Jack Hays
Don Congregational Cemetery
Died 14 Apr 1903
Age 17 years 11 months
Residents of the Don entertain considerable fear for the safety of Mr. G. Hays, who has been missing since Tuesday afternoon. According to information, the missing man, with Messrs. Gibson and Woodhouse, on the day in question went shooting, at the back of Kelcey’s Tiers. The party kept together until they turned homewards, when Hays expressed his intention of having a parting shot. His companions walked on, and called to him from the bottom of the hill to join them. Hays replied that he would be along presently, and, after calling several times, they walked on. In the evening, when it was discovered that he did not make his appearance, his friends grew alarmed, and went in search of him. They could discover nothing of his where-abouts, however, and gave up the search until yesterday morning, when it was resumed early. The police were notified, and constables were dispatched to assist, but up to the time of publishing nothing has been heard of him. Hays is 18 years of age, and is said to know every inch of the country, so that the police fear some accident must have happened to him. Much sympathy is felt for his mother, who is the postmistress at the Don, and it is sincerely hoped that a successful result will follow the endeavors being made to locate the missing youth.
The North West Post 16th April 1903
Nothing further has been heard of the young man, G. Hays, who was lost in the bush at the rear of Kelcey’s Tiers on Tuesday, under circumstances already fully reported in “The Post”. Search parties have been very active in their endeavors to locate his whereabouts, but so far without avail. On Thursday a party of police and civilians made a systematic search of five miles in each direction, but without finding the slightest trace of young Hays. The police admit that they are puzzled, as they consider the search they made an exhaustive one. They hold that if an accident had befallen the youth they would have found him, and their opinion is that he has wandered off, whether intentionally or otherwise they are not prepared to say. Hays had been studying hard for an examination, and, from all appearances, was very anxious to get through, although, it is said, his mother wished him not to attempt it at present. Whether this has anything to do with his disappearance or not cannot be said, but the fact remains that, in spite of the diligent search made, he has not been discovered. Parties were out again yesterday, headed by two constables, but no favourable report has, so far, come to hand. We understand that the people of the Don will continue the search tomorrow, and ask as many as possible to muster at the Don Bridge at 8 o’clock. It is hoped that a goodly number will attend, so that every foot of the way will be effectively covered.
The North West Post 18th April 1903
No further tidings have been heard of the missing youth, Hays, who is supposed to have been lost in the vicinity of Kelcey’s Tiers on Tuesday. The general opinion now seems to be that he has wandered off intentionally, and the police are inclined to accept this view. Several rumours are floating about as to the cause of his disappearance, but, so far, none of them can be accepted as authentic.
The North West Post 21st April 1903
No further information has been received of the young man, Hays, who was supposed to have been lost behind Kelcey’s Tiers over a week ago. After making an exhaustive search, the police and civilians have given up the quest, and the opinion is that Hays is not lost, but has wandered off, probably intentionally for some reason or other, as we suggested was the case as soon as the facts were disclosed.
The North West Post 25th April 1903
A tragic ending to the mysterious disappearance of the young man, John Hays, who, over a fortnight ago, while on shooting, is said to have been lost in the bush after separating from his companions, was reported yesterday, when Mrs. M. Woodhouse met Mr. E. Lodder and informed him that the body of a man, supposed to be that of young Hays, was lying on the beach at the Don. Mr. Lodder came into Devonport and reported the matter (in the absence of Superintendent Scott) to Mr. G. A. Fulton. Instructions were immediately given for the dispatch of a couple of policeman, and Constables Lisinor and Ives were sent out to investigate. They found the body on the Lillico beach, with the face so eaten by fish that it was unrecognizable, and the only means of identifying the deceased was by his clothes, and watch and chain. The body was taken to the Don Hotel, and the watch and chain (to which were attached a few trinklets) to his mother, who immediately recognized them as belonging to her son. Young Hays was about 19 years of age, and was extremely popular, and his sad end is widely regretted. It is somewhat peculiar how the body could have got to the spot where it was found, as Hays was last seen behind Kelcey’s Tiers, and, as the river into which he seems to have fallen is said to be full of snags, it was naturally thought that the body could not have got down to the beach. The circumstances of his death will be inquired into at the Don Hotel this morning, at 11 o’clock. Much sympathy is felt with Mrs. Hays in her distressful bereavement.
