OBITUARY

New Zealand Tablet, 13 August 1914, Page 42

OBITUARY

MR. JAMES MEEHAN, FEILDING. It is with feelings ' of sincere regret (says the Midland Tribune, Ireland) that we announce the death of Mr. James Meehan, Fcilding, New Zealand, which sad event occurred on Tuesday, June 16, at the residence of friends at Upper Mount street, Dublin. Mr. Meehan, who was accompanied by Mrs. Meehan, for whom the utmost sympathy is felt in her sad bereavement, was on a visit to the Old Land, He left New Zealand on the 3rd April last and arrived in Dublin on June 4, on his way to Kinnitty, where he was born 60 years ago. When in Dublin he caught a chill, which developed into pneumonia, from which he passed away, fortified by the rites of the Holy Catholic Church, of which he \Vas a most devoted member. The late Mr. Meehan, who came of a family well known and respected in the district, first left Kinnitty for New Zealand about 32 years ago. In the new country by his ability and enterprise he quickly made his name. He interested himself in all matters pertaining to its welfare, and especially so as regards its religious and educational interests. The fine Convent in Fcilding, built at a cost of £4OOO or £SOOO, is largely due to his initiative, and his was the first subscription to be given towards the work of its erection. Always an Irish Nationalist he ever had the cause of Ireland at heart, and in New Zealand he did much solid service for the Home Rule movement. The late Mr. Meehan paid several visits

to Ireland, the last being about 11 years ago. When he died he was on what he intended as a farewell visit to Erin, and before returning home ho expected to see friends in America, among other places. Strangely enough, ho often expressed the wish to bo buried in the old churchyard at Aghancon, where he now lies beside his parents. lie was the father of seven children - six girls and one boy. Several friends accompanied the funeral cortege from Westland Row Church to Kingbridge, on Thursday, on its way to Birr. At Birr it was met by a large assemblage. Rev. Father Devanny, P.P., Ivinnitty, recited the last prayers at the graveside.-— R.I.P.