1857-1932 - Hutt Valley Biographical Index and Genealogies (HBIG)

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Thomas WALSHE (1857-1932) 

Obituaries Evening Post 05 Mar 1932 and Hutt News 09 March 1932 

The Rev. Father Thomas Walshe, well known as a parish priest in various parts of the Dominion during the past half-century, and for 

twenty-five years stationed at the Lower Hutt, died last Saturday evening. Born at Wexford, Ireland, Father Walshe came to New Zealand in 

the early eighties going first to Taranaki, and subsequently to South Canterbury and the West Coast. With the latter district he was 

particularly identified, and was a familiar figure there for many years, his faithful service and kindly nature being most highly appreciated by 

his parishioners. He maintained his friendships there till the end of his life, and made it a duty to pay an annual visit to the district. Father 

Walshe was chaplain to the Boys’ Home, Nai Nai, and was instrumental in effecting many improvements to the institution and its garden 

and playing fiends for the boys. Father Walshe’s body will lie in state at Nai Nai until to-morrow, when it will be brought to St. Mary of the 

Angels Church, Boulcott street. There will be a Requiem Mass at 9 a.m. on Monday, after which the funeral will leave for the cemetery at 

Taita. 

The funeral of the late Rev. Father Walshe took place on Monday. There was a large attendance at St Mary of the Angels’-Church, Boulcott 

street, Wellington, where Requiem Mass was celebrated at 9 o’clock. Dean Holly was celebrant, Father McManus deacon, Father J. Kelly 

sub-deacon, and Father McHardy master of ceremonies. Members of the clergy from all parts of the diocese were present; also residents of 

the West Coast, with which district the late Father Walshe was for many years associated. Many parishioners of the Hutt district and lads 

from the Boys’ Home, joined the cortege at the cemetery at Nai Nai, where the interment took place. 

New Zealand Tablet 14 Apr 1876 

The following sums have been received as Subscriptions to the Tablet for the week ending April 13, 1876… Rev. Thomas Walshe, 

Westport, 15s. 

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser 30 Sep 1881 Death of a Clergyman 

The Roman Catholic Community of the Peninsula has sustained a great loss by the death of the Rev Father Donovan, who, though resident 

in Lyttelton, has ministered to their spiritual necessities for the last four years… We understand that the Rev Father Walshe succeeds to the 

post hitherto occupied by Father Donovan. 

HBIG A-Z Walshe Last updated 15 May 2012 Page 1 of 5


New Zealand Tablet 04 Aug 1882 The Departure of the Rev. Father Walshe from Lyttelton 

An unfortunate circumstance over which we had no control prevented the report of two interesting circumstances being forwarded you 

sooner. You are already aware, that to replace Father Devoy at the Kumara, Father Walshe has been removed from Lyttelton, and to 

replace Father Walshe in Lyttelton, Father Tracey has been transferred from Te Aro, Wellington. To judge by the reports to hand Father 

Devoy’s change was, to him, a matter of regret, and further, if we may infer by the newspaper accounts Father Walshe had no reason to 

regret his change. Father Tracey, sincerely regretted by his Te Aro flock, took formal charge on Sunday the second ult., and though no 

popular oration welcomed him, still the welcome was, as it should have been – cordial. When the news came that Father Walshe had been 

selected to take full charge of the large district of Kumara, there was a feeling of sorrow came over all the parishioners, but this feeling of 

sorrow was also mingled with joy when we considered that his Lordship the Bishop had such confidence in the ability and zeal of our dear 

Pastor as to appoint him to such a fine parish as that of Kumara. On account of the very short notice given to the Rev Father the adult 

portion of the parish had not sufficient time to take steps to present him with a suitable address; however, the children, to whom he was 

indeed a kind and affectionate Father, with the assistance of their master, Mr Quirke, busied themselves with willing hearts in collecting 

funds to make a presentation to him on the eve of his departure. On Monday evening the 4 th inst., about 100 children and several of their 

sympathising parents assembled in the Schoolroom to wish the good Father good-bye; and present him with an address and a purse of 

sovereigns. At 8 p.m. the Rev Father entered, at which the children stood up and sang with joyous spirit, “Faith of Our Fathers” – Master A. 