The North West Post 2nd May 1903
Mrs. Hays, of the Don, has the sympathy of her old friends at the Forth (writes our correspondent) in her sad bereavement. “Jack” was thought a lot of by the young men of this district.
The North West Post 5th May 1903
The Fatality at the Don
An inquiry into the cause of the death of John Hays, who was lost in the bush about 3 weeks ago, and whose body was found on the Don beach on Friday, was held before Mr. J. H. Innes, Coroner, and a jury, at the Don Hotel on Saturday morning.
Ceila Hayes identified the body of that of her son, John Hays, whom she last saw on April 14, when he went shooting in company with Fred Gibbons and Alfred Woodhouse. She saw the last two mentioned that evening, who, finding her son had not returned, went in search of him. Deceased was 17 years and 11 months old. He has been studying recently, but she did not think that had affected him in any way.
Dr. J. Smith deposed that he had held a post mortem examination on the body of the deceased. He found the upper portion of the cranium entirely gone, and that the brain, also, had disappeared. There were no other marks on the body. The injuries were probably caused from the deceased falling from considerable height on his head. The probability was that deceased was dead before the body got into the water. From the appearance of the body he would say death had occurred about a fortnight ago. It was highly improbable that the skull being missing was due to a gunshot wound. It was more likely caused by a fall from a height. – To the Jury: Though death was due to an accident. A gunshot was scarcely likely to inflict this wound, but it might have been done by the body knocking against the rocks. After re-examining the body, witness said the jaw had been fractured, but no limbs were broken. The skull had gone, right down to the base, and the fingers of the left hand were mangled. The body was greatly decomposed. He was still inclined to adhere to his original belief that deceased fell from a considerable height.
Alfred Woodhouse knew deceased, John Hays. The body viewed was his. Witness and Gibbons went out shooting with the deceased on the day following Easter Monday. They left home about 2 o’clock in the afternoon, and went to the tramline on Kelcey Tier. Stayed there until about sundown. Deceased was about 2 chains away from witness, in the bush. Calling out to him that they were going home, and deceased replied “Alright, I’ll come presently.” Left and came home. Never saw Hays after that. It was almost 7.30 when witness got home. They found out later that evening that Hays had not returned, and a party returned to where he had been left, to search. They could find no sign of him. Did not think there was anything strange about Hays, who was laughing and talking on the way up. None of them were near the Don Bluff that day. From the Don Bridge to where they left deceased would be about 31/2 miles. Had searched for Hays with the police and pointed out the spot where they had left him. Deceased had a gun, and so had Gibbons. Witness did not have a gun. Deceased’s gun had a piece out of the side of it. Hays had seven cartridges, but witness did not see him fire the gun that day. To the Jury: did not speak to anyone on the way to the tiers. Had shown the police the limb on which he stood. Came straight home. Going up, they kept to the bush, but did not shoot anything. Deceased was dressed in a blue sarge suit.
Frank Woodhouse deposed that he found the body on Friday afternoon. He found a coat first, and then went along the beach and found the body. It might have been 100 yards from where the coat was found. The body was not in the water when he saw it. It was laying near the Don heads. Accompanied the police to the spot. A watch and chain were on the body, and also three cartridges. Three (produced) were the ones. Witness had not been around there recently. To the Coroner: Had not made a search for the gun since the finding of the body.
