Port Pirie Items. Farewell Social to the Rev. Father Mulcahy, Petersburg Times, 16 February 1904, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109479191:

A farewell social to the Rev. Father Mulcahy, who, after four years' residence at Port Pirie, has been appointed by Bishop Mahar to the charge of the Carrieton parish, took place at the Institute Supper Room on Wednesday evening. The Rev. Father O'Connor presided over a large attendance, and, on behalf of the congregation of St. Mark's Church, presented Father Mulcahy with a purse of sovereigns, and in making the presentation referred in highly appreciative terms to the good work done by the guest of the evening during his residence in Port Pirie, and expressed regret at the departure of Father Mulcahy, between whom and himself had always existed the most cordial relations. An address was presented and read by Mr. W. K. Gallagher as follows:—

[...]

Father Mulcahy—whose place here is being taken by the Rev. Father Cleary, of Pekina—left for Carrieton on Thursday.

---

Local And General. Father Cleary Leaving, Port Pirie Recorder and North Western Mail, 30 July 1904, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article95261190:

There will be general regret throughout this district that the Rev. Father Cleary will be leaving Port Pirie next week. Father Cleary has been only a comparatively short time amongst us, but his genial disposition and unaffected good nature have won for him the respect of all who have come in contact with him. In his leaving St. Mark's Church will lose an eloquent preacher.

---

Farewell to a Popular Priest, The Express and Telegraph, Adelaide, 5 August 1904, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article208777656:

Port Pirie, August 4.
Widespread regret was manifested by all classes of the community of Port Pirie when it became known on Saturday, the 30th ult., that the Rev. Father Cleary, of St. Mark's Church, had resigned his charge as assistant priest. During his five months' residence here he has taken an active part in advancing the cause of temperance. He also revived the St. Mark's Literary Society, took a deep interest in the choir of the church, being himself musically gifted. The welfare of the young life of the church received his particular attention, and in him the children and young men of the district had a sympathetic and sincere friend. Very large congregations attended his ministrations, attracted thither by his persuasive eloquence. On Sunday last a representative and influential deputation waited on him and earnestly appealed to him to withdraw his resignation, but finding that he was determined in his resolve, a memorial was prepared and presented to his bishop, praying him not to accept the reverend gentleman's resignation. Father Cleary has made friends amongst the people of all denominations, and his kindly disposition and geniality will be very much missed.

On Wednesday evening a large number of the congregation of St. Mark's assembled in the banqueting-room of the Town Hall to present Father Cleary with an address, which Mr. P. Daley read as follows:—

The Rev. P. Cleary—Rev. and dear Sir—It is with the deepest feelings of regret that we contemplate your departure from amongst us, as, though your time here has been short, you have gained the esteem and goodwill of all your parishioners.

We forwarded a strong petition to his Lordship Dr. Mahan, with the hope of his influencing you to resume your sacred duties in the district, but we have been informed that it is your wish and intention to depart in the morning, so that we feel that we cannot permit you to leave without expressing our highest appreciation of your labors in connection with the church and the societies established for the advancement of its members, both spiritually and socially.

Your inspiriting addresses from the altar have had the effect of rousing many lethargic souls, and we trust to keep faithful to the ideals so ably delineated by you.

You have taken a deep interest in our schools, and during your short sojourn here you have gained the favor and love of our dear little ones, who are preparing for the "battle of life" on their own responsibility. We feel that your instructions to them will bear lasting fruit and redound to the glory of God. We beg to express our heartfelt gratitude for the deep interest you have taken in the youths and maidens of the district, especially in connection with St. Mark's Literary Society and the church choir. The members of the literary society will miss your kindly advice and instruction, and the choir will sadly miss the impetus given to their work by your musical knowledge.

We wish you "Good luck" wherever your lot may be cast in the future, and trust that God will keep you in His care and direct you in the good work taken up for His glory.

We are, reverend and dear sir, yours in Jesus Christ—William E. Gallagher (Chairman), Patrick M. Daley (Secretary).

Several gentlemen, having testified their appreciation of the splendid work done by the rev. gentleman, and the zeal and self-sacrifice which he displayed towards his flock, Father Cleary feelingly responded. He could truthfully say that he never regretted leaving any congregation more than the Port Pirie one. Lest there should be any misapprehension as to the cause of his departure, he stated that he was going entirely of his own free will, having made application to the bishop of the diocese to be relieved from his labors there previously. He thanked them for the many kindnesses they had shown him during his short pastorate, and for the encouragement they had given him in the prosecution of his spiritual work.

---

Departure of Father Cleary, Port Pirie Recorder and North Western Mail, 6 August 1904, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article95261281:

As soon as the congregation of St. Mark's Church read our notification of Father Cleary's projected departure steps were taken to urge his reverence to remain in the district. On Sunday last after service, which was attended by a large congregation, a meeting was held and a petition drawn up for presentation to His Lordship Dr. Maher, to use his influence towards the retention of Father Cleary in this parish. He, however, decided on Wednesday to take his departure on Thursday. Some of the members of the Church hurriedly prepared an address, and decided to present it to him on Wednesday evening at the Institute. The news travelled, and, considering the short notice, there was a fairly large audience, including several from Warnertown.

