In 1930, he was ordered to take a holiday and was farewelled by the whole town. On his return, a 400-guest reception was held, and he was appointed to a committee to enquire into direst shipping between Brisbane and Mourilyan Harbour. He was a strong advocate for the opening up of the Palmerston Highway from the Atherton Tablelands to Innisfail and the developing of Mourilyan Harbour as a port. Mount Father Clancy near the Beatrice River was named in his honour.
