IN MEMORIAM. JOHN SHEEHAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 2019, 16 June 1885, Page 2

IN MEMORIAM. JOHN SHEEHAN.

Is our impression of Satin ilay last, we were unable to give more than a bare notice of the fact of the melancholy and untimely death of Mi John Slicch.vn. \ The deceased was so widely known in the W.ukatodistuct that we are sure that great interest will he f<lt in any particulars relating to hi-, life. i\s far as we can asecitain, Mr Sheehan was bom in the year 1841, and would thus be about 41 at the time of his death. He was the s-on of Mr David Sheehan, who, if we remember rightly, represented the Northern Division in the Auckland Piovincial Conned. Of his mother, the late Mrs Shccnan, hundreds of poor and friendless creatures still live to testify the noble qualities which distinguished her. Rarely was a meal 01 lodging re fused to any deserving applicant, and her name is stdl a household word in Auckland as the embodiment of practical chanty. The late Mr John Sheehan ie cened as careful and libeial an education as w.vs then possible in the colony, and lie never foigot the care and attention he received in this respect at the hands of Mr R. J. O'Sullivan, Inspector of Public Schools. He subsequently determined to follow the law as a profession, and was admitted to practice, we believe, in 1 567 or 1808. But w hile undergoing the tiain ing necessary for his admission, he was by no means idle in other respects. Ho organised and practically controlled the Debating Society of the Catholic Institute, a body in which the debating power was probably greater than has eTer, before or since, been seen in any similar organisation in Auckland. With that liberality of mind which always distinguished Mr Sheehan, the advantages of this (at that time) really remarkable institution were extended to persons outside the pale of the Catholic Church, and the wnter could name seveial gentlemen not of the fold who enjoyed the privilege of attending the debates. In 1569 Mr Sheehan's public life miy be said to have fairly commenced. In September of that year the old political gladiator, whose memory is still green in the hearts of thousinds in [the Provincial District of Auckland, entered the arena to contest the Supenntendency with Mr (now Judge) Gillies, and Mr Sheehan was one ot the most ardent snpporters of the grand old wanior, of whom it was said that when he died "Auckland" would be found written on his heart. The contest was decided in favour of Mr Gillies, but in the election of Provincial Councillors at the end of the year a large majority was returned hostile to the nowly-elected Superintendent. Mi Sheehan was one of the new Councillors, and to him all eyes were turned as the man most capable of organising and leading a party in the Council. Nor were their expectation 1 ' disappointed. With wonderful tact for so young a man lie rapidly lcconciled all the conflicting elements with ■* hich he had to contend. On the motion of Mr W. J. Hurst, now member for Waitemata, Mr Gillies' Executive was defeated, and Sheehan with his friends assumed the reins of Government, At this time Mr Sheehan was a debater of great power. The writer w nil remembers a speech which he delivered in reply to a carping attack which was made upon his Government by Mr Hugh Carleton, an old politician, able, waiy, and with much power of sarcasm. Mr Oailnton fell tooth and nail upon the Administration, and especially on the " mere boy" who was its life But when Sheehan rose and smilingly, affectionately, gently, as was his wont, pioccedcd to dissect the lion gentleman's political career, pointing out what he considered his palpable inconsistencies, the veteran shifted uneasily npon his feet, then rose again and again to explain, anil finally rushed fioin the ehambei, when Sheoh-ui, quoting from Cicero's famous oration against Cataline thundeied after him, "Abiit exasit erupit." But it was all done good naturorlly, and the writer never heard that there w.vs much heai t burning over it. The Hon. Mr Swanson, M L,C, was one of the most consistent supporters of Mr Shechan's Administration, and contributed largely to its stability. The foundations of many ef our most prized institutions were luid in that Provincial Council by Mr Sherhan, his collengnes and his supporters Measures which have since been introduced into the fJener.il Assembly as great and important refoim.s were dealt with during Mr Sliechan's time in the Auckland local legislature. On the decease of Mr John Williamson (thenSuperintondant) in 1874, a leador was required for the powerful Auckland Piovincial party, of which that gentleman had been the acknowledged representative. At the time Sir (Jcorge (then Mr) O'ltorke was mentioned as the piobable choice of the paity, but eventually the lot fell upon Sir George Grey. Mr Sheehan, in company with the late Mr W. C. Wilson, of the Herald, and several

