FAITHFUL MAN SERVANT

Hokitika Guardian, 2 September 1931, Page 6

FAITHFUL MAN SERVANT

J ■ FIFTY YEARS WIT HONE FAMILY (By Telegraph —Per Press Association) WHANGAREI, August 31. There are not many types of the real Old Country servant of the family in New Zealand and the number has been lessened by the death at Parun Bay of Mr Matthew Keoglian. To listen to his record of service is to recall what was read about i,n books, but ,iu this ': country seldom experience. When he died Matthew Keoglian was 82 years of age, 52 of which were, spent in tlie employ of one family. He was a young man of 30 years when lie was engaged as a general servant by the late Mr Percy Le Clere, then a coastguardsman in Dublin. When the Le Cleres came to New Zealand in 1882 their loyal follower sailed with them and helped to establish the new home at Patana. ' There he remained until 15 years ago, when, upon the death of Mr Le Clere, the property was sold to Mr R. McDonald, of Ruatangata. Since then Mr Keoglian had lived with Mr H. C. Squires at “The Pines-’ Pallia Bay, retaining his connection w.tli the Le Cleres, the late Mr Squires being a daughter. Deceased was a fine type of Irish peasant, whose honourable dealings and attention to duty made him respected, not only by the fainliy but also by all with whom he came in touch.