ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL, MELBOURNE.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume II, Issue 99, 20 March 1875, Page 11

ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL, MELBOURNE.

(From the Melbourne 'Advocate.') Catholics who have from day to day watched -with interest and pleasure the progress of the extensive works of St. Patrick's .Cathedral will be glad to be afforded some details and particulars regarding the operations "being carried on. Since the present nave was opened for divine service in 1870, the transepts have been begun, the arches of the large central tower have been set, and the toAver is gradually rising to its level above the ridge of the roof. This part of the work is far the heaviest in the building, the walls being four feet in thickness, and the tower forty feet square. The south-eastern transept is now up to the level of the parapet of the clerestory, the height of the walls being 64 feet above the level of the floor of the church. The end of this transept has a large central doorway with deep projecting canopy, and buttresses terminating with richly-carved pinnacles, the canopy being surmounted by a carved floriated cross. At the end of the aisles on each aide there are two smaller doorways, enriched with deep ornamental mouldings, and prepared to receive the carving at some later period. Above the central doorway is a large window, divided by mullions of freestone into six lights or compartments, the head being filled with ornainetal tracery of beautiful design and excellent workmanship. Over this window is a panelling of quatrefoil tracery corresponding with the parapet of the nave. There are two octagonal turret staircases, one on each side of the gable, for the convenience of getting upon the roof. These turrets wUI be finished with spirelets, terminated with carved fiuials. In the centre of the gable will be a large circular window filled with geometrical tracery of rich design, the gable terminating with a carved cross. The aisles and the nave walls will be finished with flying buttresses and carved pinnacles, as in the present building. In addition to the transept and tower, a portion of the chancel is built, and also .'a portion of the north-western transept, to the height of the clerestory, with retaining walls, so that the other parts may be carried out when this is completed. One of the chapels and a portion of the cloisters leading to the sacristies are nearly built, and will be used as sacristies until the .permanent ones can be erected. The foundations for the remaining part of the north-western transept are set to the level of the datum* line, and will be proceeded with when funds, are available. Th» Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament is begun ; the foundations for on« of the pillars are laid, and the walls will be proceeded with when funds are available. The txtent of the transepts from noth to south will be 184 feet, including wall and buttress ; and the width across, including the aisles and buttresses, is 96 feeb. This comprises the whole of the works now in progress, the details we have furnished will give some idea of the magnitude of the undertaking, which can only be earned to a successful issue by the liberality of subscribers.