The Late Constable Keaney, Mataura

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIV, Issue 12, 22 March 1906, Page 20

The Late Constable Keaney, Mataura

A correspondent supplies us with the following particulars of the career of the late Constable Joseph Keaney, of Mat aura, whose death, due to taking a carbolic lotion in mistake for medicine, was briefly reported • tim last week's issue of the ' N.Z. Tablet ' :— News of the sad event was received vith feelings of the keenest 'sorrow throughout the "various parts of Southland, where deceased was well ki&wn and highly respected. The late? Mr. Keaney was the eldest son of the late Hugh Keaney, of Drums-ham bo, County Leitrim, and was 48 years of age. He arrived in the Colony in 1878, and soon after proceeded to Greyni'ou.t'h, which was the first scene of his labors, and from thence to Christchurch. Joining the police force 25 years ago, he was stationed at first in Invercargill, then in Orepuki, and finally in Mataura, where he was for the past 15 years. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him, and his many kind acts will 'be long remembered by the people of Southland. He was a practical Catholic, ,and was always foremost in works of religion or charity. He was an ardent supporter of the ' N.Z. Tabllet,' and none of Ireland's exiled sons loved the land of their birth dearer than he. Telegnams of oondloJ[K|nco i werq! received ihy his sorrowing wife and family from all parts of the Colony. The funeral was largely attended, mourners being present from all parts of Southland, Dunedin, and Wellington. Members of the local lodge of Oddfellows carried the coflin to .the railway station, and Inspector Mitchell with 27 men in 'uniform met the remains at Invercargill, when six of the men acted as pall-bearers. Rev. Father* O'Donnell, of Gore, officiated at the graveside. The deceased leaves a widow and five children to mourn the loss of an affectionate husband .and kind father. He is also 1 survhed by two brothers and two sisters — Mr. P. Koaney, Rotorua, and Sergeant J. Keaney, Roscoin>mon, Ireland, and Mrs. J. and Miss E. Keaney, Wellington. — R.I. P.