THE OAMARU BASILICA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12648, 28 April 1903, Page 5

THE OAMARU BASILICA.

(Fnojf Our Own CoimEsro.vDKNT.) OAMARU, April 27. The Oamant Roman Catholic Basilica has bten advanced another stage towards completion, an imposing portico having been orocted in front and domes added to each of tho two towers on tho front corners of the main building. The effect lias been very marked on the general appearance of the building, which previously looked very bare in front. The portico consists of a. handsome medallion pediment carried on eight fluted Corinthian columns, of which the capitals aro handsomely carved. These columns aro 22tt in height, and the portico from the Hoor to the top of the marble cross which surmounts it is nearly 50ft in height. On the two towers are octagonal domes, each carried on Corinthian columns, the cupolas being arched with stone of graduated thickness. From the street level to the top of the marble cro?3e3 they are , 83ft in height. Large iron gates and a fliglifc of concrete steps noiv give access to the portico. When completed, with the largo central dome carried on 16 columns, the building will be a very handsome one. indeed. For the present the recent improvements make the front view elegant and attractive. The. ceremony of consecrating the additions was held yesterday. Archbishop Redwood preaching to a large congregation in the momiiiß, when Bishop Yerdon celebrated pontifical- high mass. In the evening Father Keogh, of Wellington, was tho preacher.