William Listner, constable, deposed that on Friday at the Don, the previous witness pointed out the body of the deceased. It was out of the water, and lying on its back. The spot where the coat was found was also pointed out. The coat was found near level ground, and no one could very well jump off, but about 300 yards further around, near the cliff a man could fall or jump off, and death was likely to be instantaneous. He accompanied the previous witness and others to search for Hays. It would be about 5 or 6 miles from the spot were he was left, to the place where the body was found. Deceased was found about 700 yards from the Don bluff.
The jury, after short deliberation, returned a verdict that death was due to fracture of the skull, but there was no evidence to show how the fracture was caused.
The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon, about 300 people attending from all parts of the district. The coffin was carried from the Don Hotel to the Congregational cemetery, and at the graveside the Rev. D. Brown, on the conclusion of the service, gave an impressive address on the uncertainty of life. While they looked for old people to be cut down it was sad and difficult to understand the mystery which caused such young lives to be taken. But God loved them better than they knew, and they would understand things that were inexplicable to them now in this life beyond.
The North West Post 5th May 1903
Beulah Lavinia Hays
Don Congregational Cemetery
DEATH
HAYS – At Wesley Vale, on September 11, Beulah Lavinia, the beloved wife of G. E. Hays. In her 32nd year.
The Advocate 12th September 1918
FUNERAL
The funeral of the late Mrs. G. E. Hays will leave Wesley Vale THIS DAY (September 13) at 1.30 p.m. for the Don cemetery. Friends please accept this intimation. Jeffrey, Undertaker. (Née Parker)
The Advocate 13th September 1918
LOYAL MERSEY LODGE, No. 6654, I.O.O.F., M.U.
Members are requested to attend the Funeral of the late wife of Bro. George E. Hays, leaving his residence, “Pomona”, Wesley Vale, THIS DAY (Friday), at 1.30 p.m., for interment in Don Cemetery. H. Clayton, P.Sec.
The Advocate 13th September 1918
Wesley Vale
Death of Mrs. G. E. Hays
The grim reaper has been busy in the district of late. Mrs. G. E. Hays, who had been in very indifferent health for some time, passed away on Wednesday afternoon. Mrs. Hays was a daughter of Mr. T. Y. Parker, of Forth, and married some 10 years ago. She has resided since with her husband at Wesley Vale. She was a victim of heart trouble, and though her condition was serious the doctors gave the husband hopes that the life of his wife might be spared to him, and to her young family of three, the youngest being a baby about 12 months old. The greatest sympathy will be extended to Mr. Hayes in his sore bereavement. The funeral takes place this afternoon, leaving at 1.30 for the Don Cemetery.
The Advocate 13th September 1918
The last rites
The funeral of the late Mrs. G. E. Hays, who died at her residence, Wesley Vale, on Wednesday after a long illness, took place at the Don Cemetery yesterday afternoon. Services at the house and grave were conducted by the Rev. W. Dawson, of Latrobe, while there was an exceptionally lengthy cortege. The principal mourners were the bereaved husband (Mr. G. E. Hays), the father (Mr. T. Y. Parker), three brothers (Messrs. J., C., and A. Parker), and brothers-in-law (Hon. H. Hays, M.H.A., and Messrs., F., A., R., and E. Hays). Amongst the many who paid their last tribute to the memory of the deceased lady were members of the I.O.O.F, M.U., of which Mr. Hays is a member. There was a profusion of very fine wreaths, including one from the Oddfellows. The bearers were Messrs. Jas. and W. Cole, H. Gardam and H. Kimberley, and the pall-bearers Messrs. W. Archer, A.G.B. Keene, John Richards, and J. M. Forbes.
The Advocate 14th September 1918
George Hays
Don Congregational Cemetery
DEATH
HAYS – On November 30, at the Albert Hospital, Melbourne, George, beloved husband of Edie Hays, and son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Hays, of Forth Beach, aged 49 years.