McQuilkin then stepped forward and read the following address in a manner that quite surprised everyone present, reflecting great credit, 

not only on the lad himself but also on his talented master, Mr Quirke proving that the Catholic Schools can cope with any institution of the 

State:- “To the Rev Father Walshe, We, the Children of St. Joseph’s School, Lyttelton, take this opportunity of bidding you a hearty farewell 

– New Zealanders though we are by the accident of birth, we do not forget the country of our fore-fathers – its past history, its present 

struggles, its glorious future, are one and all, as dearly cherished, as sturdily supported and as fondly hoped for by us as any of Ireland’s 

most favoured children could emulate. We need not remind you dear Father that Ireland, the land of your birth has been and is still a nation 

of Apostles. And if we do remind you of this circumstance it is that you may know that we reckon you one among that glorious land. In far 

past ages benighted Europe owed to them the gift of Faith, the torch of science, and the light of civilisation at a time when Faith was dead, 

or nearly so. Short as has been your missionary career it has given evidence of its Apostolic origin – Modest, dignified, and thorough in 

your ministerial functions, kind and charitable to the poor, but kindest and most indulgent of all to us you have been. And were it in our 

power to show our appreciation of your worth in a manner more commensurate with your deserts, we your Lyttelton children would do so. 

As it is, dear Father Walshe, accept this little address and accompanying purse as an earnest of our affectionate regard. Wherever your lot 

may be cast, we shall watch your career with pleasure, we shall try to console you in your sorrows, shall feel proud of your successors, and 

humble and unworthy though the prayers and good wishes of your sad young Lyttelton friends shall be – they shall ever attend you. Signed 

on our behalf, Annie McGuire, Mary Cole, Mary Maher, T. Humphrey Moynihan, Maurice Kenney, W. J. Cole, Vernon O’Brien. Miss M. J. 

Cole then presented the purse of sovereigns. The Rev. Father who was much moved delivered a reply to the children, saying that if he had 

any idea of what was about to take place he should have come prepared with something more suitable than he was then able to express, 

but whatever he omitted they should overlook and forgive under the circumstances. Ever since he left college he had taken a deep interest 

in the welfare of children and the progress of education generally – his happiest moments were when with children, and wherever he should 

go, no matter in what part of the world he would always look back on his associations with the children of Lyttelton as months of pleasure 



and ever remembered joy. Whenever he entered the school he was treated with respect from the grown boy or girl down to the toddling 

infant. He impressed upon them the desirability of pursuing a good Catholic education, to walk in the paths of virtue, to be obedient to their 

parents, Pastor and schoolmaster, and above all to visit the Sacraments frequently and fervently – by so doing success in life would be 

inevitable. In conclusion the Rev. Father spoke of one part of the address which went to his heart viz., the reference to Ireland. It was the 

will of God he had to leave them, but he was going to a place where he had spent six months of happiness previously, and, to a place 

where he would be associated with his own countrymen – men who would, and have shed their last drop of blood for their holy religion and 

their priests. Amongst the diggers, men of all sects, and countries were to be found men, not as many people are of opinion devoid of 

education – but he could assure them that amongst the noble fellows he was about to live with were men of the highest education and 

culture, and whose generosity and hospitality were unequalled. He then asked those present to kneel whilst he gave them his blessing. 

Three hearty cheers were then given for the Rev. Father and having wished all a general farewell the proceedings terminated. I am etc., 

One who was present. 

Grey River Argus 04 Oct 1884 Marriage 

On September 25 th , at St Patrick’s Church, Kumara, by the Rev. Father Walshe, Michael Hannan, solicitor, Greymouth, eldest son of D. 

Hannan, J.P., Mayor of Kumara, to Elizabeth Alice, second daughter of the late A. Pethybridge, Cobden. 

