OBITUARY

New Zealand Tablet, 6 March 1919, Page 34

OBITUARY

MR. JONATHAN O’BRIEN, DUNEDIN.

Bandsmen throughout the Dominion will regret to learn of the death of Mr. Jonathan (Jack) O’Brien, which occurred rather suddenly at his residence, Roslyn, on Friday night, February 21. Mr. O’Brien’s connection with local .bands extends back for many years, the first band of which he was a member being St. Patrick’s. Later he joined the Kaikorai, but severed his connection with them when he went to reside in Timaru. Returning to Dunedin he became a member of the Dunedin Navals Band, but subsequently rejoined the Kaikorai and remained with them till the time of his death. He was also a prominent member of the Dunedin Orchestral Society for a number of years. Mr. O’Brien was a very fine euphonium player, and had on more than one occasion won the New Zealand Championship on that instrument, as well as being a member of the champion quartet; in fact, he was a generally successful competitor at all contests. He was present at band practice on the previous night, but felt unwell next day, and died within a few minutes of the doctor being called in. A very large number of bandsmen and others attended Mr. O’Brien’s funeral on Sunday afternoon. About 60 played in the march from St. Joseph’s Cathedral to the Southern Cemetery. Deceased’s own band, the Kaikorai, took the march from the house in Roslyn to the Cathedral, Mr. Helmer Davie conducting. Members of this band wore white armlets. A number of active members were not distinguished as such because they were in mufti, the uniforms being in process of renovation. Many who knew Mr. O’Brien stood on the line of march to pay their respects. Father Kaveney conducted the service at the graveside, assisted by Father Arcagl. and Father Spillane. Members of the Hibernian Society acted as the pall-bearers from the Cathedral. Many past and present members of the Orchestral Society were in the procession. At a meeting of the St. Patrick’s Day Concert Committee held on Sunday evening, February 23, a resolution of condolence with Mrs. O’Brien in her bereavement was passed, and the secretary was instructed to convey the same to her by letter.—■ R.I.P.

ME. WILLIAM BOLTON, PETONE. The death of Mr. William Bolton occurred at his residence, 1 King Street, Petone, on Saturday, February 22. The deceased had 'been failing in health for some months, and was awaiting his end with true Christian piety and resignation. His death was a holy and peaceful one, comforted by the rites of Holy Church, and in the presence of his wife and family. The late Mr. Bolton was a native of County Carlow, Ireland. After marriage Mr. and Mrs, Bolton left Home for Rockhampton, Queensland. Here he made his home and reared a family of five children. About fifteen years ago the family decided to come to New Zealand. On arriving in Wellintgon, they came out

to Petone, and bought their present residence at 1 King Street. His wife, two sons (Thomas and Stephen), and two daughters (Elizabeth and Mary)/.are left to mourn their loss. His other child and eldest son (William) died a victim to the influenza epidemic at Palmerston North on December 8 (a report of whose death appeared in the Tablet). The late Mr. Bolton was a valued member of the Church. He was a fine type of the old school of Catholics, who exemplified in their lives the grand ideals of our holy religion. He regularly attended the second Mass on Sundays, except on the second Sunday of the month men’s Communion Sunday of the Sacred Heart sodality,when he was in his place in the front pew with the ribbon and medal of the sodality pinned on his breast. He and his wife and family have always been ardent supporters and silent workers in everything Catholic in the parish. It may be justly said of him that he was a true Irishman, a sterling Catholic, a just man. The funeral from the Sacred Heart Church on Monday, February 24, was a private one, only the family and a few immediate friends being present. The interment took place in the Catholic Cemetery, Petone.—R.l.P. MR. WALTER M. HAILES, BALFOUR, SOUTHLAND. The demise of Mr. Walter M. Hailes, of “Chartlea Park" Station, Balfour, Southland, has taken from the diocese a staunch, generous friend in the cause of the Church, and a resident of New Zealand who, during his lifetime, proved himself an able exponent of all that stands for liberal, unselfish ideals, in the improvement of this fair land, and for the betterment of the early settlers, many of whom to-day are grateful for his kindly actions and advice. The late Mr. Hailes was of a retiring, upright, and thoroughly honorable disposition, and although he took no direct part in public affairs, was always willing to place his knowledge and experience at the disposal of those who were guiding the destinies of Southland in the early days. He was born at Budbrook, Warwickshire, England, and, with his parents and family, came to New Zealand in 1862, and landed in Nelson. His uncles (the Redwood brothers, of whom Archbishop Redwood is one), Messrs. Charles and Joseph Ward, and Mr. George Hailes, have been prominent in all public movements for the ad-

vancement of commerce and industry in New Zealand, as well as in the interests of the sporting and social life of the early colonists. Later on Mr. Hailes, sen., with his family, took up land at Kaikoura, where members of the family are still favorably known, and highly respected. About 38 years ago Mr. Walter Hailes took up land in the Western District of South-

land, and was one of the pioneers of Cattle Flat. Subsequently he purchased the Ardlussa Run, which fi! a w r 7 ardS -n S ,- d to „ ndicate He then took up the Waikaia Plains Station, which he held until the government took over half of it for closer settlement, M Vl w u im the Potion known as Glenallapa Station. Mr. Hailes went through all the trials and hardships common to the early settlers, and by his indomitable pluck, cheery mature, and charitable disposition, helped to brighten the homes of those who had the good fortune of knowing him. He took a keen interest in all charitable institutions, and the following have benefited financially by his generosity—Little Sisters of the Poor, Anderson s Bay, Dunedin, £1000; Home of Compassion, Island Bay, Wellington, £1000; Convent of Mercy, Gore, £1000; Catholic Building and Furnishing fimnn G ?f 6 £ !°° o; erection of Convent at Balfour, was his great desire, subject to the approval of the Bishop to have a convent erected in the healthy district of Balfour. The deceased had been ailing for some time and was confined to his bed for the last our months, where, by his patient resignation in his sufferings, he edified those around him. He passed away peacefully at noon on Wednesday, January 22 strengthened and sanctified by the sacred rites of Holy Church His funeral was one of the largest seen in the Waimea district. He leaves a wife, a daughter and two sons; also two sisters and five brothers to mourn their loss. They have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends.—R.l.P.