OBITUARY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4599, 17 August 1923, Page 2

OBITUARY.

MONSIGNOR J. J- HACKETT. Great regret was felt in Paeroa yesterday when news reached here of the death of Monsignor J. J. Hackett, at the age of 64. A few months ago the late Monsignor became indisposed, and went into hospital. He returned to the Presbytery, but his health did not improve, and he passed away yesterday morning. The late Monsignor Hackett was born in 1859 at Mbate, West Meath, Ireland, and commenced his studies at St. Joseph’s Seminary, m his native town. He then proceeded to Rome, where he devoted himself for seven years to the study of philosophy and theology at. the College of Propaganda. His ordination as a priest took place on March 4, 1882, and he proceeded to a cure at Port Augusta, South Australia,, and the following year he arrived in Auckland. Spon after his arrival he was appointed to the extensive district which ran from Helensville, through DargaviHe to the North Cape, his headquarters being at. Te Kopuru. He was later appointed Administrator of St. Patrick’s Cathedral by Bishop Luck, and held the position until 1894, in which year he was appointed to the parish of Paeroa,. which at that time included the townships of Te Aroha, Waihi, Karangahake, and Waikino. In 1918 he was appointed parish prist at El-lerslie,-and that parish was still his home at, the time of his death. The deceased cleric was raised to the dignity of Dean by the late Bishop Lenihan, and in 1915, on the recommendation of Bishop Cleary, he was promoted to the further dignity of Domestic Prelate, with the title of Monsignor. For many years, and until his death, Monsignor Hackett was a member cf t.he Bishop’s Council. Since February of the present year he had been very ill, and spent two months in the Mater Misericordiae- Hospital, afterwards returning home to Ellerslie, where he passed away. A man of high attainments and great personal charm, the late prelate was a general favourite with all who had the privilege of his intimate acquaintance? l He was noted also as a preacher, lecturer, and wit, and to the last he retained his good spirits and keenwitted humour.