Obituary

New Zealand Tablet, 3 November 1921, Page 19

Obituary

MISS EVELYN SARAH McALOON, CHRISTCHURCH. Very sincere sorrow was felt by a wide circle of friends when it became known that Miss Evelyn S. McAloon had passed away on the Bth ult., at the early ago of 19 years (writes a correspondent). The deceased was the youngest daughter of the late John and Mary McAloon, of Rogers Street, St. Martin’s, Christchurch. She was educated by the Sisters of Notre Dame des Missions, and by her charming character endeared herself to all her acquaintances. At the early age ’of 16 years the late Miss McAloon, her mother, brothers, and sisters were bereaved of a devoted husband and father. Her father’s death was followed within a year by that of her mother, and a short time afterwards the loss of a brother brought an additional period of mourning. Her own death followed after an operation for appendicitis. During the intervening days she was visited by several of the clergy and relatives, all of whom were edified by her truly Christian resignation. The interment took place in the Bromley cemetery.—R.l.P. MR. MICHAEL JAMES LYNCH, PARAPARAUMU. There passed away, recently, one of the best known and most highly esteemed residents of the district of Paraparaumu. Mr. Lynch’s death (says a contemporary) severs a link with those fast receding days, troublous but full of memorable incident which saw the birth of colonisation and, settlement in this end of the Island. Born at the Hutt, Mr. Lynch could relate with pardonable pride how his father, the late Henry Lynch, did his part during the strenuous days of the Maori wars. In 1857 deceased’s father purchased an area of standing bush between Paekakariki and Paraparumu, but these were days of anxiety, overshadowed always by the dark cloud of Native troubles, and it was not till the year 1866 that the pioneer and his family were able with security to take possession of their property and begin the task of winning from the gloomy bush the fair pastures that to-day stand as a credit to their labor and enterprise. Mr. Michael Lynch lived for many years at the old homestead, but later removed a few miles further north to a property which he purchased at Paraparaumu adjoining the original selection. He married in 1880 a sister of Mr. J. Hurley, a well-known former resident of this district, and leaves a family of eight. Three of the family are married, Mrs. J. Clifford, of Palmerston ■ North, and Messrs. Henry and Eric Lynch, of Hukanui and Pahautanui. respectively. The late Mr. Lynch is well remembered in local affairs as a patron and ardent supporter of all forms of manly sport, and as a capable member of the Hutt County Council sitting as a representative of the Whareroa- Riding for a period of 12 years, during which time he occupied the position of chairman for two terms of office. His unfailing courtesy and unselfishness in the discharge of his duties as a councillor will always * be remembered by his colleagues. To a host of relatives, friends, and acquaintances Michael Lynch’s death brings the sharp pang of a loss that cannot be made good. There is much in the manner of our living that tends, to stifle kindness and unselfishness. Speculation, ; the rush after pleasure,^ and the desire to accumulate wealth and property, push the nebler feelings aside. Michael Lynch’s life can bear no such reproach. Satisfied with his . own modest possessions he resisted the prevailing temptation to aggregate property, and was satisfied to lead the simple life of his forefathers, finding abundant time and oppor-

tunity for brightening the lives of others. With him charity and hospitality came first and these were given absolutely without distinction of class or person. Deceased leaves behind him a record of which any true man might feel proud, and the memory of which will remain green for many a year in this district. The deceased was attended during his illness by Rev. Fathers Melu and Vibaud of Otaki, who administered to him all the last sacred rites of Holy Church.—

MR. EDWARD SLATTERY, BLENHEIM. Fortified by the rites of- Holy Church, there passed away at his residence, Kriss Street, Blenheim, on Sunday, September 25, Mr. Edward Slattery, a native of Co. Tipperary, Ireland. Coming to New Zealand over forty years ago, Mr. Slattery, a cooper by trade, settled in Blenheim and followed various occupations. For a number of years he followed the farming industry, but like most early settlers tasted the vicissitudes of farm life in the early days. An Irishman by birth, Mr. Slattery possessed those characteristically Irish qualities which endeared him to the hearts of his friends.- His quiet and kindly disposition made him thought kindly of by all who knew him. He was a subscriber, to the N.Z. Tablet from when he first arrived in New Zealand. He took keen interest in the . Tablet, and read it with relish, consequently he was able to make clear many difficult questions about Ireland and the Church, which were put to him by non-Catholics. Like all true Irishmen he was ever sympathetic with his country’s woes, and looked to the coming of the day when the black shadow of persecution would cloud his native home no more. He leaves to mourn their loss a widow and family of five —one son and four daughters— latter are, Mrs. A. Farmar (Blenheim), Mrs. W. Liddle (Melbourne), Mrs. C. Ywers (Melbourne), and Miss Margaret Slattery, of the teaching profession of Auckland, and the former, Mr. W. Slattery, builder, of Hamilton. To his widow and family deepest sympathy is extended in their bereavement—R.T.P. MISS ELSIE STRICKLAND, WELLINGTON. “Man proposes, but God in His own good time disposes”this may be; fittingly applied in consoling terms to the untimely decease of Miss Elsie Strickland, of the Wellington South parish, whose lamented death, after long and patient suffering, occurred at her mother’s residence on Friday morning, the 7th ult., when, surrounded by all her relatives and the Sisters of the various Orders, she peacefully passed away (writes a correspondent). Deceased was the youngest daughter of Mrs. Mary Strickland, and was only in her 25th year. About three years ago she caught a severe chill, and although it left its mark upon her, yet the ever uncomplaining and bright disposition refused buoyantly to give way to apparent trifles, and she continued on in her own little sphere, helping where help was necessary, remembering the sick, where, her brightness was always welcome and -appreciated,, encouraging others who labored hard down life’s long way, and foremost in mostly all charitable efforts. She was attended throughout by her esteemed spiritual adviser, Father Swiney, and visited frequently by the other priests, as also the Sisters of Mercy from the neighboring convent, to whom she was always deeply attached. On the Sunday following ""her death, reference was made, eulogistic of such a noble young life, from most of the Catholic pulpits, and at her own parish church the Holy Sacrifice was offered for the happy repose of her souTf the celebrant being the Right Rev. Mgr. McKenna, Y.Q., assisted by Fathers Swiney and Mark Devoy. The children from the parish schools under the Sisters of, Mercy rendered very sweetly the choral portion of the Mass, which concluded with the beautiful hymn for the souls in purgatory, “The Waiting Souls.” Resting before the high altar were the mortal remains of-the exemplary child of the parish, enshrouded in her veil and blue mantle of a Child of Mary, and there were many eyes that moistened at. the thought of her noble young life now ended. Later in the afternoon the church and grounds were filled with friends and sympathisers. Right Rev. Mgr. McKenna, assisted by the Rev. Fathers Mark Devoy and Swiney, gave the absolutions at the catafalque, the children in charge of the nuns rendering the choral por-

tion, the whole being very impressive. The interment took place at Karori, the funeral cortege being a very lengthy and representative one. The Children of Mary formed a guard: of honor through which the funeral passed from the church grounds into the street. Father Swiney officiated at the graveside. May her soul rest in peace.