The Advocate 2nd December 1929
Forth
Obituary
Sincere sympathy has been expressed with the wife and family of the late Mr. George Hays, whose death occurred in a Melbourne hospital on Saturday, at the age of 49 years. Mr. Hays was a member of one of the best known and respected families in the district, and had been associated with farming for many years. He leaves a wife and seven children, the youngest being twelve months old.
The Advocate 3rd December 1929
Wedding
ORANGE BLOSSOM – A Wedding which excited a great deal of interest was celebrated in the Don Congregational Church on Wednesday afternoon. Both the principals have lived all their lives in the district, and were well known. They were Mr. George Hays, son of Mr. F. H. Hays, of Norfolk Creek, and Beulah Lavinia, third daughter of Mr. Thomas Yaxley Parker, of the same district. The Rev. Benson Barnett was the officiating minister. The bride who was given away by her father was charmingly attired in cream, with the usual wreath and veil, and carried a bouquet of choice flowers. Miss Amy Kimberley was in attendance on the bride, and Mr. Ronald Hays supported the bridegroom. The interior of the church was tastefully decorated with ivy and white flowers, and a pretty white floral wedding bell was suspended from the roof. After the ceremony an adjournment was made to the residence of the bride’s parents, where the wedding breakfast was laid out in a marquee in the garden. Mr. and Mrs. Hays future home is at Forth.
The North West Post 15th May 1908
Elizabeth Hays
Forth Congregational Cemetery
Died 24th July 1915
Age 80 years
Headstone
Mrs. Hays, relict of the late Mr. G. E. Hays of Forth, passed away on Friday evening at the advanced age of 80 years. She was a native of Wiltshire, England and she’s been a resident of Tasmania for over fifty years. She leaves a grown-up family of three sons and three daughters. viz., Messrs. Thos. Hays (New Zealand), Charles Hays (Hobart), Albert Hays (Conara), Mrs. J. Vertigan (West Australia), Misses Emily Hays (New Zealand), and Bessie Hays (Forth). She was an aunt of Mr. Herbert Hays, M. H. A. The funeral took place at the Forth Congregational Cemetery yesterday afternoon, and the respect in which the deceased and her relations is held was demonstrated by the large gathering at the graveside, all parts of the district being represented. The burial service was read by the Rev. W. Owen Lewis of Devonport.
The North-West Post 26th July 1915.
Frederick Henry Hays
Forth Congregational Cemetery
Born at Malmsbury, Wilts England
Died 12 Jan 1913
Age 73 years
H/o Harriet Hays
Headstone
DEATH
HAYS – At his residence, Forth, on the 12th instant. Frederick Henry Hays, in his 73rd year.
The North-West Post 13th January 1913.
FUNERAL
The funeral of the late Frederick Henry Hays will leave his late residence Forth on Tuesday 14th instant at 2pm. For the Congregational Cemetery, Forth. Friends please accept this intimation.
Jeffrey – Undertaker.
Loyal Forth Lodge, I.O.O.F., - No. 2
The members of the above are hereby summoned to meet at the Lodge room on Tuesday at 1.30pm to attend the funeral of the late Secretary, Bro. F. H. Hays.
By order, W. Cash, N. G.
The North-West Post 13th January 1913.
Lodge of Peace, No. 7, T. C.
Members are requested to attend the funeral of our late Chaplain, W or. Bro. F. H. Hays, leaving his late residence Forth, this day at 2pm.
By order of the W. M.
F.M.C.C., Acting Secretary. Penguin. January 13th 1913.
The North-West Post 14th January 1913.
