FUNERAL OF MR O’BRIEN

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25305, 3 October 1947, Page 8

FUNERAL OF MR O’BRIEN

Large Attendance At Greymouth

“DEDICATED LIFE TO WESTLAND”

From Our Own Reporter GREYMOUTH, October 2.

“His mortal remains will rest alongside the men and women whose sacrifices won for their children the beautiful land of Westland and unearthed .for them its treasures—a fitting resting j)lace indeed for the dear departed, for Jie, a descendant of the O’Briens of Thomond, was a son of a pioneer of ■{Westland and he dedicated his life ever since he came here to enhance the inheritance the pioneers had bequeathed; he dedicated his life to Westland,” said the Rt. Rev. Monsignor J. Kennedy, D.D., of Christchurch, in the panegyric at the conclusion of Solemn Requiem Mass for Mr James O’Brien in St. Patrick’s Church, Greymouth, today. The public life of Mr O’Brien had its beginning in Greymouth, said Monsignor Kennedy. With very few of the advantages that were the lot of the young to-day, he rose to the highest positions in the life of New Zealand. He was trained in speaking and debating in the literary society and Miners’ Institute. Service in Parliament “The experience he gained won him the people’s confidence and he was elected over and over again as member of Parliament,” said Monsignor Long. It was then he was seen in his true light—he became the friend of all and he was proud to be the servant of all. To him all came with their difficulties. He had an intimate knowledge of their problems. His sympathy with all was sincere, and his help prompt and generous.

“He reached, by sheer merit, the responsible position of a Minister of the Crown, and his services were extended to the whole of the Dominion. His early experience stood him in good stead and he was ever eager to promote legislation for the betterment of the conditions of the workers.

“Many to-day throughout the country whose burden has been lightened by the introduction of the invalidity pension revere his memory as its author.”

Monsignor Kennedy concluded by offering heartfelt condolence to the sorrowing widow in her irreparable loss. Throughout his public life she had shared her husband’s highest ideals of Christian charity and service. To all Mr O’Brien’s associates in Parliament he offered heartfelt sympathy in the death of a devoted and loyal colleague and friend. Thousands Attend Funeral

There* was an attendance of several thousand at the funeral. Light rain fell early this morning but bright sunshine broke through the clouds just before the long procession moved away from the church. The hearse was followed by four large lorries carrying hundreds of ■wreaths. The Prime Minister (Mr P. Fraser), other members of the Cabinet, and the Leader of the Opposition (Mr S. G. Holland) were pall-bearers. Mr P. C. Webb, the former Minister of Mines, attended Mass and a special parking place was provided for his car at the graveside. Mr R. Semple, Minister of Works, was not present. The celebrant of the Mass was the Rt. Rev. Monsignor J. Long, the Rev. Father Triffle, C.S.S.R., was deacon, the Rev. Father J. Holohan, of Woolston, sub-deacon, and the Rev. Father V. Flaherty was master of ceremonies. The Mass was sung by girls of St. Mary’s School. Pupils of the Marist Brothers’ and Convent Schools formed a guard of honour as the procession moved from Chapel street into Tainui street which was lined by thousands of people. The procession was led by the Greymouth Municipal Band. Immediately behind thd hearse and the trucks of flowers was the representative of the Governor-General (Major the Hon. Neville Wigram, Military Secretary), Mrs O’Brien, and other relatives, the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and the Leader of tne Opposition, members of Parliament, and Legislative Councillors.

Official Party of 300 <mn lft £ cai i s were re Q u ired to carry the jsuu official representatives, including members of national and local organisations, the Labour Party, departmental officers, workers’ and employers organisations, and local authorclose and associates of Mr O Brien. Buses and private cars followed to form one of the longest luneral processions ever seen in Greymouth.

The burial service at the graveside was conducted by Monsignor Long, as*lsted by Monsignor Kennedy. After the grave had been filled in there was a magnificent floral carpet over an area of 500 square feet. Although there was a large attendance, with hundreds of motor vehicles, the arrangements made by Mr F. B Stephens, of the Department of Internal Affairs, worked smoothly. The funeral procession was controlled by radio cars. y

Visiting members of Cabinet, Parliaa?*d u the u pper House returned whinh r iS? hl ? <^ h an by the s P ecial train which left at 1.30 p.m., many of them Proposing to return- to the North Island on the steamer express t&s evening. Appreciation of the broadcast of the contail ?ed in a large number of telegrams which have already been received at Greymouth from all parts £rn N d W ? e .l land 'v The ceremonv was broadcast through Station 3ZR, Greymouth and through two of the main national stations, 2YA and 3YA bv means of a landline to Christchurch. Reception was perfect.