OBITUARY

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXII, Issue 44, 3 November 1904, Page 19

OBITUARY

MR. MICHAEL FITZGERALD, TIMARU. (From our own correspondent.) October 31. Mr. Michael Fitzgerald, one of the old Canterbury pioneexs, passed away at his residence, Church street, on '1 hursday last, atter a long illness, in his 04th year.' lie died fortified by all the Vites of Holy Church, of whicn he had always been a practical and devoted member. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, and was one ot the largest that has left our -parish church lor many years, many frjends being present Jrom as iar north as Ueraldine and as lar south as Waimate, the representative attendance showing the esteem and respect in which the deceased was held. He was one of the iounder.s ot the Hibernian Society in this district, and despite the threatening state of the weather the members turned out some 80 strong, and marched before the hearse, the officers acting as pall-bearers. Mr. Fitzgerald was a native of the parish of Cullen, County Cork, lieland, and left the Old L^ind for the Colonies in 1858. He ftrst visited the goldhelds and then sipent some time in Christchurch and Geraldme, and finally settled in Timaru, starting business as a nurseryman. He did most of the forestry work for the Mackenzie county Council, and other South Canterbury public bodies, iv fact the future forests of this district were planted under his direction. He always evinced the keenest interest in parish matters and was lor many years a member ot the Catholic school committee. He leaves a widow, two sons, and four daughters to mourn their loss , also two brothers, Mr. M. Fitzgerald, J.P., Arowhenua, and M". W. Fitzgerald, Dirrah Farm, Pleasanft l'omt Road.— X.l. P.