Frank Oliveira, (Adv.)

One more link with the past was snapped when Mr. Frank Oliveira died on 25th February, 1964 at the venerable age of ninety-five. His life spanned a period that saw some of the most stirring events in the history of our country.

The late Mr. Oliveira was born at Mahim on 12th June, 1868. He belonged to a respected East Indian family which has given several priests to the Catholic Church. Mr. Oliveira was educated at St. Peter's School, Bandra, St. Mary's High School, Byculla, St. Xavier's High School, St. Xavier's College and the Government Law College, Bombay. He retained vivid memories of his days at school and college, and loved to speak with affection and admiration of the German Jesuits who were his teachers.

After taking his degree in Law, Mr. Oliveira began his law practice on the civil side, but then switched over to the criminal side. He soon established a lucrative practice and was admired for his industry, legal acumen and integrity of conduct. Several times he officiated as Fourth Presidency Magistrate and in 1912 he was appointed permanently to the post. From this position he rose steadily till in 1921 he became acting Chief Presidency Magistrate, a post hitherto held exclusively by Englishmen. Mr. Oliveira retired in 1925, having established a reputation for fairness, impartiality and strictness tempered with mercy. He could say with pride that not a single judgement of his was reversed on appeal. Mr. Oliveira remembered vividly how he took Mahatma Gandhi's evidence when riots broke out in the city on the visit of the Prince of Wales. After retiring from the bench, Mr. Oliveira reverted to private practice and his legal advice was eagerly sought by all kinds of people.

The late Mr. Oliveira was nominated to the Bombay Legislative Council to represent the Christian Community and he took a keen interest in the social activities of the city. He served on the committee of the Dumb and Deaf Institute, Mazagon, and helped to found and build the Catholic Gymkhana, of which he was the first President. He was actively connected with the Catholic Charities of Archbishop Goodier, the Catholic Action Committee of Archbishop Lima, the Women's Welfare Organisation and St. Vincent de Paul's Society.

St. Xavier's College will remember him with special affection. He was a member of the St. Xavier's College Association from its inception in 1902 and became its President in 1947. He took a keen interest in the affairs of the Association and rarely missed any of its functions. He retired from the Presidentship in 1954 only because of his failing health.

A devout Catholic, Mr. Oliveira was always quiet spoken, serene and dignified. He was charitable by nature and his large charities remained unknown except to those who benefited by them.

We are sad at his death and pray God grant him the eternal rest he so richly merited, and his bereaved family strength to bear the loss.

Source: St. Xavier's College Magazine, Mumbai (1965)