THE LATE JOHN WHELAN.

Kumara Times, Issue 1493, 11 July 1881, Page 1

THE LATE JOHN WHELAN.

[contributed.] The funeral of John Whelan took place at an early hour on yesterday morning. At half-past eight o’clock his mortal remains were taken from Slattery’s Hotel aad borne on friendly shoulders to St. Patrick’s Chmch, the coffin on its arrival receiving from loving hands a temporary resting place near to the altar rails. A large congregation attended the celebration of first Mass. The Rev. Father Devoy during Mass time delivered an impressive exhortation to those present. He took for his discourse the text, “Blessed

are those that die in Christ.” He directed especial attention to the sad spectacle before them of their departed friend. In eloquent language the reverend gentleman forcibly pointed out the uncertainties of life, the necessity of always being prepared for death', and the real happiness of leading a pure and Christian life ; he also dwelt at some length upon the high character, the moral worth, and the excellent imple of the good and Just man, and of the rewards promised to the true chris’tian in this and the next world by the Almighty. He touchingly alluded tOthe good name and blameless, life of the deceased] never forgetting the duties that he owed to his creator. Wheii the celebration of Mass was over, thd beautiful and solemn sites prescribed by the Catholic church for the dead werd : performed by the Rev. Father Devoy. The coffin was then taken from the church, there being many willing shoulders to offer a last meed of affectionate sympathy and respect. The procession formed at the church reserve, numbering over 300 persons \ the sad cortege passed down tfhird-, Seddon* and Main streets to the Greymouth and KmnaraTramway Station. The body was then conveyed by special tram for interment in the Greymouth ijenietery, a large number of friends following the remains to their last resting place. John Whelan was over 20 years on the Australian and New Zealand goldfields; he wad; one of the earliest pioneers on the West* Coast, and an energetic Worker id those trying days when nerves of iron and. and hearts of steel could alone subdue the terrors of the primeval forest,' a*fad help to unearth from their bed thd glittering streaks of gold, the discovery and production of which attracted population, secured settlement, and gave importance to- the most • inhospifc| able Coast on the shores Of land t He has now passed away in the prime of life—4o years of age; "he had always the reputation- of being an honest, industrious* Upright man ; he was widely known in the Grey district, and highly respected. The writer of this passing tribute to his memory knew him well, and can only but too truly add that genuine hearts of this stamp are quickly missed, and are not easily to be forgotten. .John Whelan was born in the parish of Tubberra, near the town of Cahir, County Tipperary} Ireland. '*