TESTIMONIAL TO THE LATE BISHOP OF BATHURST.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIX, Issue 4, 24 January 1901, Page 3

TESTIMONIAL TO THE LATE BISHOP OF BATHURST.

On Sunday afternoon, January 6, a presentation— the largest ever made to a bishop in Australasia — was made to the late Dr. Byrne, Bishop of Bathurst. A sum of over £2530 was subscribed. Among those present were his Grace the Archbishop of Melbourne, and hia oldest and best friend, the Right Rev, Dr. Murray, Bishop of Bathur°t. Tb« jirpanTitfttirm waa mad« in St. Joseph's Schoolroom, Convent of Mercy. Sorrow was written on every face, and the conversation wry? in "rmtohw and many a sob was heard in the building as the delicate, wasted form of the beloved and revered Bishop passed to the chair ready for him. For some minutes (says the Freeman correspondent) a death-like silence reigned, broken only by a muffled sob now and again. Archbishop, bishop, priests, all— all gave vent to their pent up feelings of sorrow in tears that would not remain unshed. Tears shed by his faithful, loving children, who would make any sacrifice to restore his lost health and prolong his days. Hia Lordship sat calmly in his chair. His countenance spoke only too plainly of his shattered health, but angelic patience was written there, a patience and resignation almost superhuman. On account of his Lordship's failing health the committee had to anticipate the appointed time by nearly a fortnight, and to make the presentation in a comparatively private manner, abandoning the banquet or festive gathering to honor the delegates and other visitors who would have attended as a mark of their friendship for his Lordship. The address was read and the presentation made by the Very Rev. Father Dunn, V.G. An address from the laity was also read by the Hon. J. Meagher. Other addresses were presented on behalf of the Hibernian Society and of various confraternitiesHis Lordship was unable, owing to weakness, to respond, and his written replies, which were very touching and affectionate, were read by Rev. Father McGee. At the conclusion of his reply to the clergy he said : ' My life is drawing to a close, and should this be our last meeting I would ask you to think lightly of my many faults, and to have sometimes a kindly remembrance of one who hat, in his day, tried, however imperfectly, to do something for the greater glory of God, and the benefit of his fellow-man.' Touching and eloquent words were spoken by the Archbishop of Melbourne and by the aged and venerable Bishop of Maitland, both of whom had journeyed to Bathurst on hearing of the dangerous state of health of Bishop Byrne. At the conclusion of the speeches a touching scene was witnessed. His Lordship Dr. Byrne arose painfully and Baid : ' You will excuse me for not speaking to you at length. The spirit is willing, but the voice is weak, and I am afraid I could not make myself heard throughout the hall. I wish, however, to express my thanks to his Grace the Archbishop of Melbourne and to Dr. Murray for being present. I expected my dear old friend, Dr] Murray, for he is the oldest and dearest friend I have ; but it waa an unexpected pleasure to see his Grace of Melbourne here, and I am deeply grateful to him. I will not reiterate what has been already expressed in my replies to your presentation and addresses. My whole heart is centred in Bathurst. I thank God that there is every prospect that my days will be ended in Bathurst, and when I have passed away you will not forget me, and will remember ma constantly in your prayers.' The audience then knelt, and the Bishop bestowed his Episcopal Blessing, great emotion being exhi« bited by all present. As already intimated in our issue of last week, the beloved prelate passed away amidßt the grief of his people. A statement made in last Friday's papers to the effect that the Very Rev. Father Dunn, V.G., was appointed his successor, is incorrect. Father Dunn has been appointed vicar-capitular or administrator of the diocese pending the appointment of a successor to the late Bishop Byrne.