Mr. W.E. Gallagher presided, and in opening the meeting gave a brief sketch of Father Cleary's career in Port Pirie, eulogising him both as a minister of God and a personal friend. He then called on Mr. P. M. Daley to read an address to Father Cleary, which was as follows:-

[...]

After this was done, Mr. Daley supplemented the general remarks by appreciative remarks on the work of Father Cleary.

Messrs. Gus. Crosby, Hansen, T. Conley, Holland, and A. Browne made many touching remarks, which all tended to show the great esteem in which the rev. gentleman is held by the Roman Catholics of the parish.

Presentations were then made by individual members to Father Cleary.

Father Cleary, who seemed much affected, thanked the people for the kind and considerate remarks and for the very flattering demonstrations made on his behalf during the week. As a minister of God he did only his duty, and he wished he could have done more. He liked the people of Port Pirie, and he regretted deeply that circumstances led to his departure. He asked them to remember him in their prayers, and promised that the Pirie people would not be forgotten in his. If they did not meet again in this world he hoped to meet them in the next. They should keep up their trust in God, who is the way, the life and the truth, and with this before all hopes of eternal happiness would be realised. He then bade good-bye to the members present in a few affecting words.

---

Personal, The Advertiser, Adelaide, 1 November 1904, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5029131:

In referring to the admission of the Rev. Patrick Cleary, late of Port Pirie, into the Anglican Church, the Auckland correspondent of the Otago Daily Times wrote on October 21:—"The Anglican Bishop of Auckland (Dr. Neligan) received the Rev. Patrick Cleary from the ministry of the Church of Rome into the ministry of the Church of England, in St. John's College Chapel. Mr. Cleary signed the declaration of assent to the Book of Common Prayer and the Thirty-nine Articles and of submission to the General Synod of the Church of the Province of New Zealand, and took the oath of canonical obedience to the bishop. The celebration of Holy Communion followed the reception into the Church of England."

---

Personal, Waikato Times, Hamilton, 13 May 1943, p 2, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19430513.2.17:

The Rev. P. Cleary has resigned after 10 years’ service as vicar of Putaruru owing to advancing age and ill-health. Gatherings of parishioners were held at Putaruru, Waotu and other outlying districts, and Mr Cleary was the recipient of many gifts and cordial expressions of appreciation of his work.

---

Deaths, New Zealand Herald, Auckland, 1 November 1943, p 1, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19431101.2.5:

Cleary.—On October 30, at Hamilton, Rev. Patrick, loved husband of the late Jane Cleary, of Putaruru, and loved father of Torrance, Dorothy Mary and Kathleen; aged 74 years. No flowers, by request. Requiem Mass at Putaruru Church of England, at 11 a.m. to-day (Monday), funeral leaving after for Putaruru Cemetery.

---

Obituary. Rev. P. Cleary, Waikato Times, Hamilton, 1 November 1943, p 2, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19431101.2.21:

The death has occurred in Hamilton of the Rev. Patrick Cleary, of Putaruru, aged 74 years. Born in Ireland, he was educated there and in Spain, before coming to New Zealand. He was appointed vicar of St. Paul’s, Putaruru, in 1932, but ill-health caused his retirement early this year. He was received into the Church of England in 1904, was vicar of Te Aroha from 1908 to 1912 and vicar of Waihi from 1912 to 1914. He is survived by one son and three daughters.

---

Rev. P. Cleary, Matamata Record, 4 November 1943, p 3, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MATREC19431104.2.11.1:

After a Long period of ill-health, the death occurred on Saturday at the Waikato Hospital of the Rev. Patrick Cleary, of Putaruru.

Mr. Cleary was born in Dungannon, Ireland, 74 years ago. He received his early theology training in Ireland. Before coming to New Zealand he was for a number of years in Australia, where he did church work. He arrived in New Zealand over 40 years ago and was appointed to a living in the Auckland Diocese. In 1908 he married Miss J.H. Torrence, daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Torrence, of Auckland.

The Rev. Cleary was later in charge of parishes at Mangatawhiri, Pokeno, Te Aroha, Waihi and. Cambridge (temporarily). He later went farming for a period in the Gordonton district, near Hamilton, but subsequently returned to church work in the Diocese of Waikato.

Until the beginning of this year, Mr Cleary was for about 10 years Vicar of Putaruru parish, but owing to ill-health was forced to retire this year.

The Rev. Cleary, who was well-known and much-respected in the district by both Maori and pakeha, is survived by three daughters and a son.

The funeral took place on Monday at Putaruru. A Requiem Mass, conducted by Archdeacon Oulds, of Matamata, assisted by the Rev. E.A. Addis, of Putaruru, was held in St. Paul's Church.

