OBITUARY

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XLV, Issue 18, 2 May 1918, Page 30

OBITUARY

■ '——-■»' ~ ■.'■■■: SISTER JOSEPH PRENDERGAST, HOKITIKA. An event which saddened not only the Catholic people of Hokitika, but also many friends throughout New. Zealand, was the death of Sister Josephine Prendergast, who passed away at St. Columbkille's Convent early on Friday morning, April 5. Her long illness suffered with heroic fortitudeand her beautiful death, sanctified by all the rites of Holy Church, were the sources of the greatest edification to those who were privileged to associate with her. Sister Josephine was born in Tipperary. For the past 35 years "she labored with all the zeal of her ardent nature in the Convent of Mercy, at Hokitika, Ross, or Kumara. Hers was the typical Celtic temperament—the deep faith, whole-souled devotion and lavish generosity which enabled her to lighten many a burden and -soothe many a sorrow. The funeral, which was largely attended, was a proof of the respect in which she was held by all classes. The Rev. Fathers Clancy, S.M., and Riordan (Ross) officiated at the graveside. The Sisters of Mercy from the various convents on the Coast, the Hibernian Society, Children of Mary, the school children, and a large concourse of friends formed the cortege. . On Friday, April 12, a general Communion was offered by the parishioners for the repose of her soul.— R.I.P.

MR. JAMES MURRAY, PUKEKAWA. There passed away on April 14, at the advanced age of 82 years, one of the oldest and most respected residents of the district of Pukekawa, in the person of Mr. James Murray. Born in Ireland, in 1835, Mr. Murray migrated to Melbourne some 62 years ago, and came to New Zealand some few years later. Following the occupation, of a goldminer and prospector, he participated in the Gabriel's Gully and Dunstan Creek rushes, also those of the West Coast, and later at the Thames and Coromandel. At the Thames he was a part owner in the famous Sunbeam Claim, and while in Coromandel was appointed manager of the mines there. 11 is next undertaking was contracting in Dunedin, and through possessing a thorough knowledge of, and ability for the work, was appointed foreman to the laying of the Oamaru street pavements. On the completion of this work he entered upon practical farmin, and going into partnership with his brother, Mr. Thomas Murray, he arrived in Pukekawa in 1885, where he resided until his death. As a boy the late Mr. Murray was a renowned athlete, and whilst at the Thames goldfields distinguished himself as a champion wrestler in a field of over two thousand diggers. The late Mr. Murray was attended in his last illness by the Rev. Father O'Hara, of Tuakau, who, at the obsequies, made touching reference to the sterling character and well-spent life of the deceased. The funeral, which took place at Tuakau, was attended by a large number of mourners and friends, many of whom came long distances to pay a final tribute'of respect to the memory of one whose many acts of charity and hospitality will long be remembered. The deceased is survived by his brother (Mr. Thomas Murray, Pukekawa), three nieces (Mrs. T. Foote, Maramarua; Mrs. L. J. McGuire, Pukekawa; and Miss Murray, Pukekawa), also two nephews (Mr. Thos. Murray, jun., Pukekawa, and Mr. Laurence Murray, Hauraki Plains). —R.I.P.