OBITUARY

New Zealand Tablet, 4 August 1921, Page 35

OBITUARY

MRS. M. CRONIN, CHRISTCHURCH. The ranks of the sterling Catholic pioneers of Christchurch, already much reduced by death, suffered a further and notable loss recently by the death of Mrs. M. Cronin, relict of the late M. Cronin, who passed away at her residence, Lower High Street, on July 2. The deceased was born in Kent, England, and was at the time of her death 79 years of age. She was a convert to the Church, having been instructed and received by the late Dean Ginaty, then parish-priest of Christchurch. A faith, deep and simple, which found expression in fervent and solid piety,, marked her whole life. This faith it was that made her zealous on behalf of every work of religion, charity, and education, undertaken in Christchurch. She gave cheerfully and generously to each, of her time, service, and means. Hers was a familiar presence at all the functions of the Church in the old pro-Cathedral and in the new Cathedral, to both of which she was devotedly attached. Wisdom, strength and sweetness characterised her government of the home, whilst as a neighbor she was charitable in word and deed, and prudent in counsel. Continuous sufferings were her lot during the last few years of her life, and these served but to refine and enhance her character. All who visited her as well as those who surrounded her were impressed by her rare fortitude, calmness, and patience. No murmur ever escaped her lips, but she ever showed consideration, sympathy, and thoughtfulness for others. Her devotion to the Holy Eucharist made her desire to receive Holy Communion often, and she enjoyed the privilege of communicating nearly every day. Her rosary was her daily companion, serving as a key to unlock the treasury of graces in the keeping of Mary Immaculate; for herself and others. Her family repaid their parent’s lifelong care for them by their own loving and tender care for her during her long illness, and she expired peacefully in their midst. Her mortal remains were brought to the Cathedral on July 5, when Requiem Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father Andersen, of Holy Cross College, Mosgiel. The clergy were represented in the Sanctuary by the Rev. Fathers Hanrahan (Darfield), Murphy (Hawarden), and Gallagher, The Absolutions at the Catafalque were given by his Lordship the Bishop, after which the interment took place at the Linwood Cemetery. The deceased is survived by six daughters, Rev. Mother Marie St. Claudia, Provincial of the Sisters of the Missions, Hamilton; Mesdames G. Dobbs and M. Garty, and the Misses Nellie, Jessie, and Myra Cronin, who have the sympathy of the whole Catholic community of Christchurch, and of many friends in other parishes.—R.l.P.

MR. PIERCE CARROLL, BALD HILL FLAT. The death of Mr. Pierce Carroll, an old and much respected resident of Bald Hill Flat, Central Otago, which occurred on June 25, is recorded with deep regret. The deceased arrived in Australia in 1859, and after being engaged in goldmining there crossed over to New Zealand m 1863, and joined in the “rush” to the Dunstan. For some years he followed mining at Manuherika, as Alexandra was then termed, and was married in St. John’s S h^ C i-n m 1869 ‘ About 46 y ears ago he came to ■Bald Hill Flat, where ho resided until his death. The late Mr Carroll was born at Glen, Co. Waterford, Ireland, in 1835, and all through life was a fearless advocate of the national rights of his country. With pride he would relate o his lends his having, as a small boy, seen Daniel O Connell, and always lived in hopes of seeing justice done to his beloved Ireland. Always a fervent and practical Catholic, his well-spent life was an example to those who had the privilege of his genial friendship. Rev. Father Hunt, who constantly attended the deceased during his illness, officiated at the interment in the Alexandra cemetery, on June 26, the funeral being attended by friends from over a wide area. Besides the wife and daughter of the deceased, and out of a family of eight, there are left to mourn their loss Mr. Jas. Carroll (Galloway) Mr P F Carroll (Bald Hill Flat), and Detective-Sergeant’ John Carroll (Invercargill). —R.l.P.

MR. HUMPHREY KEARIN, ONEHUNGA. His many friends will learn with deep regret of the death of Mr. Hiynphrey Kearin, which occurred lately at Onehunga, where he had resided for just on 50 years. Born at Scartagleu, 1 near Castle-Island, Co. Kerry, Ireland, in 1843, he arrived in Auckland by the ship Queen of Beauty in August, 1862, and on his arrival was drafted into the Militia, sdeing some of the later fighting in the Maori War in the Waikato. When gold was discovered at the Thames he joined the rush, spending* several years there. After leaving the Thames ho settled in Onehunga, where most of his family of three sons and four daughters were born and reared. Last November he and his good wife celebrated the golden jubilee of their wedding. His youngest son (Father Humphrey Kearin) is at ‘present Administrator of Kalgoorlie, W.A., in which State he has labored for some years. The other two —Messrs. Maurice and Thomas —arc both well-known members of the N.Z. Railway Dept. His eldest daughter (Miss Alice Kearin) is a very wellknown music teacher of Auckland; the remaining daughters (Mrs. K. Donovan, and the Misses Joan and Kate Kearin) all residing at Onehunga. A man of considerable learning and piety, he was very much respected and esteemed. The late Air. Kearin was a good Gaelic scholar, and it was often a great treat to hear him in a battle of wits in that tongue with some of his Irish priest friends. A fervent Catholic and a true-born Irishman, one of his oft-expressed wishes was that ho might be spared to see the consummation of Ireland’s struggle for independence. The interment took place in the Onehunga Cemetery, the Right Rev. Mgr. Mahoney, who officiated, referring in touching terms to the deceased. —R.I.P.