OBITUARY

Southland Times, Issue 21264, 10 December 1930, Page 12

OBITUARY

MR JAMES KEARNS. (From Our Correspondent).Mr James Kearns, who was injured fatally in the bush at Messrs Kilkelly Bros.’ mill, Motu Motu, last week was well-known and highly respected in Otautau. Deceased was a single man, and was born at Ringway 28 years ago. He was educated at the Waikouro and Scotts Gap schools, and after leaving school he worked on his father’s farm until about eight years ago, when he commenced working in the bush at Macpherson’s sawmill at Scotts Gap until 1927. He then broke down in health and was ill for several months, but recovered and commenced work again as a bushman at Motu Motu for Messrs Kilkelly Bros, where he remained until the time of -his death. His father, Mr James Patrick Kearns, is at present in Melbourne, but is expected back in New Zealand very soon. His sisters, Misses Annie, Julia and Winnie, are now resident in Invercargill, while his brothers, .Keirnan and Daniel are well-known young men about Otautau. The eldest brother, John is a member of the New Zealand Police Force and is stationed at Christchurch. The funeral, which took place on Sunday, was one of the largest seen in the district for many years, nearly 70 cars taking part. The interment took place in the new cemetery. The pall bearers were Messrs Keirnan Kearns, John and Thomas Glynn, W. Duggan (relatives) and Daniel and Maurice Brick. The large number of wreaths bore silent testimony to the esteem in which deceased was held, prominent among them being two from his comrades at the Scotts Gap and Motu Motu mills. The ceremony was conducted by the Rev. Father Donegan, who, at the Roman Catholic Church, made feeling reference to the untimely demise of one whom they all held in the highest esteem.