Obituary

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 15, 19 April 1923, Page 45

Obituary

MR. MICHAEL CROWLEY, WAIPORI. On March 22 there passed to his eternal reward one of the last links between the stirring days of the earlj gold rushes and the present time, in the person of Mr, Michael Crowley, late of Waipori. A native of Rosscarberry, Co. Cork, Ireland, he arrived at Dunedin in 1865, in the sailing vessel Leichardt, and proceeded to Waipori where he spent the greater part of his life. Although but a youth of 18 when he landed in his adopted country, he never lost his groat Irish spirit, which he took great care to instil into those placed in his care. The Holy Faith uas ever strong within him, and for more than 40 years it was his privilege to serve Mass in St. Canice’s Church at Waipori. He always took a lively interest in the well-being of the district, and it was through his untiring efforts that country schools obtained the concession to their scholars of the allowance of an extra year’s limit to sit for scholarship examinations. He was of a very hospitable nature and his home was the rendezvous of the settlers far and near, when his geniality made for many a social evening. His wife predeceased him by many years, also one of his daughters. Eight of his family survive him in different parts of New Zealand, one daughter being Sister M. Borgia, O.S.D. He. was laid to rest in the picturesque little cemetery at Waipori in the presence of his family and the faithful little remnant of the once glorious days. Rev. Father Monaghan officiated at the graveside.— l. P.

MR. J. M. FOY, AUCKLAND. An old identity of the Thames goldfield in the person of Mr. Joseph M. Foy, passed away at Nikan Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland, on Monday, April 5, after a long and painful illness, fortified by all the rites of Holy Church, at the age of 76 years. The late Mr. Foy, who was born in London in 1847, came to New Zealand two years later. After leaving school he assisted his father in the building trade at Onehunga, and at the age of 20 entered the employ of a photographer. He shortly afterwards entered into business on his own account, and in 1872, in conjunction with his brother (Mr. J. J. Foy) he established the leading photography business at the Thames, which was carried on until after the decline of the mining prosperity of the district. Mr. Foy always took an active interest in Church affairs, and for many years was a member of the. Thames church and school committees. The H.A.C.B. Society looses in Mr. Foy a staunch member; besides holding office in the Thames branch of the society from the time of its formation until Mr. Foy left the Thames, he also held the high office of district president. Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul was celebrated at St. Benedict's Church, after which the remains were interred in Waikumete Cemetery. Deceased leaves his widow, two sons, and two daughters to mourn their loss.R.I.P.