OBITUARY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 30 January 1928, Page 9

OBITUARY.

MR. JAMES J- CONNELL

After a long illness one of the pioneer settlers of the district passed to his rest on Sunday in the person of Air. J. J. Connell, of Hawera, at the age of 73 years. For some years his health had* been failing, and six months ago he was stricken with illness and gradually sank. Despite all that care and skill could do for him, he passed away quietly At his residence in Hawera. A soldier and a. .settler whose association with Taranaki dates back to 1876, Air. Connell joined the Armed Constabulary in that year, after a period of service at Waihi (Nonnanby), and continued in that branch of the forces' for several yeans, during which time he had many exciting experiences due to the troubles with the Alaoris of the coast, who were resisting the confiscation of their land. One of his many experiences was the arresting of the murderer of Aliss Dobie at Opunake in 1882. While with that force, Air. Connell achieved a deserved reputation for prowess in athletic sports, cricket, footfall, running, wrestling, and boxing, and his name is known all over the province for the distinction he thus won. He was interested in racing, and used to ride a good deal in early meetings, held near Opunake. T.ater in life, when he had settled in Hawera, he bred several good ones, including Haydn (Sou’wester —Myra-), which won the Grand National in 1961, Sydenham Hurdles in the same year and the Great Northern Hurdles and Steeples in 1962. The late Air. Connell came to Hawera. about 35 years ago., when he opened .up a, bakery business, after which lie was in the Hawera Hotel, now the Central Hotel, for about three years. lie is survived by a largo family living in the district.