New Zealand Tablet 01 Oct 1886 H.A.C.B.S. Leeston and New Headford 

On Sunday, September 19, the greater part of the Leeston Hibernians journeyed to New Headford for the purpose of making a 

presentation, in conjunction with the New Headford branch of the same Society, to the Rev. Thomas Walsh, the reverend assistant of 

Father Chervier. Immediately before Mass, which was celebrated at 11.30., the members of both branches assembled at New Headford 

schoolroom, and thence marched in regalia to the church to attend Mass, and received Holy Communion. After Mass the united Hibernians 

to the number of fifty, wearing still the beautiful regalia of the Society, and presenting a superb appearance in green and gold, assembled 

round the church door, and agreeably surprised the rev. gentleman in asking him to remain for a few minutes for the purpose of receiving 

an address and presentation. Brother James O’Boyle, president of the Leeston Branch, then advanced and read the following address:- 

“Dear Rev. Father, We, the members of the united Hibernian Branches of Leeston, and New Headford humbly beg to approach your 

reverence with a small token of our appreciation and esteem and earnestly desire your acceptance of our address and the accompanying 

purse of sovereigns. As members of a Catholic Society, it would ill-become us indeed, if we did not give practical expression to our 

gratitude on account of the very great interest taken on all occasions by you our dear Soggart Aroon, in Hibernianism, and also and 

particularly because of your sterling and undying patriotism. Your truly Christian and Celtic disposition has endeared you to all your 

parishioners, notably so to us, the members of the Hibernian Society, and we hope your efforts to implant these same notable qualities in 

ourselves may be blessed with the same happy results in the future as they have been in the past. This small gift, but very inadequately 

expresses our esteem, but we know it will be acceptable to your Reverence as coming from sympathetic hearts. While hoping we may yet 

further be able to express our due appreciation of your many virtues, allow us dear Rev. Father to wish you many years of health to labour 

in our midst, and to remain Yours obediently James O’Boyle, Patrick Henley, Peter McEvely. Father Walsh, in reply said: Gentleman, I 

thank you sincerely for this convincing proof of affection you have given me. Were it on occasion of leaving, prevalent custom might prompt 



the making of such a movement. Your goodness alone then, not any merit of mine, is in truth the parent of this gift and address, gift and 

address I esteem all the greater because of the honoured name under which they are given – Hibernian. The very sound of the name 

awakens within us memories, happy memories upon which the mind ever loves to dwell; memories of that cherished land, for whose 

freedom we sigh and daily offer our most fervent prayers. What an apt and striking appellation your Society bears! Catholic would not be 

sufficient – Hibernian is enough. Both united embrace everything of which a Catholic Irishman should be jealously proud. Those who court 

aristocratic society, it is true, look upon us with pity. ‘See those Hibernians, not one respectable person among them.’ Gentlemen, to your 

great credit be it said, you have set an example which more pretentious parishes might profitably follow. It is not the poor alone who are 

members of the Hibernian Catholic Benefit Society in New Headford and Leeston; the wealthiest likewise swell its ranks. Five years ago the 

Society had no existence in these districts. Soon after its establishment sinister attempts were made, it seems, towards its destruction. To 

day it lives, nay flourishes, and will flourish. If it be ‘worthless’, as some would have it, should it not be suppressed? If otherwise, does it not 

seem ‘lame logic’ to deny to it that support which other benefit societies receive? Crush it and one has no other benefit society which a 

Catholic can, salva conscientia, join. The Cardinal Archbishop of Sydney, whose views cannot be gainsaid without temerity, has eulogized 

it after the most eloquent manner. What need ye more? Procede et prospere. Observe that prudence which has hitherto guided your steps. 

Be not apprehensive of the future. Hibernian is your name, Catholic is your sirname. Fidelity to your rules, with God’s supporting 

assistance, will unquestionably procure your success. Again I thank you for this great kindness I have received at your hands, and 

earnestly pray that your characteristic generosity will be repaid by God in a manifold way. The promoters of the undertaking should feel 

flattered at its unprecedented success, chiefly so because the whole affair was a perfect surprise to everyone – even to those most 

interested, as arrangements for it were only made the Sunday previous, some even of the Hibernians themselves being unaware of it. 

