DEATH OF THE VERY-REV. DR. McDONALD.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 159, 8 July 1890, Page 5

DEATH OF THE VERY-REV. DR. M c DONALD.

A MAORI MISSIONARY.

We regret to chronicle the death, after a short illness, of one of the best known and mosb widely respecbed Roman Cabholic clergy in the colony, tho Rev. Dr. McDonald, brother of Monsignor Walter McDonald, of Panmure. Dr. McDonald had been for a long time past the VicarGeneral of the Maori portion of bhe diocese. The deceased priesb was 63 years of age, but very rocenb news from the north, whore he had been labouring lately, stated that he was in perfect hoalth. He died ab his residence ab Hokianga on Sunday lasb. The'late Dr. McDonald was born in 1827 at Nicholas town, Kilkenny, and was educated ab All Hallows', Dublin, and setting oub for New Zealand afber his ordination as a priest ho arrived in Auckland on March 9th, 1852. His labours in the colony thus extended over a period of 38 years. When he arrived here, the late Dr. Pompallier was Bishop of the diocese. Father McDonald at once entered on his priestly duties, and gave especial attention to the Maori mission, soon acquiring a, thorough knowledge of the native language. He was appointed Vicar-General of .he Auckland diocese, and after Bishop PbmpaUier'a departure he was Adminiabvator, and then was placed in charge of the W aikato disbricb. Archbishop Stains gave him the control of the Maori mission in the whole of the North Auckland district as Vicar Apostolic, and to this he, devoted the last years of his life with .he greatest of earnestness. The Maoris 'everywhere regarded the " Wikario-Hen_rari" with deep affection. The funeral of thelatereverend gentleman will take place on Friday morning next. The remains are to be brought down from the North by the s.s. Clansman on Friday morning, and taken to Sb. Pabrick's Cabhedral, where a solemn Ponbifical Mass will be offered up ab 9.30 a.m.