others went to the Ivawau, and sue ceeded in inducing the redoubtable Knight to accept the position of Superintendent Mr Slicehan had previously obtained a sent in the House of Roprcsentati\cs, and liad commenced to make hi- maik in tho debates which took place. Instant in season and out of season, this enoigotic \ouug state sman marshalled lut part} for the great battle of the Pro riuces against Centralism Tlnough IST.") nn<i 1576 lie and Stout and Hislop fought side l>y side with Grey to uphold the onginiil Constitution. We do not agree with their politics, but we cannot but adm re the wondeifnl pluck and pertinacity with which the small Iwnd, of which Mr Sheehan was the leading spirit, fought their up lull battle. In 1577 he became Native and Defence Minister under Sir Giuigc (lie}, which position lie held until 1879, when the Hall Government succeeded to power. The rest of his history must be fiesh m the mind 3 of our readcis His conte&t with MrOimond, and his moie recent one, with Mr Kelly, were the latest political events in the life of the politician w ho has just passed aw ay. Such was, roughly sketched, the public caieer of this lemaikable man. Of his brilliant abilities those who knew him best are the best judges. In influence over others, in that unconscious fishion which is the invariable attubute of genius, he was probably without a rival m New Zealand. His wonderful command of language, readiness of wit, fertility of resource, and pow er of consecutive and sustained argument are best known to those who watched his Parliamentary career during the trying times when his (the Grey) party fought their numbers up from '23 in 1874, to a majority in 1877. The writer has heard one of the best judges of Parliamentary ability in New Zealand say that Mr Sheehan was the ablest leader of the House that he had ever seen. It is probable that for leal liberality of political thought he has not up to the present had a mal. lie was a Liberal, from sentiments of real sympathy and a genuine love of his fellow men, rather than a "philosophical Radical." Notwithstanding all the associations of his early life ami teaching, he was a consistent supporter of the piesent system of national education, holding strongly the liberal view that education by the State would ultimately give to every child born into the world a comparatively equal chance of attaining distinction and wealth. Mr Shcohan was also an accomplished man He played numeious musical instruments, and was acquainted with several languages. He acquired a knowledge of the" Maori language with wonderful facility. Having been engaged in the famous Oiakei case, (his first important case, '>y the way) he, in the course of the hearing, picked up sufficient of the language to converse fluently. The time occupied by this Court was, if we recollect rightly, under two months Of courbc this was only the foundation of his knowledge of the Maori tongue, as he subsequently became thoroughly proficient in it. As a contributor to the Press, the deceased gentleman was in the fiont rank. His leading articles, published fiom time to time in the pnncipal journals of New Zealand, were of the fiist quality ;— ami who can inform us as to who was the author of the famous bombardment piodamations which appeared in the columns of the Herald aftei Sir George (Jiey had been elected Snpuiiitcndent of tin. province ? A quick and accurate draftsman of Parbamentaiy bills, he -was the constant friend of Members who were possessed of good ideas hut lacked the power of e\picssmg them clearly on paper, and it mattered nothing to this good-hcaitcd man fiotn which *ide of the House the application for assistance came. No one can deny him the credit of great ability as a pub he speaker. In the House he com manded the attention of Membeis to an extent that few young men have done, and piobably few will in the future do. He has gone now. Let men broaiefnl how they criticise him. Whatevei fuilts may have been his they woe never of the heart. Many a man can Hay with truthfulness that John Sheehan gave him a helping hand whin none other was near to help. Many can bear testimony that then time of dire distic&s has been brightened by his kindly hand. Let us then foiget all animosities, and bury all faults in oblivion, now that the patriotic and brilliant young New Zealandcr is going to his grave.

The Cambridge Town Board holds a .special meeting this afternoon, to consider certain proposals in connection with the newly acquired town endowments. A highly satisfactory trial of the Harden " Stnr " hand grenades was made at Cambridge on Saturday afternoon.

The intelligence of the death ot Mr John Sheehan caused universal regret in Cambridge, w hero the deccaned gentleman was w ell know n,

A cablegram has been received to the effect that, everything in connection with the settlement of tho Pateterr country has been Mitisf.vctorily arranged v\ith the Home company.

An elderly gentleman named Thos. Burke, of an equestrian turn of iniiid, w.i-i uitioduced to Mi Russell, J.P., at the Police Court, Cambridge, yesterday morning, on a chaigc of diuiiUonne-'s, The offence was acknowledged, and a tine of .">.s w.is imposed.

At the meeting of the Government supporters of the Hamilton Legislative Association, held last night, it was decided that the first meeting of the Motion shall be held on Tuesday, June 30th. A fuithrr meeting: of the Gosemmont suppoikis has been arranged for Monday ne\t, June 22nd.

The Tamahere Road Board held their usual monthly meeting yesterday at tho residence of the clerk. A rate of Ad in the pound was stiuck, and the board agreed to give two gtnntMs towards tho mtroduc tiou of ti-<li to Waikato. Sundry accounts were passed for payment, and the meeting adjournod.

