MR. PATRICK O'DEA

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 94, 22 April 1935, Page 3

MR. PATRICK ODEA

LAWYER, SPORTSMAN,

ASTRONOMER

One of the best-known men of Taranaki, Mr. Patrick ODea, M.A:, LL.B., F.R.A.S., died last week at Hawera at the age of 60 years. Of a markedly jovial and kindly disposition he was regarded with esteem and respect wherever he made public or professional contact: Known chiefly as a barrister possessing a deep understanding of human motives and using that in conjunction with, assiduous reading of the law, he enjoyed a long and successful career in the courts. He waa of a studious bent and turned his well-stocked library to practical use. During the past three or four years his health had-not been good and he was prevented from taking his usual active interest in affairs. He commenced as a school teacher, transferred to the law, and supplemented his practice by study of astronomy; and 15 years ago he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. For all his learning he was humble and a true lover of the humanities. In any situation he possessed ; a fund of good nature and humour. | Mr. ODea was born in County Limerick, Ireland, in 1875, and was the son of the late Mr. James ODea, for many years a ganger on the New Zealand railways. The family arrived in Manutahi in 1835, and it was at that school that Mr. ODea received his early education. In 1889 he won a scholarship and continued his studies at Hawera and later-at Auckland University College. In 1905 he graduated M.A., and two years later LL.B. Before that he was a schol teacher for 18 years, including a period as headmaster of the Patea District High School. In 1908 he was admitted to the Bar, and for a few years practised his profession on his own account. In 1932 Mr. ODea, with his son, Mr. JR J ODea, established th,e present firm of ODea and O'Dea. He was a member of the.Hawera branch of the Taran.aki Law Society from 1903 until his death and was president of the organisation in 1918. His sporting activities were confined mainly to Rugby football and boxing. For many years he was a prominent Rugby player, and subsequently a referee. He was a member of the Taranaki Rugby Union and also of the Rangitikei sub-union. He was one of the foundation members of the Hawera Boxing Association. , ~ . For many years he represented this district as a member of. the Wanganui Education Board. In 1911 he contested the Patea seat at the General Election, being defeated by Mr. G. V. Pearce. As an astronomer he was recognised as an authority. He wrote extensively on the subject. Ec was a member of the council of the New Zealand Astronomical Association and was. also a member of the British Astronomical Association for approximately 20

yCHis other hobbies included a study of seismology, and anthropology, while he endeavoured to transfer his enthusiasm in astronomy to others by delivering lantern lectures on the subject in all parts of the district. To the younger members of the legal profession Mr. ODea was always encouraging, and-he endeavoured to assist many along in their careers. Mr ODea married in 1907 a daughter of Mr. A. Keith, of Sanson, and there are four sons and one daughter, together with Mrs. ODea, to mourn are Dr. James ODea (Napfer), Messrs. kichardl CHgg£ Daniel (Taumarunui), and PatncK Sea (Hawera), and the daughter is Miss Molly ODea (Hawera).