DEATH OF MR. JOHN SHEEHAN, M.H.R.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7353, 13 June 1885, Page 5

DEATH OF MR. JOHN SHEEHAN, M.H.R.

I " /._■•' -—♦ ■. . ",.: i The suspense of the last two days is now | over—Mr. John Sheehan died at Petane, t near Napier, between four and fire o'clock yesterday afternoon. Although Mr. Sheehan has not been a resident in Auckland for several years, and has been for some considerable time out of Parliament and out of public life, it would be difficult to name anyone for whose death more deep sorrow ' will be felt. Mr. Sheehan had been born in Auckland, and had here at an early age manifested the extraordinary talents which he possessed. He had every quality to make him known and liked. He was clever, witty, good humoured, liberal, having no malice within him, faithful in his friendships. No one could possibly harbour dislike to him. And thus it was that, when news came of his dangerous illness, there was a widespread concern, and inquiries as to his condition were incessant at our office. Mr. John Sheehan was the eldest son of the late Mr. David Sheehan, one of the early settlers, arid who for many years was a member of the Provincial Council. Mr. Sheehan received his education in part from Mr. R. J. O'Sullivan, now Inspector of Schools, and among his school-fellows were Mr, Mitchelson, M.H.R. for Marsden, and Mr. Cadman, M.H.R. for Coromandel. Having finished his education, Mr. Sheehan commenced the study of the law under the late Mr. Wynn, who was a very able lawyer. During the Waikato campaign of 1363, Mr. Sheehan served as a sergeant in the Auckland Cavalry Volunteers. In 1869 he entered into provincial politics, and was returned for the Northern District, which district his father had formerly represented in the Provincial Council. During Mr. {now Judge) Gillies' superintendency, Mr. Sheehan became Goldfields Secretary in the Provincial Administration, He had prior to this carefully trained his great natural capacities for oratory and for debating in the Auckland Catholic Institute, of which he was a leading member, and these he fully displayed in the Provincial Council. His ability in making a set speech was only surpassed by his skill as a debater, and his adroitness in all the niceties of repartee and discussion.

When Mr. Farnall resigned his seat for the Northern Division in the General Assembly during the Vogeiian r6gime, in order to become an immigration agent under the immigration scheme, Mr. Sheehan stood for the vacant seat, and was elected without opposition. In the subsequent general election, he was returned for the electoral district of Rodney. When Sir George Grey entered into colonial politics, and began to attract a party around him, Mr. Sheehan became Sir George's lieutenant, and was one of the moving spirits of the new organisation, and one of the most active members of what was termed the Young New Zealand party in the ejection of Major Atkinson from office in 1877. In the Grey administration, which succeeded, he was a prominent member, holding the portfolios of Native Affairs, of Defence, and of Justice. At the general election of 1579, Sir George Grey and Mr. Sheehan were returned for Thames goldfields unopposed. Immediately on the reassembling of Parliament, the Grey Ministry was ejected from office, and a resolution proposed by Mr. (now Sir John) Hall, to the effect that the constitution of the Ministry was not satisfactory to the House. At the last general election he was defeated by Mr, Ormond. For some time past Mr. Sheehan has devoted himself to his profession, practising principally in the various Native Land Courts of the North Island, in which he had a large and lucrative practice, but resided at Napier. On the elevation of Captain Morris, M.H.R., member for the Tauranga district, to the Upper House, Mr. Sheehac became a candidate for the vacant seat, and after a severe contest, defeated his opponent, Mr. W. Kelly, by 12 votes. Mr. Sbeehan, after his election, paid a visit to Auckland, and only lefi on Thursday week last, for Wellington, via Napier. He had received many congratulatory telegrams from members on both Rides of the House on his return to political life, and his re-entry into the General Assembly, and was looking forward with high hopes to taking a- prominent part in the debates during the present session of the Assembly. Fate has decreed otherwise. Mr. Sheehan leaves a widow, but no issue. The surviving members of his family are : A brother (Mr. William Sheehan, of Hobson-street), and four sisters. Two of his sisters are married : one to Mr. Richard Dignan, of H.M. Customs; and another to Mr. J. B. Graham, local manager of the Colonial Insurance Company. The Misses Sheehan and Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Graham left yesterday afternoon by the Waihora for Napier, but will only arrive in time to attend the obsequies of the deceased gentleman. A telegram received la.it night states that Mr. Sheehan died at Petane at twenty minutes past four in the afternoon from inflammation of the brain. The funeral,- it is believed, will take place on Monday next. It is understood that deceased made his will some time ago, and appointed Mr. Peter Dignan, solicitor, and Mr. John King, commission agent, of this city, his executors. We give a portrait of the deceased gentleman in to-day's supplement. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENTS.] Thames, Friday.—Universal regret is expressed at the death of Mr. John Sheehan. Taoranga, Friday.— Profound sorrow is expressed here at the news of Mr. Sheehan's illness. [Intelligence of his death had not reached Tauranga when our correspondent's telegram was despatched.] Wellington, Friday. —General regret is expressed at Mr. Sheehan's death.