MR. FRED. H. HAYS
One of the pioneers of the Forth district, in the person of Mr. Frederick Henry Hays, passed away yesterday morning at the ripe old age of 73 years, after a short illness. Some twelve months ago, he had a bad turn, which was practically the first sickness during his whole life, and he never properly recovered. However, he was about as usual up to Thursday last, when he was attacked by pleurisy and pneumonia, which was the cause of his death. The late Mr. Hays was a native of Wiltshire, England, and arrived in Tasmania in 1860. He immediately took up his residence on the property at Norfolk Creek, belonging to the late Mr. James Fenton, where he has resided ever since. He was prominently identified with public affairs appertaining to the welfare of the district. He was a prominent member of the Congregational Church, and also filled with credit the position of chairman of the Don Road Trust, of which he was a member for several years. He was a Past Master of the Masonic Lodge, and was for 25 years secretary of the Forth branch of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, which position he held up to the time of his death. The deceased leaves a grown-up family of eight sons and two daughters, including Mr. Herbert Hays, M. H. A. He was a brother of the late Mr. George Hays, of Forth, and Mr. John Hays, chairman of the Emu Bay Butter Factory. The deceased was held in the highest respect throughout the district, and extreme sympathy will be felt for the members of the bereaved family, who are held in high esteem by a large circle of friends. The funeral will take place in the Forth Congregational Cemetery at 2pm. tomorrow. The members of the Forth lodge, I.O.O.F., have been summoned to attend the funeral.
The North-West Post 13th January 1913.
ABOUT PEOPLE
The funeral of the late Mr. F. H. Hays took place at the Forth Congregational Cemetery yesterday afternoon, when the
cortege was a lengthy one, people being present from far and near to pay their last tribute of respect to an old and
esteemed resident of the district. Included in the cortege were councillors from the Leven and Devon municipalities,
and representatives of other public bodies, The Hon. H. A. Nichols, M. L.C., and Mr. G. G. Pullen, M. H. A.
The hearse was preceded by a large number of members of the Independent Order of Oddfellows and the Lodge of Peace,
to both of which the deceased was a prominent member. The chief mourners were the deceased’s six sons, his brothers,
and sons-in-law. The pallbearers were Messrs. R. Gibson, Robert Scott, J. Mills and M. Baulch, four old residents
of the district, and the carriers four members of the I. O.O.F. – Messrs. H. and R. Baulch, T. Heazlewood, and R.
Pearce. The coffin was of polished oak, with solid silver mountings. The Rev. F. A. Woods of Latrobe conducted the
funeral service at the graveside, and Mr. W. Jeffrey had charge of the mortuary arrangements.
The North-West Post 15th January 1913.
G. E. Hays
Forth Congregational Cemetery
Died 26 Jul 1908
Age 66 years
Headstone
DEATH
HAYS - On July 26 at his residence, Hamilton on Forth, George Edward Hays, in his 67th year. He died peacefully.
The North-West Post 27th July 1908.
FUNERAL
The funeral of the late Geo. E. Hays will leave his late residence, Hamilton on Forth, on Tuesday 28th July at 2.30 pm for the Congregational Cemetery. (No flowers by request).
H. Weller Undertaker.
The North-West Post 27th July 1908.
LOYAL FORTH LODGE, I. O.O.F.
NOTICE TO MEMBERS
The Members of the Loyal Forth Lodge, I. O.O.F., No. 2, are hereby summoned to meet at the Lodge-room, on Tuesday July 28 at 1.30 pm to attend the Funeral of our late Secretary and Brother, Geo. E. Hays, P. G. M.
By order – M. Sullivan, N. G.
The North-West Post 27th July 1908.
FUNERAL
In yesterday’s issue it was stated that the funeral of the late Mr. Geo. E. Hays would take place at the Don Cemetery. This should have read the Forth Congregational Cemetery.
The North-West Post 28th July 1908.
