OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22742, 30 November 1935, Page 13

OBITUARY

MR JOHN KEARNEY The death occurred on November 6 at His residence, Springfield Farm, Eanfurly, of Mr John Kearney, one of the oldest and most esteemed settlers of the Maniototo Plain. Mr Kearney, who was 83 years of age, was born near Portglennone, County Antrim, Ireland, and in 1871, at the age of 19 years, he came to New Zealand. He found his first employment at Nelson, and later he made his way south to Christchurch, remaining there for a time. He then travelled to tho Eweburn (the original name of the district now known as Eanfurly),

and for a few years he worked with his cousin, the late Mr Patrick Kearney. When the Eweburn Station was subdivided Mr Kearney was an applicant, and he secured the block on which he built iiis first homestead, which was later replaced with the present modern home, and he gradually added to his holding. In the early years of his farming experience, the district lacked many of the facilities it now possesses. There was no railway and stock for the markets had to be driven long distances, and Mr Kearney on more than one occasion, with other settlers, drove cattle to the yards at Burnside. He was also engaged with his horse teams on contract work on the railway when it was being extended to Eanfurly and in contract ploughing. Mr Kearney was a man of very sound judgment and, though he did riot take any part in public affairs, his advice was often sought and in matters of public necessity his financial support was never wanting. His wife predeceased him 14 years ago and his eldest son was killed in the Great War. He leaves a family of one son, Mr Hugh Kearney, Eanfurly, and four daughters, Mrs F. A. Laloli and Mrs J. H. Waight, jun., Eoxburgh, Mrs P. J. Convery, Waimate, and Mrs A. M‘Kay, Otoko.