OBITUARY.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 90, 15 April 1908, Page 5

OBITUARY.

SAMUEL ALEXANDER

CONNOLLY

. After .a long period of declining j health, marked by several anxious | stages, Mr_ S. A. Connolly passed away at his residence in Alabama Road early this morning. The deceased, who was a native of Dublin, Ireland, was trained as a telegraph operator in the Irish service. While still quite young, he came out to New Zealand, principally with the object of benefiting his health. He secured an appointment in the New Zealand telegraph service, taking up a position as operator in the Dunedin office. Subsequently he came to the Blenheim^ffiee, and after a short time was transferred to Warkworth, in the Auckland district, where he acted as the postmaster. Being reappointed to the Blenheim telegraph staff some fifteen years ago, he served in that sphere until October, 1906, when, after three months' leave, for illness, he was retired on compassionate - allowance. He ■ £nen . sei up a milk farm in Alabama Road, in which he proved successful, while at the same-time' his health appeared to improve. His end was not unexpected, however,, and he passed away quietly after an anxious night. The'late Mr Connolly., apart.from his profession as a telegraphist—^and subeditors can testify to the excellence of his handwriting, arrangement oi paragraphs, a,nd general style—was' extremely popular, having 1 -formeflv taken an active part in nearly every musical, athletic arid Masonic institution in Blenheim. He was a member of the Hibernian Band, the Blenheim Choral Society, the Wairau Operatic Society, and the Anglican choir; while his interest, in?athletics may be indicated from his member™F., of the Wairau Cricket Club. Marlborough , Rugby " Union, an=l Hibernian Sports Committee and other bodies. In Masonry the deceased held, the offices at different periods.of secretary of Lodge Unanimity and Master and secretary of the Lodge Wairau. Before coming to meuheim he was master of the lod^e at Warkworth, Auckland. The period °* the late Mr Connolly's service in tee New Zealand telegraph service , was-28 years. Deceased, v/bo married a.: daughter of Mr J. Rayner, sen., leaves a widow and soven children (five sons and .two''daughters) to mourn the loss of a loving husband and father.