We would suggest to the railway authorities that instiuetions should be given to tho engine dnveis to whittle when approaching Victoria street, Hamilton, fiom thobudgo ovei the rivei. On <uch foggy in )rmngi as we have been hay ing lately an accident might very e-isily happen, as tho tiain in coming towaids the .station creates veiy little noise.

A meeting of Cambridge footballers is called for Tinned iy atoning at tho Duke of Cambudgp Hotel. Several attempts h«t\B been made- to get the club togethoi this season but without success. We hope therefore, .is tho season is now pretty well advanced, footballers will cine forward on Thursday evening andonce more set tho ball a-rolhug.

Judge Puckey arrived in Cambudge ye«tordiiy, and will open the Land Coint this morning. The business of the coiut will bo to consider and niaki* .m oidcrastowh.it poitionof tho cost of tho survey of tho Maungataittati lUnck will bo paid to tho claimants by tho connterclaimant-', among whom tho land was adjudged. The sitting of the comt is only expected to last for a few houis.

Quite a number of natives gathoud in Camhiidgo yesterday for the puipn-ic of being present at the shoit •Mttmg of tho, Land Court this moi mug. Tho town during yesterday evening lominded ouo, m .i gieat measure, of tho business, stn, and bustle picvalcnt during tho foinioi days of Navive L>tnd Oouit*. Tho natives weie principally thoso niteientod in the M.iuii(r.itautai i case.

The members of the Cambridge Lawn Tennis Club, have to .ill appealnncoH co.isod play for the season The 10cent heavy rams have made tho court rather heavy and soft. An tho comt is a little rough m places, now is tho tune to have it lolled and put in proper oidei. Tho comt his boon a very popular io-ort during the Mimmei month 1-, and the members generally have become pietty prohcieut players.

A few days ago we referred to a, rnlhanly act which hud been perpetrated on tho horse of a settlor at Cambridge, the horse's tail and ni.ine having been cut off, and the bridle nnd stinup strap lemoved. Tho police were not long in obtaining a clue to tho offenders and Constable lSiennnn has, we ;uo pleased to notice, now succeeded in getting togethci sufficient evidence with which to ontor a

prosecution. Nenbitt Henry Lumsden well kmn\nm tho Cambridge distnct and Thomas Jackson, of Auckland, ha\o encli been served with a sumn.ons, charping thorn with tho offence, and tho case will Iw heard at tho noxt sitting of the K.M. Court at Cambridge.

Thornton road is perhaps one of the worst roads in tho Cambridge distuct, and should icceivo 1111 irifdiato attention at the hind-, of tho town bo.irri. The Tnont undesirable poition of the ro.id is within the town bolt, and it is a, matter of mil prise that the l)oard has not ittended to it long mnce. In wet we.ithci it, is ahnoit impassable for foot traffic, and a dmc o\er it at night is not attended with the giente»t possible .safety. The mad is not defined, and the Hhghtc-t dneigence may find the rider or the driver reci eating m a potato hole or oke imohed in the intricacies of aw no fence. Some immediate itfoit should coitmily be made to put the road in a bottei and -.ifer condition.

We have received a strong letter from " One Who Subscribe.-," rtferuiitf to the action of the night watchman at C.un bridge in respect to the, recent caso of laiiikinisin. The wliter leferi to the fact : that this othcer is a sort of special con>table as well as a night watchman, and that it n bis duty to assist tho police in maintaining older and suppressing mischief. It is alleged that the watchman, instead of doing this, thwarted the police, by tolling a ditfeient atoiy in the witness box to what be told the constable immediately after tho rowdy occurrence. The wliter concludes with a strong reference to the recent acts of mischief which ha\e been perpetrated in the town, and trusts that in future the n utchmnn, instead of scref ning tho w rong doers, will faithfully discharge hiH duty, by Masting tiie police and bringing them to justice.

About a week ago, while a young lndy who resides atTamahcrc was returning home from church at Cambridge, she wao subjected to » cowardly insult at the hands of some ruffian who followed her along the road. On reaching the cemetery on the Victoiia road she heard <orao poison riding along madly behind her, and in .1 few minutes sho was familiarly accosted by a man who was mounted on a home w ithout either saddle or bridle. After Rome few words of coinersation ho dismounted and seized hold of the young lady by the foot, with the object of pulling her ofl hei hor>e, but Khe pio\ed too many for him and succeeded in getting aw ay without mi-tain ing injury. The hoixe upon which theman W4s mounted broke fioni him, and «o he was unable to follow up his object. The matter was repotted to the police some tune .iftci, but as yet no clue has been obtained as to the identity of the miscreant.