OBITUARY

New Zealand Tablet, 26 February 1920, Page 35

OBITUARY

MR. J. A. CASSIDY, CHRISTCHURCH. a Ir ; James A ' Cassidy, widely known throughout the South Island as a barrister and solicitor, died at his resi?o UC tV Ch^ ster Street, earl on Friday afternoon, February 13. Mr. Cassidy had not been in good health for some time past, but he continued to daily attend at his office and to Ins practice. On account of the state of his health, be intended to take a trip abroad, but that morning, while at his office, he suffered a severe reverse, and at midday was assisted home, where he died shortly after. The late Mr Cassidy was esteemed as a genial man, a good "sport," and an able solicitor. In the latter, his ability found most success in police court work, and in this connection his name is known throughout New Zealand. He possessed a strong personality, which, on acquaintance, made him popular among all associated with him. He was the only son of Mr. Hugh Cassidy, who was proprietor of the line of coaches running between Canterbury and the West Coast. Mr. J. A. Cassidy was born in Hokitika, in 1867 and at an early age went to Melbourne to be educated at St. Francis Xavier's College, Kew. On returning to New Zealand he was articled to Mr. T. W. Stringer (now Mr Justice Stringer), and later established a practice of his own. He was for some time on the council of the Canterbury Law Society, and was also a member of the Canterbury Jockey Club. He interested himself in athletic institutions as well as the Turf, but his main interest was in books, and he was a very ardent collector. Mr. Cassidy leaves a widow and a young daughter. Evidence of the widespread regard in which the late Mr. J. A. Cassidy was held was given by the large attendance at the funeral, which took place on Monday, February 16. Practically every section of the community was represented by the mourners, who attended in large numbers both at the Solemn Requiem at the Catholic Cathedral and later at the interment at the Linwood Cemetery. The Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy, Adm., assisted by Father Long,-was celebrant of the Requiem Mass, Fathers Price (Methven) and Bonotto being present in the sanctuary. The Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy officiated at the interment. The chief mourners were Mrs. J. A. Cassidy and Miss K. Cassidy, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Cassidy, Mr and Mrs. T. Cani'll' Those present at the funeral included Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., his Honor Mr. Justice Herdman, Mr S F. McCarthy (Stipendiary Magistrate), Mr. Superintendent Dwyer and members of the local police department, and many representatives of the legal profession and other prominent citizens. Messages of sympathy from far and wide were received by the bereaved relations.—P.