OBITUARY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20511, 1 September 1936, Page 11

OBITUARY

MRS JOHANNA KIRBY Mrs Johanna Kirby, who died at Kaikoura on August 21, in her eightyseventh year, came to New Zealand with her parents, Mr and Mrs John Harnett, in the late sixties and was one of the pioneers of Kaikoura. At an early age she married Mr Patrick Peoples, of Kaikoura, and was the mother of Rev. Father William Peoples, S.M. (Timaru), Brother Hendrick (Wellington), John, Patrick, James, Mary and Catherine Peoples. Her husband died while she was still a young woman, and some years later she married Mr Michael Kirby, and became the mother of Timothy, James, Norah, Maggie, Dolly and Vera Kirby. At her suggestion Mr Patrick Peoples made a gift of two acres of land to the parish as a site for the convent and school.

On August 22 requiem mass was celebrated by Father Peoples, S.M. (son). The proper of the mass was devotionally sung by the following choir of priests: Very Rev. Dr. Geaney, S.M. (St. Mary’s, Christchurch), Very Rev. A. Burger, S.M., Revs. T. and J. Hanrahan, C. Knight, S.M., Maguire, and Brothers Hendrick, Damian and John. An address was given by Dr. Geaney, who pointed out the great example given by the pioneers. He emphasised the fact that the second generation had some realisation of the hardships endured, but the present generation had no knowledge of them. Of Johanna Kirby could the words be truly used, “Her children shall rise up and call her blessed.” Her long life filled with countless acts of unostentatious kindness was a noble example to those who were left to cherish the memory of the gentleness and patience of this valiant woman.

As the casket was borne from the church the “Funeral March” was played by Miss Mackie. A guard of honour was formed by the school children. The Rev. Father Devlin conducted the service at the graveside, and the Benediction was chanted by the choir of priests.

MR ALFRED HOLLAND, TLP.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright (Received August 31, 9.25 p.m.) LONDON, August 31. The death is announced of the Labour M.P., Mr Alfred Holland.