OBITUARY.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 September 1918, Page 8

OBITUARY.

MR. HESBiY J. H OKEY, M.P,

Very deep regTet, and widespread sympathy with his family, will be ielt at the news of tlie death of Mr. Henry •Tames iHobbs Okey, whicli took place at the Nqw Plymouth Hospital yesterday morning.

Mr. Okey's health had 'been not altogether satisfactory for some time past, and on Sunday, Sept. 1, he was taken to the hospital, where it was hoped that, under the skilful care of the medical and nursing staff, he would recover and he able to resume his former activities. Despite the best treatment that skilled hands could afford, however, no; satisfactory improvement in his condi-' tion could he maintained, and he gradually became weaker, the end coming at about 7 o'clock yesterday morning. Mr- Okey was the second son of the late Mr. Edward Okey, and was born at Frankley Road in 1857. He was educated in New Plymouth, and followed; farming pursuits all his life. UWatabout 21 years of age, he worked with his father, when,' at that time, he struck out for himself, taking up about 2000 acres of land on the Erankley Road, and carrying on sheep and dstiry ; farming, stock raising and dealing. Mr. Okey took a keen interest in publie affairs for many years. He twice unsuccessfully contested the TaranaJci seat in the House of Representatives—in .1002, against the late Mr. B. M. Smith, and in 1005, against Messra E. M, Smith (sitting vneember), O. E. Bellringer, Or. Tisch, and C. T. Mils, Mr. Okey being a close second to Mr. Smith, polling IJIT votes out of a total of S2>ls cast.

On the death of Mr. Smith, in April, 1007, Mr. Okey again was a candidate, *s before, in the interests of the Opposition (Reform) Party. He was opposed by Messrs E. Dockrill and the late G. W. Malone (Colonel Malone), and a very keen contest was fought,which resulted in in a win for Mr. Okey by a majority of 354

above Mr. Dookrill, the late Mr. Malone being tliird on the list. At the general election of 1008 lie was again returned at the head of the poll, defeating the late Mr. W. J. Malone and Mr. C. E. L'ellringer. He held the seat continuously since he waa first returned to the House, and proved himself sincerely interested in the welfare of his constituency and in the Dominion in general. Throughout his political career he was a staunch advocate for the opening up of the back-country road 3, and for the providing of facilities for the marketing of their produce by the pioneers of •he hackblocks of the country. He also was a strong supporter of the no-licens« •nrivemeirf.

Prior to entering Parliament, he took :i prominent part in local politics, and uas for nine years chairman of the Tar•rmki County Council, and wa3 also liairman of the Frankley Road Boarad. '■■} was one of tTie promoters of the loinroa Freezing Works Company, and ■ •!d office on the first directorate of the inpany. ' During the course of his political

irecr he was instrumental in getting ' e Harbor Empowering Bill passed

■ rough the House in 1008, and also in ■curing Government assistance for the •i! industry in Taranaki, witli the development of which he was closely associated.;

He was married in ISS3 to a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Morey, brother of the late Mr- William Moray, and is survived by his widow and three sons —Alfred, Ray, and Howard, of whom Ray has been for three years -with the New Zealand forces in France, and Alfred was called up foT service in the last ballot. Two sons of the late Mr. Okey liave been killed in the present warSydney, on Gallipoli, and Lionel, in France.

The sympathy of the whole district will be extended to the widow and family in the great loss they have sustained. The fnneral.will take place this afternoon, leaving the residence of Mrs. Stohr, a sister of the late Mr. Okey, at 2 p.m. for Te Eenui Cemetery. It is expected that the Hons. Sir James Allen and D. H. Guthrie will be present to represent the Government. At a mark of respect, the flags on public buildings were half-masted. At last night's meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, on the motion of the chairman, was expressed at the death of Mr. 11 J Okey. M.P, and it was resolved to send a luLtcr of condolence to the relatives cf the late Mr. Okey. In Moving the resolution, Mr. said that the demise of Mr. Okey was a rsatter of profound regret to men of every shade of political opinion. His services to the community had been most valuable, and ihe district was the poorer for his death. The motion was carried in the customary manner. Says the Str&tfoid Boat:—"Stratford is especially indebted to the late Mr. OkeT, because during the absence of Captain J. B. Hine, M.P., on military duties, Mr. Okey has devoted a good deal of time to the interest = of this constituency, and has acted in special matters with much ability. 5