MR PATRICK CURRAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22908, 16 June 1936, Page 9

MR PATRICK CURRAN

Mr Patrick Curran, whoso death occurred at Milton last week, could lay claim to rank amongst the few surviving early settlers of the Tokomairiro district, through a continuous residence of over three score years. He was born at Dublin, Ireland, in 1850, and was thus in his eightieth year. When a youth of 18 years he emigrated to New Zealand in 1874 in the ship Carisbrook Castle on her maiden voyage. Coming to Milton, he worked at different occupations as a carpenter and storeman until eventually he secured employment at the Milburn limewoiks, where he worked continuously for 35 years until he retired in 192.'?. Mr Curran was married to Miss Margaret Keane in 188.'{, and they took up their residence at Hrooklands (Milton) until 1911, when they removed to reside within the boiough. Possessed of an active and happy disposition, Mr Curran took a keen interest in the social activities of the town, and was a prominent member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. He is survived by his widow, three sons —Mr Matthew Curran (railway stationmaster at Tauranga), Mr James Curran (stationmaster at Mosgiel) and Mr Henry Curran (Milton) and two daughters—Misses Catherine and Margaret Curran (both of MUton). The youngest son. Patrick, .vas killed in action in the Great War. There are also nine grandchildren, and. two sisters are still living at his old home in Dublin.

The funeral at Fairfax Cemetery was largely attended, and the service was conducted by the Rev. Father Rooney, assisted by Dr O'Neill (Holy Cross College, Mosg'icl) and the Rev. Father Scanlan (Lawrence).

MR R. F. FOSTER

The death occurred in Christchurch recently of Mr Robert Francis Foster, at the nge of 82. Mr Foster, who is the father of Dr P. Stanley Foster, was an early arrival in New Zealand, and as a business man in Dunedin was well known throughout the Dominion. Born in Deal, Kent, England, in 1851, he travelled with his parents to New Zealand at the age of seven years. He lived with his parents at Tiinaru for some years, later coming to Dunedin, where he soon became prominent in the business world. Mr Foster remained here until after his retirement 10 years ago, later going to Napier.. He went to Christchurch in 1931, and resided there until his .death. Mr Foster had been in failing health for some time. He married Miss Kitty Margaret Carpenter, of Dunedin. There were five sons and two daughters. Those at present living in New Zealand are Mrs\ Leyden Baker, Mrs Emily Morris and Dr P. Stanley Foster, all of Christchurch, Mr 11. C. Foster, of Waimate, and Mr W. T. Foster, of Napier. Mr Foster was keenly interested in music, and \jjjis well known in Dunedin music circles, being for a great many years a member of the Dunedin Choral Society. He was a keen sportsman, playing cricket in his earlier years, and later giving much of his time in umpiring Dunedin games.