DEATH OF FATHER CROKE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 166, 14 July 1903, Page 2

DEATH OF FATHER CROKE.

The Rev. Father W. J. Croke, of St. Patrick's Cathedral, died at Philadelphia, United States America, on the Bth ulf., on his way Home to Tipperary, Ireland. He was very ill on leaving Auckland, but it was hoped the voyage and change would set him up.

With a a friend named J. P. Fox, Father Croke crossed the Pacific, and by easy stages reached Philadelphia on May 29, for the purpose of sailing two days later for Queenstown on the Belgenland. When they reached the steamer's pier they learned that it would not sail until two more days had passed.

So eager was the young priest to see his parents that the delay disheartened him, and his courage, so long sustained, gave way. Almost immediately his condition became such that his removal to St. Joseph's Hospital followed the same day, and he grew rapidly worse until the end came.

Father Croke, was 32 years of age, and had been iv the priesthood six years. When ordained he came to Auckland, and was stationed at St. Patrick's Cathedral. He was subsequently engaged in missionary Avork in the Waikato. The work necessitated long journeys on horseback, and he suffered many privations, which eventually underminded his health. He fell a victim to consumption, and after treatment at the local hospital of the Sisters of Mercy, Mount Eden, he decided to return to his home in Tipperary, Ireland, where his mother and father still live.

The deceased was very popular in" Auckland, where he made many friends, who will deeply regret his untimely end.