OBITUARY

New Zealand Tablet, 19 October 1916, Page 51

OBITUARY

■at » MRS. MARY O'RIELLY, DANNEVIRKE. It is with regret (writes our Palmerston North correspondent) that I have to record the death of Mrs. Mary O'Rielly, which took place at Dannevirke on October 7, at the advanced age of ninety years. The deceased lady, who had only lately taken up her residence in Dannevirke, was an old and much respected resident of Palmerston North, and her death will be mourned by a large circle of friends. Her remains were brought to Palmerston for interment, the funeral taking place on the Tuesday following her death. The Rev. Father McManus conducted the service both in the church and at the graveside. The remains were followed to the cemetery by a very large number of relatives and friends. She leaves five sons and five daughters to mourn their loss. —R.I.P. MR. MICHAEL PHILLIPS, GREYMOUTH. It is with deep regret (says the Grey Star of September 11) that we have to announce the death of Mr. Michael Phillips, sen., Grey County Clerk, pioneer, and worthy citizen. The deceased gentleman, who had been in failing health for the past few months only, had reached his eightieth year, the end coming peacefully at his residence, Tainui street, last night. The late Mr. Phillips was born in Galway, Ireland, in 1837, and in his boyhood days went to Manchester, where he received the principal part of his education. Like many lads, he was seized with the spirit of adventure and the longing for a sea-faring life, and finally found his way to Australia. He did not stay long there, however, for the news of the gold discovery in Otago brought him with numbers of other adventurous spirits to New Zealand, where he landed in 1862. After spending some time at the Shotover and other Otago fields he came to the West Coast, arriving in Greymouth in 1865. He commenced storekeeping in Maori Gully, and continued in business until 1877, when the county system was inaugurated. Among the positions he had held since then at various times may be mentionedroad inspector under the urey County Council; 1888, County Clerk secretary and treasurer Grey Charitable Aid Board, 1893 ; Government valuer, census enumerator, director of the West Coast Economic Society since its inception, member of the Brunner Disaster Advisory Board, secretary of the Seddon Medal Memorial. The late Mr. Phillips was a most devoted son of the Church, and for over half a century was closely associated with St. Patrick's Parish. He was a member of the Church Committee for many years, and during his lifetime was always prominent in all things affecting the welfare of the Church. In addition to his multifarious public duties, he always found time to lend a willing hand to Church affairs, and it is to the energy of pioneers of his stamp that St. Patrick's Parish is now held up as a model.. He was a devoted husband and father, and was loved and admired for his many sterling qualities by the many who had the privilege of his friendship. He was of a kindly and courteous disposition, and was always willing to assist those in need, and his passing will be learnt with regret by his many friends in the country districts, as well as in the town. He leaves a wife, five sons, and one daughter to mourn their loss. The sons are Messrs. Thomas (Reefton), Richard (Greymouth), Michael (Greymouth), Bernard (with the Expeditionary Forces), and Daniel (Waihi). The funeral left St. Patrick's Church for the Greymouth Cemetery R.I.P. The Government has purchased an area of 600 acres in the Edendale district from Mr. Donald Stalker, -on which to settle returned soldiers (says the Southland News). The property is about three miles from Edendale railway station and half a-mile from the Seaward Downs Dairy Factory. The farm is stated to be in good order, and to consist of rich land, 2000 sheep having been shorn by Mr. Stalker last season. This is the second property secured by the ■ Government in Southland for returned soldiers, the. other beinf a •short distance from Woodlands.