Saturday 13 November 2021

61277 Private Edwin George Hatcher, 24/7/1896-11/8/1921.

DEATH.

FOR KING AND COUNTRY.

HATCHER. — On August 11th, at Dunedin (suddenly), 61277 Private Edwin George William, late 31st Reinforcements, N.Z.E.F., the beloved son of Edwin and Winifred Hatcher, of Portobello, aged 25 years. Deeply regretted.  -Evening Star, 12/8/1921.


Found Dead in a Cellar.

INQUEST ON EX-SOLDIER

INQUIRY TO BE HELD

Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, Aug. 13. An inquest was held this morning on a returned soldier, Edwin George William Hatcher, aged 25, whose body was found in the bottle cellar of the Excelsior Hotel on Thursday. The evidence of the hotel porter showed that he found deceased earlier on a couch in the bar, and placed him in the bottle cellar. He had no instructions to do so, but had done the same on previous occasions. Other evidence showed that deceased had been gassed at the front, and had complained of his heart. The medical evidence showed that his heart was sound, the opinion being that death was due to heart failure, following on cirrhosis of the liver. The Coroner said deceased had been drinking to excess, and had been deserted by his companions. The conditions surrounding his death were of such a nature that a close inquiry would be made. He instructed the police to make an inquiry into the method of dealing with intoxicated persons, in view of the evidence given by the porter. He returned a verdict in accordance with the medical opinion.  -Timaru Herald, 16/8/1921.


Portobello Cemetery, Dunedin.


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