OBITUARY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 July 1939, Page 4

OBITUARY

FATHER MARK O’LEARY. The death has occurred at Christchurch after an illness lasting eight months, of the Rev. Father Mark O’Leary, a well-known missioner of the Society of Mary in Australia and New Zealand. Father O’Leary was born in Masterton in 1888 and was a brother of Mr H. F. O’Leary, K.C., the wellknown Wellington barrister. While in Masterton he was a prominent footballer playing for Masterton and later for the Red Star team. In 14 years on missions to parishes throughout Australia and New Zealand, Father O'Leary became known as the most gifted preacher of his day. He returned to mission work early last year after seven years in the Nelson parish, but his health broke down in October, since when he had been in hospital. He was educated at St. Patrick’s College, Wellington, where he was outstanding as an athlete and a footballer, and at Meeanee and Greenmeadows, being ordained in December, 191’4. He leaves three brothers, Messrs H. F. O’Leary, Joe O’Leary (the exAll Black footballer) and Jack O'Leary, of Timaru (who is seriously ill), and four sisters (Mesdames Peters, Masterton; Ascott, Wanganui; McKenna, Ashhurst, and Brophy, Palmerston North), who will have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends in their bereavement. MR W. D. CURRIE. The death occurred yesterday of Mr William David Currie, of 84 Bentley Street, Masterton. The late Mr Currie who had been in indifferent health for some years, was born in Oamaru 56 years ago. He followed the occupation of a grocer and for a number of years was travelling salesman for the National Cash Register Co. He was a member of the old Garrison Band at Oamaru. As he was unfit for service during the war, he was a member of the Featherston Military Band for the duration of hostilities. He then settled in the Wairarapa and followed his occupation as a grocer in various townships in the district. He always took an active interest in band affairs and during his residence in Martinborough was conductor of the band there. He came to Masterton three years ago as an employee of the W.F.C.A. and had been an active member of the Masterton Band. He is survived by a widow and a son, Mr R. J. Currie, of Masterton, besides three sisters and a brother resident in the South Island. The sisters are Mesdames Bruce Stevens (Oamaru). Archie Edwards (Alexandra), and Miss M. Currie (Central Otago), and the brother is Mr R. Currie (Dunedin). The funeral will take place tomorrow, leaving the Chapel of Hyde’s Funeral Services at 2 p.m, for the Masterton Cemetery.