OLD COAST RESIDENT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20061, 6 October 1939, Page 5

OLD COAST RESIDENT

WAIAPU ENGINEER The deatli occurred in Auckland or Monday of Mr. William O'Ryan, formerly one of the best-known"residents of the East Coast area, and for many years engineer to the Waiapu County Council. Mr. O’Ryan had been ill for several years, and died at the advanced age of 87 years. During his connection with the Wai. apu County Council, which lasted from the inception of the county until well alter the Great War, Mr. O'Ryan was responsible for a remarkable programme of road improvement and bridge .work, which made the Waiapu County the most envied in the district. A man of intense energy and initiative, he worked to establish better communications for the area under his control, and achieved success which overshadowed the work done in many a more important county. It was a tragic blow to him when, in 1917, phenomenal Hoods throughout the Waiapu County swept a wayin one night much ot' the fruits of his works programme. He remained with the county to initiate a scheme of replacement, but the losses suffered by the county on that occasion told heavily upon him, and a few years later he retired from active work. Mr. O'Ryan married Miss Kate O'Meara in Gisborne 35 years ago, and her death two years ago was a further severe blow to him. His health had been failing gradually for some time, and latterly his friends were prepared for his passing. Mr. O'Ryan will be warmly remembered by all the older residents of the Coast, and by many in Gisborne. A man of genial character, and talented in many directions, he was good company and a generous friend. *