Obituary

NZ Truth, Issue 731, 21 June 1919, Page 2

Obituary

Mr- Michael Donnelly. (From "Truth's" Christchurch Rep.) Quite a gloom was cast m legal circles on Friday last when it became known: that Mr. Michael Donnelly a'prominent, highly respected, and a leading legal, light had gone to plead before the! greatest of all Judges. Mr. Donnelly •had not enjoyed good health for at least j a couple of years, and during the week ! preceding his death, he became ill and : eventually passed away at his .home in' Salisbury-street at noon on Friday of' last week. Mr. Donnelly, as a youth, came to I New Zealand from Tasmania, and join- ; ed the 'reporting staff of the Otago "Daily Times," and rapidly rose to the position of chief reporter. Later he came to Christchurch where he filled ■ the position of sub-editor 1 on "The Press" and his next move was to the editorship of the "Telegraph." But while engaged m journalism Mr. Donnelly also studied law and m 1885 he qualified as a solicitor and five years' later was admitted as a barrister at the Supreme Court. He soon proved his ability, and ; became recognised as one of the best criminal lawj r ers m the land. During his later years Mr. Donnelly occupied the position of president of the Canterbury Law Society, and on two occasions contested Parliamentary elections as a candidate 'for the Christchurch seat, though beaten each time. Always recognised as . a clean fighter, and a man of honor, Mr. Donnelly made many friends, all of whom will extend sympathy to 'deceased's widow and family m their loss. . ■ . ■