Owing to an important church meeting being held in Hamilton on Monday, Bishop Cherrington and the clergy of other Parishes were unable to attend.

There was a large congregation in the Church, and after the service a long cortege followed the hearse to the cemetery.

The pallbearers were members of the Vestry of St. Paul's district. They were Messrs. W. Hardwick, P. Dee, J. Nicholson and K.S. Cox.

---

Obituary. Rev. P. Cleary, Wanganui Chronicle, 8 November 1943, p 1, https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WC19431108.2.6:

After a long period of ill-health, the Rev. Patrick Cleary, of Putaruru, has died at the age of 74. Mr. Cleary was born in Dungannon, Ireland, received his early training in Ireland, and before coming to New Zealand 40 years ago was in Australia. He was much respected in the district by both Maori and pakeha. He is survived by three daughters and one son.

---

Fr T.J. Linane, From Abel to Zundolovich, Vol. 2: Biographies of Priests on the Australian Scene up to 1900, 1980, p 49:

Cleary, Patrick, PA, CRL, Irish, Left Mission
Lateran Canon Becomes Dairy Farmer
Chronicler of the Perth Archdiocese, the late Monsignor Fagan who died in 1947 has this to record: "Father Cleary was an ex-White Father who arrived here late in 1898. He was assigned to Kanowna where he remained for a little over a year. Because of his conduct he got cleared out suddenly. His next move was to South Australia where he became a Minister of the Church of England. Then he moved to New Zealand where he still continued in his ministry. He then left Holy Orders and took on a dairy farm. Two years ago he was still living on his farm". The chronicler may be accurate - in part. Writing to Bishop Gibney from Dundee on 16 August 1898, Cleary states that "five years ago I had to leave the Order of Canons Regular of the Lateran on account of ill-health. For four and a half years I have been in the diocese of Argyll and the Isles, and for three and a half years I have been stationed in the most isolated Mission in Scotland. I have recently left that diocese with strong testimonials from Bishop Smith and of my own free will". Gibney accepted the application of P.C. to work in Perth, but somehow the new arrival made a poor impression on the dour Vicar General, Monsignor Bourke. He was sent to the tough and isolated Norseman charge in January 1899 with instructions to prepare a "census animarum". Esperance, which should have been the responsibility of the Albany priest, was thrown in for good measure. Earlier it would seem the Canon Regular had been in Pinjarra, visiting Catholics spread along the Southern Railway, and armed with the V.G.s advice: "That there are many Catholics there and no mosquitoes" and that "bush pubs are not respectable places". Apparently the Canon did not heed the latter advice of the V.G. and fell by the wayside. The rest of Pagan's information on the subject in question is likely correct. The dairy farmer, forsooth, would have had no stigma attached to his name had he departed in the post Vatican II age! It could be argued that it was just as important for him to look after the cows as well as the "sheep".
(Footprints, Vol. 2, No. 5)
Ref.: Perth Cathedral Archives, per Late Father J.S. Moynahan.

---

Fr T.J. Linane, From Abel to Zundolovich, Vol. 2: Biographies of Priests on the Australian Scene up to 1900, 1980, pp 49-50:

Cleary, Philip, Irish
Servant of the Port Augusta Diocese
He may have been a brother or relative of Robert Cleary who was in South Australia before coming to the Ballarat Diocese. All that can be relied on are the placings given in Directories: Kapunda (1881); Naracoorte (1887); Quorn (1892); Quorn (1897); Naracoorte (1899); Port Augusta (1902); Pekina (1904). Death possibly occurred at Quorn (the death date given is 19 August 1906), and certainly he is buried there.
(Footprints, Vol. 2, No. 6)
Ref.: MDHC File, Torquay, per Late Dean Walsh, Renmark, S.A.
ANZCC note: The last three postings recorded here (Naracoorte, Port Augusta and Pekina) postdate the death of Fr Philip Cleary of Quorn, and probably refer to Fr Patrick Cleary, who left ministry in Port Pirie in 1904.

---

Fr Frank Cresp, Good and Faithful Servants: Recalling the Spirit of the Deceased Priests of the Diocese of Port Augusta and Port Pirie 1888-2008, 2008:
Cleary, Patrick
Worked in Quorn; Port Augusta 1901-03; Pekina 1903-04; Port Pirie 1904.
We don't know where he came from but it was about this time that John Norton wrote about "a steady stream of refugee priests from Sydney and Melbourne."
Norton seemed reluctant to have him incardinated into the Diocese but he didn't have the chance to refuse because Cleary died four months before he became Bishop.
Died: 19/8/1906.
(Reproduced with the approval of Sister Mary Cresp RSM)
ANZCC note: The death information given by Fr Cresp must be erroneous, in light of the information in this ANZCC entry. It is probably a misreading of the date of death of Fr Philip Cleary (1844-1896)—18 October 1896.