Joseph Hickey born Sept 1876 in Liverpool was my great grandfather. It had been rumoured that he died in New Zealand. His wife was the very beautiful Kate Hickey nee Madden and they had 2 boys,(my Grandfather) Patrick aged 6 and John aged 4 at the time of his death back home in Liverpool.It has been a complete mystery as to what happened to him until
Found the post in the Auckland Star Newspaper dated Friday June 16th 1905
re: The Wharf Mystery.. The Silent Onlooker. Was regarding an incident late Tuesday night 13th June 1905 two men found beneath the water at No 3 jetty,Quay Street, Auckland Harbour. The findings of the inquest were that it was supposed Joseph Hickey a marine fireman, was trying to save the man William Marshall from drowning but met his own death. (Hickey had jumped in to save a man from drowning on a previous occasion)
Hickey was unconscious from head injuries and died at 7.35 am the next morning -Wednesday 14th June 1905 at the Hospital. A notice in the same paper stated the funeral of Joseph Hickey was held on Saturday 17th June 1905 ,leaving from the residence of Mr C. Little of Marble Arch, Hobson Street for Waikaraka Cemetery,Onehunga.
( Mr C. Little was the local funeral director)
Tricia.