Obituaries Australia

We have to record with very deep regret the death last night of one of our oldest and most respected pioneers citizens, in the person of Mr Patrick Brennan, J.P. He had been in a failing state for some time past, and the end was unexpected. The deceased gentleman, who was 69 years of age, was a native of Kilkenny, Ireland, and came out to Maryborough with his brother, Mr. M. Brennan, and three sisters in 1863, just over 50 years ago. For some time he was store-keeper for the late Mr Mactaggart, on Kilkivan Station, and then took part in the gold rushes at Gympie, Kilkivan, Stanton Harcourt and other places in the district. He finally came down to Maryborough in 1871, and entering into partnership with his brother-in-law, the late Mr. C. Geraghty, started the once widely known storekeeping firm of Brennan and Geraghty, in Lennox street, which was conducted until a few years ago. Mr. Brennan, who was an extremely enterprising man, also put his money and his energies into many other ventures, some successful and some otherwise. He went in extensively for wine making, and also had a licensed still. Fruit preserving also engaged his attention, and he established a big orchard, chiefly oranges, at the One Mile Tinana, and in other places. He was one of the pioneers of sugar growing in the Pialba district at Doolong, this being one of his disastrous ventures. In spite of his many private activities the deceased in his earlier years found time to take a prominent part in the public life of the town, and took a keen interest in party politics. He was an alderman for several terms, but would never consent to take the Chair, though he had the offer of it. He was one of the foundation members of the old Tinana Divisional Board, and was on the old Bridge Board for many years. He also took an interest in the Chamber of Commerce in early years, and there were few public undertakings in which he did not take a useful hand. He was the first man to bring the possibilities of sisal hemp in Queensland under the notice of the Government, and sounded a warning note against the imposition of the Federal sugar cane and bounty eight years ago. Death has robbed the community of a good citizen, who devoted a great deal of his time to the public welfare. He leaves a wife and four sons and two daughters to mourn his loss, and the fullest sympathy will go out to them in their present bereavement. The sons are Messrs. James Joseph (representing the International Harvester Company), Albert Patrick Joseph (Chief Clerk, Marine Department, A.U.S.N. Co., Brisbane), William Henry (turner, Evans, Anderson and Co., Brisbane), Herbert Francis (Manager of Brennan and Co., Maryborough). The daughters are the Misses Annie (Cis.) and Mabel Beatrice Brennan, at home. The deceased was also a brother of Mr. Martin Brennan, J.P., of John street, and Mesdames Doolan, C. Geraghty (both of Maryborough), and B. Hogan. (Rockhampton). The funeral will take place on Sunday afternoon, at 3 o'clock.