ABOUT PEOPLE
Through the death of Mr. George E. Hays, J.P., which occurred at 4.30 pm yesterday afternoon, the Forth loses one of its most useful and respected residents, who has been prominently connected with all public movements for the good of the township. The late Mr. Hays was the prime mover in connection with the petition asking for the creation of a separate municipality at Forth, and much of the success of the movement was undoubtedly due to his energetic efforts. He was one of the first members of the Don Road Trust, and held the position of Chairman for eleven years. He was a Past Master and secretary of the local Masonic Lodge, one of the chartered members of the Loyal Forth Lodge, I. O.O.F. (in which lodge he attained the highest office of Grand Master), he also held the secretaryship during the past few years. He was a native of Malmesbury, County Wiltshire, England, and came to this State and settled at the Forth in the year 1869. He was thus a resident of Hamilton on Forth for 39 years, and during that time saw many changes. The cause of death, which ensued after illness of some nine weeks, was yellow jaundice with internal complications. He has left a widow and grown-up family of three sons and three daughters. The funeral takes place at the Don Congregational Cemetery.
The North-West Post 28th July 1908.
Mr. G. E. Hays of the Forth, who was seriously ill, is reported to be much improved.
The North-West Post 5th June 1908.
Upon enquiry yesterday it was learned that Mr. Geo Hays, who is lying seriously ill at his residence Forth, was not showing signs of improvement. His condition is regarded as extremely critical.
The North-West Post 22nd July 1908.
Feeling reference was made to the death of Mr. G. E. Hays of Forth, at the Leven Council meeting on Saturday, and on the motion of the Warden, seconded, by G. Hobbs, it was decided to forward a letter of condolence to Mr. Hays. At the time of his death Mr. Hays held the position of codlin moth inspector under the council.
The North-West Post 17th August 1908.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
The Rev. Benson Barnett on Sunday morning conducted a service in the Congregational Church in memory of the late Mr. G. E. Hays, taking as his text, “That ye sorrow not as others which have no hope.” The preacher emphasised the fact that the Christian religion excelled all others, as it gave absolute certainty of life after death. He referred to the many public offices that the deceased gentleman had held. Mr. O. Riggs acted as organist and the dead march in Saul was played at the conclusion of the service.
The North-West Post 25th August 1908.
FORTH
A Justice Wanted – Through the lamented death of the late Mr. G. E. Hays, the Forth is left without a resident justice of the peace, and residents feel that one should be appointed. One gentleman’s name has been mentioned, but it is not yet quite clear whether he will accept the position.
The North-West Post 29th July 1908.
Harriet Rebeckah Hays
Forth Congregational Cemetery
Born Launceston 6th May 1845
Died Forth Beach 12 Aug 1916
Age 71 years
W/o Frederick Henry Hays
Headstone
FUNERAL
The funeral of the late Harriet Rebecca Hays will leave her late residence Forth Beach this afternoon at 2pm.
Friends are invited to attend. J. W. Parker – Undertaker.
The North-West Post 14th August 1916.
The death occurred at Leith on Saturday of Mrs. Harriet Rebecca Hays relict of the late Mr. F. H. Hays, who pre-deceased her some three years ago. Deceased was born at Launceston 71 years ago, and after her marriage spent most of her life on the well-known farm at Leith, which is still being worked by a couple of her sons. Her acquaintance with the North-West Coast extended over a period of 50 years, so that she saw many changes in the progress and fortunes of the Coastal towns and back country. Of a quiet and unassuming disposition, she made a wide circle of friends, who are genuinely sorry to lose one who always rang true in every way. Her kindliness of disposition became proverbial amongst her neighbours. Her demise was somewhat sudden, as she had not been seriously ill until a few days from the end. Her husband’s death affected her a good deal, and undoubtedly hastened her end. The deceased was an active member of the Forth Congregational Church. She leaves a family of eleven sons and daughters, viz., Messrs. H. Hays, M. H. A. (Forth), C.A. (North Motton), F. W. (Wilmot), W. E. (New Zealand), A. S. (Sprent), G. E. (Pardoe) and R. and E. (Leith), Mrs. Montague Vertigan (Devonport), and Miss Amy Hays (Forth). Practically all of her sons are engaged in farming pursuits. The funeral takes place today, leaving her late residence at 2pm.for the Forth Congregational Church, Forth.
The North-West Post 14th August 1916.