While rabbit-shooting at Governor's Bay early yesterday morning Thomas Cureton Hatton, a well-known Lyttelton business man, met his death apparently through the accidental discharge of the gun he was carrying, whilst getting through a wire fence. The body was discovered about 6.20 o'clock last evening.
Hatton, who owned a printing business in the port, had a bach at Governor's Bay. It was his custom, when staying there, to go out for a shot before breakfast. Yesterday morning Mr C.P. Jones of the Governor's Bay motor service, called at Hatton's shop in Lyttelton to see him. He was told that Hatton had not arrived at work, In the afternoon Mr Jones called at the bach, and found deceased's cycle and boots all ready apparently for Hatton to go in to Lyttelton, On the table was a breakfast set. Mr Jones met Constable Mannix, who was out at the Bay on other business and the two set out to search for Hatton. About a mile from the bach, in a gully beside a rabbit-proof fence. One leg of the trousers was torn, indicating that deceased had one leg through the fence when the gun, a .32 calibre single shot rifle, went off. The bullet had entered the mouth and penetrated the brain. Death must have been instantaneous. The was removed to Lyttelton, where an inquest will be held to-day.
The last Mr Hatton was born in Lyttelton about 47 years ago, was an esteemer [sic] citizen of the port. In the Volunteering days he was an enthusiastic member of the old N Battery, and was a noted rifle shot. He was a member of St. Saviour's Church, of which he was for some years a churchwarden, and latterly a lay reader. He was also at one time choirmaster at Holy Trinity church. He was Past Master of the Masonic Lodge of Unanimity No. 3, having been a W.M. in 1913. At the time of his death he was Grand Bible Bearer of the Grand Lodge of N.Z. He was P.Z. of the Albert Edward Royal Arch Chapter, and was holding the office of Scribe E. He was also a prominent Oddfellow, being a Past N.G. of the Loyal City of Norwich Lodge. He was a single man, his only surviving relative being a sister, Mrs Law, of Horse Shoe Lake road, Burwood.
Source: PapersPast Press, 11 March 1926, Page 8
CHRISTCHURCH. This Day.
Thomas Cureton Hatton, head of the well-known firm of Lyttelton printers, was found dead last night at Governor's Bay with a wound in the head and a rifle lying alongside the body.
Source: PapersPast Stratford Evening Post, 11 March 1926, Page 5
CHRISTCHURCH, this day.
Thomas Cureton Hatton, head of a well-known Lyttelton firm of printers, was found dead last evening, at Governor's Bay with a wound in his head and a rifle lying alongside the body. The Police believe that he accidentally shot himself while getting over a fence.
Source: PapersPast Auckland Star, 11 March 1926, Page 6