HON. DR. GRACE, M.L.C., C.M.G

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 17, 23 April 1903, Page 19

HON. DR. GRACE, M.L.C., C.M.G

The death of the Hon. Dr, Grace, M.L.C., G.M.G.,'. which occurred at his residence, Wellington, on Sunday morning was not wholly unexpected, as it had been well" known that he had been seriously ill far a considerable time, little hopes being entertained for his recovery forsome weeks Nevertheless the news of the sad event came as a shock to the public not alone of Wellingtdtt but of the whole Colony, for the genial doctor had been so long identified with the public life of New Zealand that his name was held to be synonymous with purity of motives and independence of action. Not alone was he an able politician who approached every public question that came before the legislature with the high ideal • of considering whether it would be for the welfare of the people as a whole, burt he was a shrewd business " man, ' having, taken a part in the starting and conducting of many of the most successful enterprises inaugurated in Wellington during his long residence in that city, where •u r u ma w£ years , he was tKe heatl of his profession until ill health compelled him to confine his visits to some of his older patients. Ever since the A.M.P. Society commenced business in New Zealand the late Dr. Grace occupied a seat on the local Board of Directors, and to his shrewd business ability and far-seeing commercial knowledge may be attributed in no small degree the success of that company in this Colony. The late Dr. Grace was born in Clonmel, County Tipperary, on February 28, 1837, his father being Mr. James Grace, of Sheffield House, Queen's County. He received his- education at the famous Jesuit College of Stonyhurst, England, and studied for his profession in Dublin, Edinburgh, and Paris, obtaining his degree in medicine in 1858. He entered the army in 1859 as staff assistant-surgeon, and arrived in Auckland in 1860 - as surgeon to the 65th Regiment, and served with ife under General Pratt and Captain Cameron, receiving for his services the N.Z. medal and the Cross of St. Michael and St. George. He was appointed principal medical • odicer to the New Zealand forces in 1865, and five years. later he was appointed to the Legislative Council. In 1866 Dr. Grace commenced the practice of his profession in Wellington, and in the same year married a daughter oi the late Hon. C. J. Johnston, M.L.C., who survives him. In recognition of his services to the Catholic Church, of which he was a devoted member, Dr. Grace uas, in 1890, made a Count of the Holy Roman Empne. For many jeais he was almost the sole owner of the Wellington Tramways, which he disposed of to the City Council a year or two ago. Dr. Grace was an enthusiastic lover of his native land, and never missed an opportunity of speaking or acting on its behalf, his purse being always open to the call of nationality. He was a gene- • rous and fervent Catholic, and the high honor conferred upon him in 1890 by the present Supreme Pon- ' tiff shows the esteem in which he was held by those inauthority in the Church. One of his brothers occupies a leading position in New York, of which city he was Mayor a few years ago, and a home erected and endowed by the Grace family for the reception and instruction of young girls seeking employment is one of the many philanthropic works for which the family has been conconspicuous.

In private life the late Dr. Grace was the most genial and considerate of men, always having a kindly word and smile for the humblest in the land. As a public speaker he was ready, fluent, and was even sometimes eloquent, his speeches being always noted for their polish and their rapier-like thrusts. He was also a forceful writer, having at one time or another done some good journalistic work. Had his professional duties permitted, he would have undoubtedly have, at one time or another, attained the rank of Minister of the Crown, but it is doubtful if he would have been a success, as he was too candid and sincere to please either Government or Opposition. Jn the Legislative Council he spoke his mind freely and commended or condemned a measure or proposal on what he believed to be its merits, no matter from what party it emanated.

On Monday evening the remains of Dr. Grace were removed to the Sacred Heart Basilica, and on Tuesday morning a Solemn Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul was celebrated. The \ery Rev. Father Lewis, V.G., was celebrant, Rev. Father Hills deacon, and Rev. . Father O'Shea sub-deacon. His Grace Archbishop Redwood and the Yen. Archdeacon Devoy, Provincial of the Marist Order, were in the sanctuary, and the impressive musre of the Mass was rendered by a large number of

clergy, who had come from all parts of the archdiocese for the purpose. Archbishop Redwood preached, paying an eloquent tribute to the worth pf the deceased, dwelling on the great loss which would be felt by all sections of the community in the death of one who had lived among and had be<?h associated with them for many years. Who, he asked, could enumerate all his acts of kindness, chaTity, and philanthropy ? The Archbishop also paid a tribute to the religious character of the deceased and to his practical philanthropy and charity. * '

There was _a crowded congregation, and the funeral was attended by members of Parliament, the Premier and other Ministers of the Crown, Government officials and representatives of all classes of the community The Minister of Defence, in consideration ol Dr Grace's long and honorable connection with the British forces during the Maori War, suggested that the remains should be buried with military honors but in deference to the wishes of the family, the proposal was abandoned.

By the death of Dr. Grace a void in public and private life has been created which cannot be easily filled, and to his sorrowing family will be Left the consolation that his was a noble life, without stain and without reproach, and that he died as he had lived— a fervent and practical Catholic. — R.I.P.