was perfectly consistent with, the statements of the
mandore and the boy Oodeen. I t was inconsistent
with the theory that one of the other rifles might have
accidentally exploded, as Frank Hatton was taller than
any of the natives, and the bullet had entered from
above. Further, it seems that the men acted on a
general order from Mr. Hatton never to carry their
weapons loaded, and only to load when there was
something to shoot at. Questioned as to Mr. Hatton’s
relations with his men, Mr. Beveridge said, “ Mr.
Hatton was on the very best of terms with his men ;
they would do anything for him. Half of them were
crying.” A native said, “ Mr. Hatton always cleaned
his own g u n ; we were afraid to touch it.” Ungong,
another native, said he arrived on the scene with Mr.
Beveridge, four or five minutes after they heard the
shot. Mr. Hatton was dead. We all cried. I had
been with Mr. Hatton a year. We all said, ‘ Better we
had died than this.’ ” The jury, which consisted of
twelve Europeans, recorded the following verdict
The jury are of opinion that Trank Hatton came by his death from
the accidental discharge of his rifle on the evening of the 1st of
March while returning from elephant shooting at Sugoon Tukol,
which is situated about sixty miles up the Segama Eiver, and about
160 miles by water from Sandakan, and whilst he was pushing aside
a vine with the aid of said loaded rifle carried in his hand.
The jury much deplore the sudden death of Mr. Hatton,who, as an
explorer and mineralogist, had proved himself of much value to the
British North Borneo Company and to the world generally, and on
account of his many social qualities.
Governor Treacber in bis despatch pays a higb
tribute to tbe deceased, “ whose reports of journeys
in tbe interior, and of metalliferous researches,” he
says, “ amidst circumstances of much difficulty and
oftentimes of personal danger, will remain as reliable
records in the annals of the North Borneo Company.
He was devoted to the work he had in hand, and his
scientific attainments made him enthusiastic in his
interesting pursuits. Personally his amiability endeared
him to all who came in contact with him—
he was as popular among his brother officers as he
was trusted among tbe natives (who followed him so
faithfully to his death) in his inland journeys.” Mr.
ELOEUBA, THE CHI EE SETTLEMENT IN NOKTH BOBNEO.
Drawn by E . J. MetJcer. (From a Photograph, by Mr. Poison.)
Resident Pryer bears equally high testimony to the
brilliant beginning and promising fu tu re ” of the
deceased, in concluding which he says, “ Mr. Hatton s
geographical notes will be of great value, and his
name will be attached to the first correct chart of the
Kinabatangan River.”
The remains of fhe young scientist were interred at
Elopura on the 4th of March, followed to the grave by