THE MAN OF THE HOUR

Taranaki Daily News, 13 February 1931, Page 11

THE MAN OF THE HOUR

CONFIDENCE IN HASTINGS. SERGEANT-MAJOR’S WORK. Out of desolation and chaos there rose in devastated Hastings a man whose name will live, a man who rose magnificently in a crisis and directed the destinies of Hastings with the touch of a master. Staff Sergeant-Major P. J. O’Leary was the man of the hour. , Like a coachman with his team, Ser-geant-Major O’Leary took the reins. There was efficiency in every move. He schemed, and he planned, and in those desperate hours following tragedy, when businesses and homes were wrecked, and there was death all along the main street, he worked for one goal —confidence among the people. When Hastings saw there was a real leader, confidence came, confidence born of the efficiency and amazing capacity for work of one man.

In no time, Sergeant-Major O’Leary had Hastings under splendid control. He radiated efficiency, with the result that there was no panic among the people. Ho picketed the whole town, and at every intersection the way was barred to morbid wanderers. No man was avowed in the danger-zone unless he carried an authority from either the police or Sergeant-Major O’Leary. Food depots were arranged, and the sergeant-major had painted big white block letters at the intersections “Get Yqui’ Bread At King’s Theatre.” Demolition work, distribution of tents and blankets —everything was arranged by him. The committee had come to lean on him, and now he is worn and tired, but still he smiles, still he makes his quick decisions, still he answers all questions, no matter how futile, with the greatest of courtesy and patience. War-time experience taught this man many things. Experience of handling men and desperate situations came to his-aid in this emergency.-He pedalled round the town on his bicycle and had the amazing facility of always being where he was most urgently needed. And typical of the man, he gave all the praise to somebody else.