THE FUNERAL OP THE LATE FATHER COLOMB.

Grey River Argus, Volume XI, Issue 942, 3 August 1871, Page 2

THE FUNERAL OP THE LATE FATHER COLOMB.

The la3t. duties of humanity to the mortal remains of the late Father Oolomb were discharged yesterday. Never since the foundation of this settlement was there so impressive and heartfelt a demonstration. Respect and affection for the deceased ; the peculiarly distressing circumstances connected with his death j the universal feeling that it would not have occurred had the duties which every Government owes to its subjects been fulfilled ; combined to elicit the sympathy of every member of the community. The funeral of Father Colomb was not merely a religious ceremony, nor was it only an occasion for the exhibition of human sympathies, but it was also a solemn protest against the criminal neglect of the authorities. From, the recovery of the body, until its interment yesterday, large numbers of the members of the Church of which the deceased was so worthy a pastor, nocked into town. Some to gaze once more on the features of their beloved Father, whose life had been sacrificed in the task of bringing the consolations cf his Church to its followers in this outlying country ; others to be present at the final scene. From all directions men might have been seen wending their way to Greymouth — conversing in subdued tones, thoughtful, deliberate. Those who have seen these same men at holiday times could hardly realise the oppressiveness of their demeanor. They walked and talked as men over whom some great calamity had passed, and who fully felt it in all its sad reality. The funeral ceremonies commenced by service in St Mary's Church, according to the form prescribed by the Catholic Church. The building was crowded in every part by a congregation which included members_of various reone present, showed how thoroughly the solemn occasion and all its surrounding circumstauces were realised. At the close of the service the funeral procession was formed as follows :— School Children— 100. The Hibernian Society— 80. The Cross, draped, supported by two Clerks in surplices, The Clergy— 6— in Vestments. The Pall (Supporters— Messrs Griffen, Joyce, Sheedy, and Hickson). THE COFFIN. Band. General Public— 6oo. In addition to those who took a leading part in the procession there were fully six hundred of the general public. A3 the cortege proceeded through the town, the places of business were all closed, the shipping hoisted flags half-mast, every passer-by uncovered,- and the whole population offered all those formal, but none the less genuine, demonstrations of respect for the dead which Christian civilization dictates. But besides the outward and sensible marks of regret and respect, there was many a tear-bedewed face — silent but eloquent evidence of grief; many a sigh heaved by brawny chests, not over accustomed to emotion of any kind but that which toil creates ; many a prayer from lips too seldom the channel of pious utterances. But one feeling prevaded this town — it was one of deep and penetrating depression. After leaving the church the coffin was carried by way of Arney, Gresson, and Johnston streets, Mawhera Quay to Werita street, whence the procession returned by way of Mackay street to the church, where the body was interred in a vault, in front of the high altar, which had been prepared for it. The Rev. Father Cummins preached an ! eloquent sermon, in which he gave a biography of the late Father Colomb, which was most interesting. The deceased had for thirteen years labored most zealously in the east part of London under very great difficulties. During that time he had created congregations, established schools, and done an immense amount of good amongst the wretched poor of that district. After that lie removed to Romford, where he pursued, if a less active, not the less an apostolic career. His health failing he returned to France ; but the every day life of a priest in a country where few difficulties presented themselves, did not suit his active temperament. He was of the Church militant — he desired to overcome obstacles—to win souls, and he besought to be attached to the New Zealand Mission. He came here, and during his short sojourn amongst us had earned his reward. He had given new life to his Church in this part of the Colony ; he had succeeded in vastly increasing the opportunities of celebrating the ritea of the Catholic faith, and in inducing amongst the desultory population of the gold fields a greater interest in religious matters. In that noble, unselfish work, he had lost his life. The preacher dwelt upon the manifold qualifications of the deceased — his industry, his fearlessness in the pursuit of his duty, and his zeal for the faith of his Church. The sermon was listened to with the deepest attention, and with ijbthe funeral ceremony terminated,