THE LATE MR. JAMES ALFRED McEWEN.

New Zealand Tablet, 22 January 1920, Page 13

THE LATE MR. JAMES ALFRED McEWEN.

' As a result of the recent tramway tragedy at Wellington, there has been removed from Catholic circles, in the person of Mr. James Alfred McEwen, one of tho most practical and efficient of the Church workers in the Wairarapa ; (writes a correspondent). As lion, sec-

retary to the Church Committee in Masterton for a number of years, and also secretary to the Masterton branch of tho Catholic Federation, his services were highly appreciated by the Masterton congregation. Amiable and gentle in his disposition, thorough and unassuming in his work, always willing to sacrifico his own pleasure for the common good, ho found his organising and secretarial ability constantly commandeered by many associations in Masterton. His services to tho Labor Party, the Caledonians, and tho Swimming Association are still fresh in the minds of many Mastertonians, and his contest for municipal honors, when he defeated another prominent resident for a place in the "Trust Lands Trust," showed very clearly the confidence the people placed in him. Five years ago he started business on his own in Pahiatua, and was highly respected by tho residents of that district. Leaving Pahiatua for Wellington ho. was made the recipient of a beautiful and appropriate token of affection by the Hibernians, whose president ho was while in residence there. He had just Come to live in Wellington when in the 43rd year of his ago his life's career was tragically terminated. He leaves a sorrowing father, a wife, and three sons to mourn .his demise. —P.I.P. THE LATE MR. R. G. McKAY. ; The death of Mr. R. G. McKay, son of Mr. and Mrs. McKay, esteemed parishioners of the Lower Hutt, cast quite a gloom over the community, among whom he was much respected (writes our Wellington correspondent). Although a young man, he was one of the oldest members of the Lower Hutt branch of the Hibernian Society, being

an effice-bearer practically during the whole term of his membership. He took- an active part in any function organised for the. Church and schools, invariably carrying out the onerous duties of secretary, and any function was deemed a success once Mr. McKay consented to act in that capacity. He also took an active part in the local Football, Cricket, and Amateur Sports Clubs, being secretary of the latter body. The late Mr. McKay was an officer of the Railway Department, being a member of the head office staff, and was unfortunate enough to be stricken with an illness which terminated fatally after 10 weeks'

suffering. He passed peacefully away, fortified by all the rites of Holy Church. The funeral was one of 'the largest seen in the district. The members of the Hibernian Society attended in full regalia, and practically all of the members of the sports clubs he was associated with were also present, Tho Rev. Father Fitzgibbon officiated at the church and also at the graveside in the Petone Catholic Cemetery. Messages of condolence were received by his parents and friends from all parts of New Zealand. Deepest sympathy in the loss at the early age of 26 of a young man full of promise is extended' to the bereaved parents and relations. —R.I.P.