CITIZEN'S DEATH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 189, 12 August 1933, Page 6

CITIZEN'S DEATH.

MR. JAMES JOSEPH O'BRIEN. LEADING TIMBER MERCHANT. One of- the -most highly-esteemed resi« dents of Auckland for many years past, Mr. James Joseph O'Brien, died last ni"lit at'his home, . Cintra, Symonds Str6et, aged 79 years. Mr. O'Brien had been in. failing health for some time, but was actively engaged in business till almost the last. Born in Wellington, lie was a son of Mr. Daniel O'Brien, who was a veterinary surgeon. His father belonged to the 65th Regiment and served in the Maori War. Mr. J. J. O'Brien was educated privately at Wellington and New Plymouth. He came to Auckland in his early teens, and was married in 1884 at St. Patrick's Cathedral to Miss S. O'Hare, daughter of Mr. Edward O'Hare. The officiating minister at the wedding was the Rev. Father Walter McDonald and Father (now Bishop) Liston.

Mr. O'Brien started his connection with the timber industry at Coromandel with. the late Sir Alfred Cadman. In the early 'seventies he made a start in Auckland. He first worked with the late Mr.' C. A. Harris, afterwards with Mr. G. W. Holdsliip, whoso business eventually merged into tha Auckland Timber Co., Ltd., Mr. O'Brien holding the position of chief salesman for some years. . Then the Kauri Timber Company was formed, absorbing the three existing kauri .timber firms. For 00 years Mr. O'Brien was connected with the development of the timber industry in the Auckland Province, his first big enterprise being when, with Mr. W. B. Leyland, they founded the Ley land-O'Brien Timber Company over 50 years ago. Mr. O'Brien was ever closely identified with the commercial life of Auckland city and province, having been director of quite a number of companies. His probity and generosity caused him to be respected by all sections of the community. In company with his wife, Mr. O'Brien on several occasions visited Australia, Europe and the United States, and used to speak with enthusiasm of his -visits to Rome and Ireland—the home of hia people. At all times he took a keen interest ill every cause connected with the welfare of Ireland, but he was also a keen Imperialist. He was looked upon as a leader in the Catholic community of this, city, having been an intimate friend as well as adviser of several bishops. He was a generous benefactor of various religious and charitable objects in the community. ' t . Mrs. O'Brien survives her' husband. Mrs. Webb, of Papatoetoe, is a sister. Requiem Mass will ce offered on Monday morning at St; Patrick's Cathedral, after which a private interment will take place at Hillsboro'.