PIONEER SETTLER

Opunake Times, 10 September 1937, Page 2

PIONEER SETTLER

PUBLIC FAREWELL SERVICES TO DISTRICT Qualifying easily for the title of "pioneer" in his connection with Upunake and district, Mr A. O'Brien received the farewell tributes of fellow residents last evening. The ceremony was held jointly with the final Catholic euchre party in St. Patrick's Hall.

A New Zealander by birth, Mr | O'Brien came to Opunake from Wellington in 1891 to build the first jetty for the port, and has since lived in this centre serving a valuable purpose as a citizen. During his lengthy term of residence, Mr O'Brien fulfilled the duties of Town Clerk, and occupied the secretarial offices at various times on the Parihaka Road Board, Opunake Electric Power Board and Opunake Harbour Board. He continued in the building trade until recent years, designing and supervising the erection of many of the buildings in Opunake and district. He leaves now for Wellington, where he will reside with

his son, Mr A. tf. O'Brien. As convenor, His Worship the Mayor, Mr A. J. Brennah, presided at the ceremony last night, Rev. Father Quealy, representing the Catholic community, of which Mr O'Brien was a member, being associated with him. An apology for absence from Mr and Mrs M. Hickey was read. A record of public service, unequalled in Taranaki, was possessed by the guest of honour, said Mr Brennan, for Mr O'Brien had been actively associated with several local bodies in the district. His first acquaintance with the guest went back to boyhood days, continued the speaker, and it was somewhat strange to preside at his farewell. In his term of residence, Mr O'Brien had seen Opunake grow from a small township to attain the status of a borough, and, in that growth, he had played 'a considerable part. It was with deep regret that he farewell - ed so old and valued a friend and such a highly esteemed citizen, concluded the Mavor.

As a comparative newcomer, he had been particularly interested in the story Mr O'Brien had to tell concerning the growth and progress of the congregation of the parish, of which he might justly be termed a pioneer member, said Rev. Father Quealv. He likened the story to the parable of the mustard vseed. In discharging the duties of citizenship, Mr O'Brien had been exemplary, continued the speaker, and he had won a high place in the esteem of residents. It was fitting thaf, having spent the best years of his life in Opunake, Mr O'Brien should new reck the real home atmosphere such as the household of his son would provide, and Father Quealy expressed the hope that not the least of his joys would be happy memories of his residence in this district.

Ah old associate of the guest, Mr. Jas. Young, who was the next speaker, referred to Mr. O'Brien's connection with the Parihaka Road Board, of which he was secretary. His sterling" qualities, and his honesty and efficiency had been recognised when he served in that capacity, and his service would remain as an example for many years to come. The speaker extended best wishes to Mr for future happiness.

Reference to the service ren

dered by the guest to the Rahotu settlement was made bv Mr T. P. Hughson, senr. Mr O'Brien had volunteered to survey the cemetery of the township and had discharged these duties in most

praiseworthy fashion. It was a tribute to Mr O'Brien's efficiency "nd thoroughness as an architect that the Rahotu premises of the sneaker's business built under his supervision had withstood without the least sign of damage

the severe earthquake of 1929, and this was typical of his service. Mr Hughson claimed the honour of being the oldest resident of the district, with the exception of Mr Newman, having huukd on the Opunake beach in 1880, and he recalled early days. He had known Mr O'Brien throughout his term of residence, and both he and the late Mrs O'Brien had been widely respected members of the community. The* presentation of a travelling rug to Mr O'Brien was then made by Mr Brennan on behalf

r* town and district residents

Replying, the guest thanked the speakers for their kind references and expressed the hope that he . would be spared to return some day to Opunake, where he had spent many happy years. Musical honours were sung.