MR PETER T. FINN

It is with feelings of deep regret (says the Southland Times) that Southlanders will learn of the death of Mr Peter T. Finn (brother of Mr^H. J. Finn, of Gisborne), which occurred at Melbourne on the. 4th April. After graduating as M.A. of Dublin University, Mr Finn was admitted to the Bar, and, migrating to Australia, practised as a barrister and solicitor for a number of years m Geelong and Ballarat. It was during this period that Mr Finn took a prominent part m the politics of Victoria. At one time, indeed, be held the office of AttorneyGeneral, but he retained his exalted position for a period of only 24 hours, and Mr Finn often told the story of t)ie political reaction which put his party out of power after a day's regime. About 1877 Mr Finn came to Invercargill, and continued to practise his profession until 1880, when he was joined by Mr R* H. Rattray. About; 12 years ago Mr Rattray bought the business out, and. bis late partner returned to Ballarat, where be continued to practise up to the time of his death. During his sojourn m Invercargill, Mr Finn had the misfortune to lose his wife* a daughter of the late Colonel Champ, Inspector of Victorian Prisons. He. is survived by one son, avlio follows » his profession as an eye and ear specialist at Perth, W.A. Tlie late P. T. Finn was recognised as one of the ablest pleaders, of his time, m the colony. Of splendid literary attainments and extensive legal knowledge, he always commanded the respect and attention of the Court. Springing from a land associated Avith clever tongues, quick, repartee, and" argumentative astuteness, he blended these national characteristics with bis literary ability, and earned a reputation that still survives pleasantly m tbe memory of those with whom he came-* into contact. In the newspaper files of those days are to be found frequent references to bis philosophic and caustic sayings, "to his subtlety m- crossexamination of witnesses, and to the skilful manner m which be handled his briafs. Throughout the years of his In•vercargill practice his name Avas always to be found figuring at sittings of the lower courts and the Supreme Court. Generally he was opposed to Mr F. WWade, who still resides m Invercargill, and when these tAvo legal champions measured swords the contest was a strenuous one. Many people will recall the cattle-stealing case m which the accused woman was defended by Mr Finn. The public interest m this case was raised to its highest pitch, and Mr

Finn's brilliant hut unsuccessful appeal to the jury was the outstanding feature of one of the most remarkable trials ever held m Invercargill. Although many years have passed since Mr Finn left Invercargill, the many friendships he formed m those days remained, and the news of his death will be the cause ol regret to many.

(Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, this day. The death is announced of Mr John Richard Jones, director of the Union S.S. Company, and son of one of Otago's earliest and most prominent settlers.