Obituary

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 47, 29 November 1923, Page 51

Obituary

MR. JOHN DUGGAN, WELLINGTON. .;,. With deep regret (writes an esteemed correspondent) the death is recorded of Mr. John Duggan, late of Tua Marina, Marlborough, who passed away recently at his residence,? • 18 Lawrence Street, Newtown, Wellington. Providence has indeed asked great sacrifices of this family during .-the .past three years. Mrs. John Burns (daughter of the deceased) died in 1920 this year (five months ago) Mrs. Duggan's death was recorded, and now it is our sad duty to add-the name of John Duggan. Though 72 years of age, he was physically a strong, healthy man, and one might , have predicted long years of life for him. The death of his wife and daughter were heavy blows but the actual cause of death made its appearance only ten days before the end. The rapid advance of his heart trouble was astonishing. What appeared to be. a temporary illness became very serious; he was anointed and continued to sink rapidly. In a few days his strong frame was shaken and his case became hopeless. This breakdown of strength brought continuous pain. The last few days were days of excruciating suffering, but during that time the grand old man gave the best lesson. of Christian virtue of his most Christian life. Racked with pain, he still tried to cross himself and murmur his "Hail Mary." Dr. Roche Kelly and the nurses were tireless in their care, but death v came early on Monday morning, November 5. Mr. Duggan's death removes a most respected old country settler from our midst. His was a quiet, hidden life, spent for the most part in the country and full of the daily practice of noble virtue. Born at Kilcunnan, Co. Kerry, Ireland, Mr. Duggan came to New Zealand in his youth. He was employed for a. time in Nelson and Wellington, and after his marriage settled permanently in Marlborough. His home became a type of the best Irish home abroad. He was blessed with an excellent wife and happy family. His home radiated the faith. He was the priests' host, and his family cared for the country church and taught the catechism. The key to this home was John Duggan's character. His mind was the mind of the v intelligent Irishman of the later 19th century. He was well versed in the Irish struggle for freedom. He could relate excellent anecdotes seasoned with jest and his own merry laugh—the quiet gaiety of-which came out even in his final illness when pain allowed him a brief respite. He retained his Gaelic tongue, but, better than all, his Irish faith and piety. His fine natural qualities of character and his simple faith made him a crowd of friends in his new home in Wellington. Evidence of th'is was shown by the widespread sympathy with his family. Three daughters survive him—Mrs. M. Dennehy (Wellington), Sister Leocrite (Convent of Our Lady of the Missions, Napier), and Miss Eileen Duggan (Wellington). Two of them were in constant attendance on him during his last illness, and with them their faithful friend Mrs. Martin Moloney, and Sister Jeanne (Home of Compassion), Mr. Duggan's niece. Requiem Mass was said at St. Anne's Church by Father Fallon on Wednesday, November 7. Present in the sanctuary were Very Rev. Dean Lane, Fathers Kelly, and Quealy. Father Ryan, S.M., officiated at the graveside, Karori Cemetery—R.l.P.

MR. MARTIN JOSEPH FORD, MAKAHU.

.■ The death occurred on November 6, after a short illness, patiently borne, of a well known and highly respected settler of Alakahu, in the person of Mr. Martin Joseph Ford. The deceased, who was born at Rhinn, Co. Galway, Ireland, came to New Zealand in the early ’seventies, and-dived for some time in Southland, where he was for eight years on the Survey under Mr. John Strauchan; at that time District Surveyor for Mataura, and afterwards Commissioner of Crown Lands for Taranaki. The late Mr. Ford .was a practical Catholic, a true son of Erin, and ever ready to assist in any good cause. For the past twenty-six years he had been engaged in farming at Makahu, and for eighteen years had been acting postmaster there. The deceased, who was sixty-eight' years 'of age, is survived by a widow and family of ten, for whom wide

sympathy is expressed. Father Forrestal, of Inglewood, officiated at the graveside, and also present was Father Moore, of Eltham.R.l.P. ■ ’ .

MR. JAMES SHANAGHAN, AUCKLAND.

A highly-esteemed and exemplary parishioner of the Sacred Heart parish, and a well-known and very old resident of Auckland, Mr. James Shanaghan, died at his residence, Shelly Beach Road, on the 15th inst, Mr. Shanaghan (says the N.Z. Herald ) was born in Auckland 75 years ago, and in his earlier days, his career was an adventurous one. He served with conspicuous gallantry in the Maori War in Taranaki, being mentioned in despatches. As a youth of 19, he was a private in the armed constabulary and was present at the fight at Te Ngutu-o-te-manu, near Wanganui, where Von Tempsky was killed. The young soldier was close to Von Temsky and made two very gallant attempts at rescue, when he himself was severely wounded, and was carried from the field of action. Colonel Gudgeon, in his book, Defenders of New Zealand, makes ; special reference to .the volunteer’s bravery, and states that it could not be understood why the award of the New Zealand Cross was not made. After the disbanding of the constabulary, Mr. Shanaghan entered the Government service, and was stationed on the Thames goldfields and at Coromandel. As an official of the Labor Department, he held many important positions in the South. His final position was that of officer-in-charge at Auckland. This position he relinquished on his retirement over ten years ago. Mr. Shanaghan is survived by two sons and six daughters. Mrs. Shanaghan died about 12 months ago. —R.I.P.

Death of a Pioneer Catholic of Sydney

. On October 28, another old pioneer in the person of Mr. James Hynes passed to his eternal reward at. his residence, "Oakhampton," Woollahra (says the Freeman's Journal). He was a native of Tipperary, Ireland, and came to Australia in the 'fifties., After "spending some years on the Blue Mountains he proceeded to the Richmond and Clarence Rivers. From there he came to Sydney and finally settled in Woollahra, where he -was a resident of over 50 years. Ho was carrier and contractor to the Waverley and "Woollahra Councils. He also acted in a similar capacity for' the State arid Federal Governments. He had been ailing for the past six months and was. attended in his last illness by Rev. Fathers Moriarty and Woganj O.F.M. A Requiem Mass was celebrated on Monday, 29th ult., at St. Francis', Paddington, by Rev. Father Moriarty. The funeral, which left the church, was largely attended, the chief mourners being Messrs. James and Patrick (sons), Misses Margaret and Alice Hynes, Mesdames W. Snudden, H. A. Fraser, and W. Delacour. (daughters), Mrs.' Foran (sister), Mr. John Hynes (brother), Mrs. P. Hynes (daughter-in-law), Messrs. H. A. Fraser and W. Delacour (sons-in-law), Mrs. J. Hynes (sis-ter-in-law), Mr. Jas. Kenny (brother-in-law), Messrs. F. and T. Foran, Messrs. J. J. and F. Hynes, S. and W. Kenny (nephews), Mesdames Jennings, Kerwick, Fitzpatrick, Vanni, and Rouse (nieces), also Misses Foran and Hynes (nieces). The Waverley Council was represented by Alderman Kavenagh (Mayor), Messrs. Beagley (Town Clerk), Minns (Engineer), and Fitzpatrick (Health Inspector). Woollahra" Council.was represented by Aid. Fairweather (Mayor); State Metal Quarries, Mr. McKern; the Master Carries by. Mr. John Cassidy and Son. Rev. Father Moriarty, assisted by Rev. E. McFarlane, officiated at the graveside. Fathers McNamara and O'Callaghan were also . present. Sister Mary Assisi, .of Convent of Mercy, Parramatta, is a » sister; and his youngest son, Brother J. E. Hynes, is attached to the Christian Brothers' College, Dunedin, New Zealand.-—R.I.P. '." , : : '

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