DROWNING OF THE REV. FATHER COLOMB.

Grey River Argus, Volume XI, Issue 939, 31 July 1871, Page 2

DROWNING OF THE REV. FATHER COLOMB.

The distressing intelligence reached town on Saturday morning that the Rev. J. B. Colotnb, R.C.P., lost his life while attempting to cross Nelson Creek on his way lo Greymouth, on Wednesday, 26th inst. Father Colomb paid a special visit to Half-Ounce on the 26th, in the discharge of his clerical duties, and he arrived at the Ahaura about four o'clock on the afternoon of the same clay. The rivers were rising very fast, and a mimber of his friends endeavored to prevail on him to stay all ni^ht at the Ahaura, and ho was specially cautioned by Warden Whiteford and Mr A. R. Guinness, but he pleaded urgent engagements at Greymouth, and determined to proceed. The ford at Nelson Creek is usually one of the best on the road, but in consequence of the recent floods the creek has worked a deep channel for itself close to the southern bank. It appears that Father Colomb was aware of this, for before he reached the deepest part, he placed himself in a kneeling position on the saddle, holding the horse's mane with both hands. This, probably, cost tho unfortunate gentleman his life, for, owing to the roughness of the bottom of the creek, the horse stumbled, and the rider, not having a firm seat, rolled off and disappeared with the current. Several people witnessed the accident, but, unfortunately, could not render the slightest assistance. The horse made its way to the bank, and was, on Saturday, brought to town, that being the first opportunity owing to the flooded state of all the rivers and creeks. When the news (reached town, a number of gentlemen started for Nelson Creek in order to search for the body, as the general belief was that it had not left the creek ; but on Sunday the body of the deceased gentleman was found on the North Beach, thrown up by the sea near the foot of the Cobden road. Intelligence was at once conveyed to town, and a large number of the residents proceeded to the spot, and conveyed the remains to town on a dray. As the melancholy procession passed through town to the Catholic Church, large numkovo, raprooontingf flvery class and creed in the. community joined with it, and the greatest possible respect was shown by all who saw it pass. The remains were laid in the church in state before the altar, and until a late hour last evening large numbers of the residents visited the church to witness the sad spectacle.

We believe that the deceased, Rev. Father Colomb, was born in the Department of Aisne, in the north-east of France, and was either 43 or 45 years of age. He finished his education, especially his studies in philosophy, at Belley, where he distinguished himself, among his codesciples. He was afterwards secular priest there, but, in view of his spiritual welfare, he entered the Society of Mary, and was for seventeen yeara missionary priest in Romford, near London, where he was highly appreciated by his parishioners, among whom he bore kindly reminiscences of Lord Petre, Sir Clifford, Mr Swift, and others. At his own reque3t ht was sent on missionary duty to New Zealand, and arrived in Melbourne in March, 1870, from whence he proceeded to Sydney, Auckland, and Wellington, and came to take charge of the Grey District about the 23rd April, 1870. The deceased gentleman was highly respected both in town and throughout the whole of the Grey District, and his untimely and melaucholy death, while in the discharge of his pastoral duties, will be universally deplored. The inquest will take place this morning, at the Town Hall, and the funeral on Wednesday. This morning aud on Tuesday morning High Mass will be held in the church, at 9 o'clock, and on both evenings at 7 o'clock, there will be a solemn service.