hid away had become defaced, and on presenting it at the bank to lodge another sum, and get an acknowledgment tor his pile, the bank refused to accept his identity, owing to the defaced document, and he had to get Mr. Kingj of Messrs. King and Dunningham, of the Governor Browne Hotel, to identify him. \V hen Constable Hughes arrived at hie whare, and removed the body, search was made foxpapers or documents to throw some light on the state of his affairs ; but there were no papers or books of any kind found, and the whole of his efFeets denoted the most abject poverty and destitution, not worth removal. From all the reports current, and the little that was ever gleaned from him, it is believed that his savings and deposits amount to about £15,000. He always stated that he had no relative or connection living, or any friend, nor ever wished to have one. These facts are stated in order that some enquiry may be made on the part of the Government; for if there are no heirs ? and £15,000 is lodged in any bank or banks, this sum will be credited to the funds of the public—[Kaw&kawa Correspondent.]