Death of Sir P. A. Buckley.

Hastings Standard, Issue 20, 19 May 1896, Page 3

Death of Sir P. A. Buckley.

HIS LAST MOMENTS

EULOGY FROM THE " POST."

[Special to Standard.]

1 Hi/ Icli'/raph—<hvn Cnyn.ipundcnt. / Wki.li.-vOton, this da}'. Very general regret is felt here at the death of Sir Patrick Buckley, who appeared to be making excellent progress until about two days ago, when a relapse occurred, and he gradually sank, passing away yesterday afternoon. Those present at the bedside during his last moments were Lady Bucklev, the Premier, the Colonial Treasurer, the Minister of Lands, Rev. Father Devoy, Rev. Pr. Watters, Rev. Father Lane, and .A. Fitzherbert, brother of Lady Buckley. Sir Patrick practised as a barrister and solicitor in "Wellington for many years, relinquishing business when accepting the Judgeship in December. Last evening's Post writes :—" Sir Patrick Buckley has been a well-known figure in public life for many years past, more particularly so perhaps in recent years. He was a man of a genial, sociable nature, warm-hearted, impulsive, sympathetic almost to a fault, liked alike by friend and opponent. As leader of the Upper House in the Ballance and Seddon Ministries he had to face a hostile majority, and his unfailing good-nature and the kindly personal feeling entertained towards him by the members of the Council assisted him in carrying through the business of the Council on occasions when a less popular and less amiable man might have failed. His recent preferment to the Supreme Court bench was universally admitted to be a wellearned honour, and he was warmly welcomed to that high position by the members of the bar at the different centres that he has visited during his brief term of office. It is needless to say that during that time, and in fact throughout the whole of his public career, he has acquitted himself ably and efficiently, and to him may be deservedly said ' Well done, good and faithful servant.'"