WIDE CAREER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22319, 2 May 1947, Page 6

WIDE CAREER

LATE MR. O’REGAN FARMHAND TO JUDGE Born of Irish parents on the Charleston goldfields in 1869. the late Mr. P. J. O'Regan, whose death occurred in Wellington last week, was taken to Inangahua in 1873, where his people acquired a farm. He had only nine montns’ tormai education, wnen he was 15. and when he attended the Anaura academy of a French priest, i'atner Roiland, Mr. O’Kegan tnen went to Taranaki lor two years. On returning to Inangahua, Mr. O'negan pursued his studies alter work, in addition to his tarm work and studies, Mr O'Regan undertook road contracts, cut busn tracks, prospected and occasionally played Rugby lootbali. Journalist and Lecturer. At the age of 22 lie became editor ol liie ijuaruian in Reeilon, and later ot me lnangauua i’imes. At tne age ol 24 he unsuccessfully contested a oy-eiection tor inanganua wiui £>*r iiooert Stout. An ardent advocate ot taxation on land values and proportional representation, he tourea tne- worili island lecturing. He was encouraged it. Ins views at Auckland oy Sir ueurge Grey, wiio -was 100 old and infirm to participate ui the next Parliament lloa.J), to which Mr. O Regan was elected and in winch nt was ne youngest member. At the time of his death Mr. O'Regan and Mr. vV. H. Montgomery iLiitie River) were the o: ly surviving . members of that Parliament. Before the next election (in 1896), ti'.e Inangahua e.educate was abolished and Mr. O’Regan won the tiulier seat, only to be defeated lor it in 1899. Three years later he contested Wellington City, a three member constituency, but was fourth on the list of candidates. In 1897, Mr. O'Regan married Miss Clara Haycock, of Ngalimoti. With her he came to Wellington and maintained ins tamily bv the practice of journalism while studying law which he began to practise in 1905 He was ait authority on compensation lor accidents. His contention that victims of the Napier earthquake came under the compensa tion was upheld by the Privy Council. Views On Rating An enthusiastic admirer ol the Amen can. Henry George as eaily as 1902, Mr O'Regan was largely responsible lor Wellington City adopting rating on unimproved values. In 1927 he canvassed Wellington and secured thousands ol signatures to a petition which resulted in an extension of the system ol local taxation on unimproved values A former chairman of ilie Wellington Conciliation Board. Mr O'Regan became a judge of the Arbitration Court in 1937. When arbitration and com pensation proceedings were separated he retained his association with the Compensation Court, from which he retired, after seva-al extensions of service beyond the age limit. Last year lie was appointed to the Legislative Council. Mr O’Regan is survived by his widow; by bis sons. Mr P. J. O’Regan. of Inangahua- Mr Cornelius O'Regan, of Wellington, Mr Roiland O'Regan, of Wellington: and bv his daughters. Mrs W P. Dowling, of Christchurch and Sister Mary Campion, of the Mercy Order, Wellington