OBITUARY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 125, 11 March 1950, Page 4

OBITUARY

MR PETER O’CONNELL Mr Peter O’Connell, aged 70, died yesterday in Christchurch. The day was the fifty-fourth anniversary of his connection with the firm of A. J. White, Ltd. Mr O’Connell joined the firm as office boy on March 10, 1896 He was appointed secretary in 1915 and manager in 1941. At the time of his death he was general manager and managing director, but from the beginning of 1949 had been ,on leave of absence.

Mr O’Connell, who was born in Christchurch, was associated with extensive Roman Catholic activities in the city for many years. He was secretary of the Cathedral School Committee for 30 years. He was the organiser of functions for apostolic delegates and visiting church dignitaries, and also convener of all Catholic debutante balls in the city. Church bazaars in the depression years were organised by Mr O’Connell. He was also president ai;d organiser of the Catholic Men’s Luncheon Club.

An original member and one of the founders of the Christchurch Businessmen’s Club, Mr O’Connell was also a past-president of the club. He was a Justice of the Peace for 22 years. .<■ , Mr O’Connell is survived by his wife, nine children and 15-grand-children. Two of his daughters are nuns of the Sisters of the Mission. One is Sister Mary St. Francesca, of Ashburton, and the other Sister Mary Josefph, of Takaka.