OBITUARY

Otago Witness, Issue 3309, 15 August 1917, Page 21

OBITUARY

MR G. P. DONNELLY. NAPIER, August 9. Mr George Prior Donnelly, pioneer and sportsman, aged 70 years, is dead. He arrived in the dominion in 1863, and settled in Hawke's Bay in 1867. He was a large landowner, and took a prominent part in local government. His last public act was the settlement of 24 returned soldiers on one of his estates at Kaiwaka, 17, miles north of Napier. The last surviving member of the family is Mrs Perry, an only daughter.

The late Mr Donnelly was a prominent figure in racing circles for very many years. Amongst the best he owned were Mangahone, winner of the New Zealand Grand National, Kotuku, Douglas, Oingo, Awahuri, Trumpery, and Gold Thread. Mr Donnelly bred Simonides, one of the smartest two-year-olds seen last season. Although ho had refused to seek parliamentary honours, Mr Donnelly took a keen interest in all public affairs, and last year, he submitted for consideration a comprehensive scheme for the effective settlement of soldiers on the land. Mr Donnelly was born at Brittis, County Tipperary, in 1847, and w r as a son of a landed proprietor (Mr Patrick Donnelly). He was educated at Archdeacon Langley's school in Dorm, County Limerick. His father died in 1861, and two years later he came to New Zealand, with his mother and family. In 1864 he joined the Auckland Cavalry, and he rode his first race (the Garrison Hunt Steeplechase) at Tamaki. After matters had quietened Mr Donnelly settled at Wairoa South, and in 1867 became manager for Major Oarlyon's run. Later he took up hand on his own account, and eventually became possessed of some of the finest of the country. In 1877 he was married to Airini Tonore, a noted Maori chieftainess. who died some years ago. Since the outbreak of_ the war he displayed practical patriotism by contributing substantial amounts to various funds, besides financing and settling returned soldiers.