THE FUNERAL OF THE LATE FATHER COLOMB.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 847, 8 August 1871, Page 2

THE FUNERAL OF THE LATE FATHER COLOMB.

The last duties of humanity to the i ipbrtal re&ains of r tlie late, Father ■Colouib were disemitged on Wednesday. Never (says the " Argus") since the foundation of this settlement was there so impressive and heartfelt a demonstration. Respect and affection for the deceased; the peculiarly distressing circumstances conuected with his death; the universal feeling that it would not Lave occurred' had the duties which every. Government owes to its subjects been fulfilled; combined to elicit the sympathy of every member df the community. The funeral of Father Colbrab was. not merely a religious ceremony, nor was it only a"h otecasioh tor the exhibition of human sympathies, but it was also a protest ugaibst the crlt&inal neglect of the authorities. { ~.. , • - . From the recovery bf the body until its interment yesterday largo numbers of the members of the Church of which the deceased was so worthy a pastor, flocked into town.. Some to A gaze once more on 'the 'features 4 of their beloved Father, whoes life ,had been sacrificed to the task of bringing the consolations Of his 'CKuiteh to its followers in this .outlying country'; others to bo present at the finaj scene. From all directions ihen might ' have been seen wending their way to Greymouth—conversing in subdued tones, thoughtful, deliberate. Those who have seen these men at holiday times could ( hardly realise the oppressiveness of their demeanour. TbeV walked and talked as men over whbiri some great calamity had passed, and who fully felt it in all ha sad reality. The funeral ceremonies commehced.br service in St. Mary's Church. The building was crowded in every part by a congregation which included members of various religious denominations. The earnest attentiveness and sad countenances of every one present, showed how thoroughly the solemn occasion and all fts surr6and"ing circumstances were realised.

The Rev. Father Cummins preached an eloquent sermon, ip whiqh he gave a biography of the late Father C - lomb, which was most interesting. The deceased had for thirteen year's laboured most fcealoasly 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 g66d 'amongst the Wretched poor of that district. After. that he removed to 'where he pursued, if a less active, not the less an apostolic career. His health failing he ,re* turned to France ; but the every-day life of, a priest in a country where few difficulties present themselves, did not suit his active temperament. He was pf the Church miMkst—he depired to overcome obstacles—to win tfouls, and he s6iight to' be attached to the New Zealand mission. -He .came here, and during his short sojourn among 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 rites of the Catholic faith, and in inducing amongst the desultory population of the goldfields 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 Church. The sermon was lis: tenedto with the deepest attention; and with It tlie funeral ceremony terminated.