THE LATE MR JOHN SHEEHAN, M.H.R.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5119, 13 June 1885, Page 2

THE LATE MR JOHN SHEEHAN, M.H.R.

i The sad news of the decease of the above gentleman, after bat a brief illness, iwas received in town last night, and was the.cause of universal regret being expressed at the general public loss and heartfelt sympathy with his young wife and relatives in their sad bereavement. It is not a month since—while engaged in his canvass of the Tauranga electorate— Mr Sheehan visited the Thames, and only a little over a fortnight ago ho returned to Napier after being returned for the seat he contested, yet now it becomes our melancholy task to have to record his demise. The short time which has elapsed since he was amongst us, renders doubly sad the occurrence we now refer to. Mr Sheehan was born in July 1884 and hence was in his forty-first year. At an early ege he betrayed considerable tact and shrewdness, and showed the possession of a fluency of speech of no mean order; he belonged to several debating clubs and similar institutions-; his parents paid great care to his education, and he was one of the most promising pupils of Mr E. J. O.Sullivan, now Inspector of schools. Early in life he was articled to Mr Merriman, Crown Prosecutor, and at the age of 23 became a barrister. Two years later he was returned to the Auckland Provincial Council, and very shortly after his entrance into this arena of politics he displayed talents which at once stamped him .as a coming man. Very few years after his introduction to the Provincial Chamber he assumed the posi tion of leader, and his followers succee Jed in removing from office the advisers of Mr T. B. Gillies, who was then Superintend ent. The ousting of this executive placed Mr Sheehan's party in power, and he was entrusted with the office of Goldfield's Secretary, which he filled until 1875, when, owing to professional engagements in connection with native lands, be re moved to Napier. During his career as a member of the House of Representatives he has ever been popular with those belonging to his own and opposing parties. Whips on both sides sent for Mr Sheehan where disputants could not agree, and many a political quarrel has been amicably settled when the friendly offices of the genial member were invoked. Twice was the Thames repre sented by Mr Sheehan—once in conjunc tion with Sir Gorge Grey, and after the institution of single electorates, he was again returned. He was the first native born colonist elected to Parliament, and at an early stage of his very promising career, he was the first colonial native, and the youngest Minister, to assume office in the colony. In the Grey Ministry he accepted the Native portfolio, and being in possession of a thorough knowledge of the language, character, and habits of the aboriginal races,.his assistance was of material benefit in opening negotiations, which have since been turned to good account. Although a strong supporter of Sir George Grey and his party, the genial nature of Mr Sheehan rendered him a general favorite with all sections of the House, and his loss in settling misunderstood differences will be severely felt. As a friend the deceased was generous to a fault, and many will miss the kindly aid given by him in time of trouble; as an opponent he was frank, manly, and honest; if a fight need be, it was carried on straightforwardly and without a tinge of bitter ness, even in case of defeat. John Sheehan was a man amongst men, an open-hearted, generous, talented politician, and, as nature made him, a grand specimen of Young New Zealand. We feel sure that the mind of the great number of Thames people is spoken wheu we say the grief at his loss is silent, yet profound.

[FBOM OTJJR OWN COBBEBPONDENT.]

"Wellington, This day.

,Mr Sheehaa's Death-

Universal regret is expressed among the members of the Legislature and the pressmen assembled for .Parliamentary work, at the sad news of the death of Mr John Sbeehan, M.H.E. The melancholy announcement has cast quite a gloom over the commencement of the session, and on all fides, among all parties, there is a genuine lament at the untimely end of one who was considered one of the ornaments of the young New Zealand party in politics. Much sympathy is felt here for the'young widow.

(Per Pbess Association.) Wellington, This day. Government has decided to send, should Mr Sheehan's relatives desire it, the Hinemoa to Napier, to convey the sbody of Mr Sheehan to Auckland, where (it will be interred.