Obituary VERY REV. DR. V. GEANEY, S.M.

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28840, 10 March 1959, Page 16

Obituary VERY REV. DR. V. GEANEY, S.M.

One of the most widely known Roman Catholic priests In New Zealand and the second director of St. Bede's College, Christchurch, the Very Rev. Dr. Victor Geaney, S.M., died yesterday at Rochester Hall, Christchurch, after a brief illness. Dr. Geaney was born at Pleasant Point, South Canterbury, in 1885. He was educated at the Marist Brothers school, Timaru, and at St. Patrick’s College, Wellington, where h» was an outstanding scholar and athlete. He studied for the priesthood at Greenmeadows seminary and from there he went to Rome to study for his doctorate of divinity. For 10 years he was professor of theology at Greenmeadows and then in 1923 he became the second director of St. Bede’s College, Christchurch. In 1929 he was appointed rector of Greenmeadows seminary and was responsible for the rebuilding of the seminary after the 1931 earthquake. For three years from 1936 he was parish priest at St. Mary’s, Manchester street, Christchurch, and then for seven years was Provincial of the Society of Mary in New Zealand. Failing health led to his giving up administrative work and there followed terms of pastoral work in the parishes of Mount Albert, Auckland, and Blenheim, Timaru and Nelson. This work was dearest to his heart and he will long he remembered for his kindness to the sick and needy. Solemn pontifical requiem mass will be celebrated by the Most Rev. E. M. Joyce, Roman Catholic Bishop of Christchurch, tomorrow morning in St. Mary's Church, Manchester street.

MR J. HAIG (New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, March 8. The father of one of New Zealand’s best known sporting families Mr James Haig, of Kaitangata, died suddenly yesterday. Mr Haig migrated from Scotland to Kaitangata 33 years ago. He was well-known in Otago sporting circles with bowling being his main interest. At the time of his death he was playing in the South Otago champion of champions tournament. However, his greatest pleasure came from the fame gained by his sons Lawrence, Jimmy, Bert and Bill, in sport throughout New Zealand. Jimmy was an All Black in 1946, but he later changed to Rugby League and as half-back he captained New Zealand. He toured Britain with the New Zealand Rugby League team twice and captained New Zealand against Australia in 1953. Lawrence was vice-captain of the New Zealand Rugby team that toured Britain in 1953-54. Bert was halfback for the Otago Rugby team for many years and Bill was an Otago Plunket Shield cricketer for many years. He also represented the South Island.

DR. JOHN HENDERSON

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 9. Dr. John Henderson, director of the Geological Survey of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research from 1928 to 1945, died at his home in Hataltai last week. He was recognised as one of the outstanding authorities on mining in New Zeeland.