FUNERAL OF THE LATE BISHOP VIARD.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 983, 28 June 1872, Page 3

FUNERAL OF THE LATE BISHOP VIARD.

[The following is condensed from the <■ Wellington Independent:— The procession was in tho following order—Clearing the way came two troopers unmounted, followed by the Artillery Band in full strength, and all wearing mourning. The Central Volunteer Fire Brigade, under command of Captain Moss, marched next. Following these came the children of St. Mary's School, kept in line and order by Mr Newlyn, the schoolmaster. Conspicuous in blue aaslies came the members of the Young Men's Christian Association, about fifty strong. A train of ladies and girls about forty, came next. Close on these came the children of the convent, headed by two Sisters of Mercy. Bringing up in the rear of the children were ten Sisters of Mercy. The most interesting and picturesque detachment of the solemn cortege now followed. This consisted of about sixty young girls, ranging from young misses downwards to little children, and all dressed in half mourning. The sacerdotal part of the assemblage now appeared, preceded by a priest, bearing the processional cross, and four white-surpliced boys bearing lighted caudles. Following these came eight priests in robes, missals in hand, and intoning prayers for the dead. The Bishop in his robes, with Father Petit Jean in a purple outer garment, on one side of him, and the priest on the other, completed the sacerdotal division. The Mute preceded the coffin, which was borne by eight bearers. The following gentlemen acted as pall bearers: On the right side—Mr H. Bunny, Mr W. Johnston, Mr C. Johnstone, and Dr. Grace; on the left side—Mr C. E. Haughton, Mr Cemino, Mr O'Shea, and Mr P. A. Buckley. A train of about one hundred or more carriers was following, which furnished fresh batches of carriers from time to time. A long train of citizens now appeared, headed by the principal members of the City Council, with his Worship the Mayor at their head. Amongst those present were noticed the Colonial Secretary (Mr Gisborne,) Mr Justice Johnston, Mr Justice Chapman, Messrs George Hnnter, Edward Psarce, W. Seed, E. Hart, Thomas Buchanan, E. W. Mills, A. S. Allen, J. G. Allen, F. Goring, H. S. Wardel, W. Levin, and some two hundred other gentlemen, citizens of the town and residents in the rural districts. The long train of gentlemen was followed by about forty ladies. Then came a string of Maori mourners men and women who had signified their wish to take part in the procession. They numbered some twenty-five or thirty, and were accompanied by tho chief Wi Tako, and Mr Halse of the Native Office. Bringing

up the rear, was the carriage of his Excellency the Governor, and a few other vehicles. The lino of march was down Hill street to Molesworth street, by Kumototo street on to the Terrace, along which progress seemed to be slow. Arriving opposite the Catholic Chapel, Father O'Riley joined the other priests in the procession, and the cortege slowly made its way back to the Cathedral by the Beach. The Artillery Band played during the time appropriate music, consisting of Handel's march from Saul, and a march from Beethoven, arranged by Kuchner. The coffin was then arranged, and the priests stood on either side, the prayers being chanted by them in the Decani and Cantoris manner. A review of the deceased Bishop's life was then delivered by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Dunediu. The coffin was then lowered into the vault, Bishop Moran performing the last ceremony for the dead. The priests assembled round the grave then formed procession, and, repeating prayers, passed through the Sanctuary, on their way to the vestry.