OBITUARY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 177, 10 March 1914, Page 2

OBITUARY.

Patrick John McGovern. The many friends of the late Patrick John McGovern will regret to learn of bis sudden and unexpected death which took place at his late residence, King street, Pukekohe, on Sunday evening, Bth inst. Mr McGovern's death will remove from the town and district of Pukekohe a very well-known figure. Although he had not enjoyed altogether robjst health for some months he was able to continue his duties as clerk in charge of the Pukekohe branch oflke of Mr Hatfdow, solicitor, until about a week ago. Mr McGovern's condition was not regarded as being serious until about three days before Lin death. For a quaiter of a cen tury Constable McGovern had charge of the Pukekohe police station, and his period of service stands as a creditable record. He came here twenty seven years ago with his wife and family and continued in active work until about three years ago when he retired from the police force on superannuation. The deceased gentleman was born in Glcnfalrne, County Leitrim, Irelan 1, in the year 1844, so that at the time of his death he was at the ripa old age of 70 years. For over fifty years he was associated with the cxecutivo forces of law and order, being at the age of eighteen years a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary. O.i his resigning from the Irish Constabulary his credentials and resignation paperH were forwarded to the then Inspector in charge of the Auckland police force and on arrival by the thip Babbington in the year 1876, Mr McGovern was appointed lock-up keeper at Auckland, which position he assumed two days after arrival. Mr McGovern was a Justice of the Peace and a member of the Franklin Licensing Committee. His unassuming manner, combined with firmness, made his term of office in charge of the police station acceptable to the people with whom he came in contact. He leaves a widow, six sons and nine daughters to mourn their loss.