OBITUARY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25279, 16 July 1943, Page 3

OBITUARY

MR J. J. KERIN /

The death of Mr John Joseph Kerin at Hawea Flat on July 1 closed a career that was closely identified with the progress of the Upper Clutha Valley for more than half a century. Born at Cardrona in 1884, Mr Kerin went with his parents, Mr and Mrs John Kerin, to Hawea Flat in 1896. His education was received at the Cardrona and Hawea Flat Schools, and after leaving school he worked on his father’s farm until the Great War, in which he served for two and a-half years in France. During his absence on active service his father passed away, dnd on returning to New Zealand he carried on the farm with great success and proved himself to be a capable, methodical and progressive farmer, bringing the property .to a very high state of fertility. Mr Kerin was of a quiet and retiring disposition, but always took a keen and intelligent interest in the affairs of the district. He was a member of the Hawea Domain Board for many years, and was both a keen supporter of, and a successful exhibitor of prize stock at, the Upper Clutha Agricultural Show. In his earlier years he took a keen interest in cricket, and became a dependable and valued member of the local team, being considered to be one of the best all-round cricketers in the district. Staunch as a friend, upright in character, his sterling qualities made him a man to be trusted and followed, and his passing must be regarded as a great blow to the Upper Clutha district. In 1922 Mr Kerin was married to Miss Mary Walsh, of Milton, but she passed away in .1927, a year aftei the death of their only daughter. Mr Kerin is survived by one son, Kevin, and four sisters—Mrs Hallahan (Milton). Misses Bridget and Kate Kerin (Hawea). and Miss Maria Kerin (Christchurch), and one brother, Mr Patrick Kerin (also of Christchurch).