Father Walsh himself, as he stood listening to Bro. James O’Boyle, in the mellifluous accents of ‘far-down land’, reading paragraph after 

paragraph of the address, was a perfect picture of agreeable surprise (he having received no notice of the presentation). Nor was his 

surprise in any way lessened when Bro. P. Henley, the genial President of New Headford branch, stepped from the ranks (amidst the 

cheers and plaudits of the assembled Hibernians), and handed his Reverence a small packet, which verified the old and oft-repeated 

saying ‘The best goods are made up in the smallest parcels’ for on examination it turned out to be a purse of very neat texture in green silk 

– well lined inside with standard gold of the realm (£40). The address was neatly and artistically engrossed by Mr M. Lonargan, of 

Christchurch, who cannot be too highly complimented on the very creditable manner he did his work – considering that he had but one, or 

at most two days to do it. The reception of the Leeston contingent by their New Headford brethren was most cordial, each individual 

member doing his very utmost to do honour to the visitors, thus testifying that unity is the order of the day when one of the reverend sons of 

Erin is to be honoured. When the proceedings terminated, the visitors were kindly invited by Bro. P. Henley to his residence, where a ‘cead 

mille failthe’ awaited them, and where they were hospitably entertained on a true Irish scale. Thus was brought to a close one of those 

happy re-unions which shall long be remembered with pleasure. Hibernian. 



New Zealand Tablet 25 Feb 1898 

From our Westport correspondent we learn that under the zealous care of Father Walshe and the devoted Sisters of Mercy – whose 

successes we chronicle elsewhere in this day’s issue – the local parish school continues to flourish like the green bay-tree. The school is, to 

all intents and purposes, a free one – the school fees paid amounting only to a little over £10 – but, thanks to judicious management, and 

the proceeds of seat rent (over £105), and of a very successful concert (£25), the year 1897 closed with a modest credit balance over 

expenses. 

Grey River Argus 12 Feb 1917 

Among the recent transfers of Catholic priests in the Dominion are the following:-… Father T. Walshe, of Lower Hutt, takes charge of the 

Eltham parish. 

Evening Post 21 Mar 1932 Notice to Creditors and Others 

All creditors and others having any claims or demands against the under-mentioned Estates are hereby requested to send (in duplicate) full 

particulars in writing of their claims, together with a certificate that the amount was owing by the Deceased at the date of death, to John 

Joseph McGrath, Solicitor to the Estate, at 10, Woodward street, Wellington, on or before the 23 rd day of April 1932. And all persons who 

were indebted to either of the under-mentioned Deceased at the time of his death are also requested to pay such debts to the said Solicitor 

to the Estate on or before the 23 rd day of April 1932. Estates hereinbefore referred to:-… Thomas Walshe, of Nai Nai, Lower Hutt, Catholic 

Priest, who died at Wellington on the 5 th day of March 1932. 

Evening Post 08 Jun 1933 Public Notices 

In the matter of “The Trustee Act 1908” and Section 74 of the said Act and in the matter of the Estate of Thomas Walshe of Nai Nai, Lower 

Hutt, Wellington, Catholic Priest Deceased. Pursuant to an Order made by a Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand on the 2 nd day of 

June 1933 notice is hereby given that all creditors and other persons having claims against the estate of the abovenamed deceased person 

who died at Wellington on the 4 th day of March 1932 and Probate of whose Will was granted on the 21 st day of March 1932 to John Joseph 

McGrath of Wellington, Solicitor, the Executor named therein, are hereby required to send in all particulars in writing of their claims to the 

undersigned, the Solicitors to the Executor, on or before the 8 th day of July 1933 after which date the Executor will proceed to distribute the 

assets of the deceased among the persons entitled thereto having regard only to the claims and demands of which the said Executor shall 

then have had notice. Dated at Wellington this 6 th day of June 1933. J. J. and Denis McGrath, 10 Woodward Street, Wellington, Solicitors 

to the Executor.

1857-1932 - Hutt Valley Biographical Index and Genealogies (HBIG)

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