A TRAGIC FIRE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3662, 20 May 1924, Page 11

A TRAGIC FIRE.

FATHER, O'NEILL’S FATE. GORE, May 13. The Riversdale Roman Catholic Presby tery of four rooms was destroyed by lire early this morning. The housekeeper had a narrow escape, and the Rev. Father Daniel O’Neill, aged 40 years, perished in the flames. His remains were found in the ruins. Father O’Neill was popular and well known in Otago and Southland. He had served in Roxbuhgh, at South Dunedin, and at Gore. The origin of the out create is a mystery. The Rev. Father Daniel O’Neill was educated at tfie Christian Brothers’ School, Dunedin. He afterwards went to Manly (Sydney), and later studied in the Irish College at Rome. He was ordained in 1906 at Rome. He was stationed at South Dunedin for a number of years, and was also at Roxburgh. He was transferred to Riversdale about two years ago. Father O’Neill was a highly-respected priest, ind the news of his tragic death will cause widespread regret. He "was a brother of Dr E. J. O’Neill, of this city, and also of the Rev. Father Patrick O’Neill (South Dunedin).