ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 36, 4 September 1902, Page 19

ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL.

Foß^ome years before the death of the Right Rev. Dr. Moran the condition of St. Joseph's Cathedral was a cause of mush anxiety to his Lordship, as it was noticed that the towers flanking the main entrance were subsiding and cracks had appeared on both the north a"nd svmth walls of the sacred edifice. At first it was thought the towers wottW eventually settle down and that the outward movement would cease. This was, however, not the case, and about two years ago the subsidence became so pronounced that it was found necessary to take immediate steps to remedy the defect. At a general meeting of the parishioners it was decided to obtain expert advioe as to the cause of the subsidence, and ateo to carry out the necessary work in accordance with the recommendations of the experts selected. For this purpose a sub-committee, consisting of bis Lordship Bishop Verdon, Messrs Gallan, Carroll, Woods, and McEwen, was appointed. Messrs Hay (civil engineer) and Lawson (architect) were asked to report on the building, and on their recommendations the work of strengthening the foundations of the towers was proceeded with. The work was of such a character aB to require the highest possible oare and technical skill, and it is most gratifying to kpow that it has been carried out in a very sueoessful maniier, and that in the opinion of the architect the Cathedral is now perfectly safe. On Sunday morning it was announced that his Lordship the Bishop would after Vespers give an account of what had been done, and also that a collection would be initiated for the purpose of defraying the cost of the work. There was a large congregation present in the evening, when his Lordship spoke on the snbject> He said that they had a very important matter to deal with that evening — namely, the condition of their Cathedral. The Cathedral was a building which interested the Catholics of the whole diocese, but in an especial manner the parishioners who looked upon it as their own church. They were all very proud of their Cathedral, and that was only rifjht, as it was one of the most beautiful churches in the colonies and was greatly admired by visitors. In the time of their late Bishop it was noticed that the towers were subsiding and that the wallß were injured. When this first attracted attention it was hoped the movement would eventually cease, but this was not the case, as it was found a few years ago that the subsidences and cracks were increasing, and it became necessary to take immediate action so as to prevent serious damage being done. About two years ago a public meeting was held in St. Joseph's Hall, at which there was a large attendance of parishioners. It was then decided to secure the services of two experts to report on the state of the building. The matter was referred to a sub-com-mitte, who selected Meters. Hay and Lawson. On the recommendation of these gentlemen it was decided to oarry out certain works which were referred to in detail in the reports to be read later on. The work, which waa put in hand at once, was done in the best possible manner and to the entire satisfaction of the sub-committee. Mr Lawson visited the building constantly during the progress of the work, and Mr Hay, after he had completed his inspection and made his recommendations, left the matter in the hands of Mr Liwson. as he felt that bis presence would only lead to unnecessary expense. It was a very difficult undertaking, and the men engaged in it and Mr Kirk, who directed the work, performed their tack in a very satisfactory manner. It was a very serious matter, and it waß pleabing to find that the cost was not greater. The building is now thoroughly secure, and there is no further danger. The only matter now which needs attending to is the roof, which rtquireß some repairs. To meet the expenditure it would b^ necessary to raise money, and as the charity of the congregation was well known, he had no doubt but that they would contribute with their usual generosity on this occasion. His Lordship then read two rtporta from Mr Lawson, in the first of which the architect explained the cause of the damage to the sacred edifice and the works required to make the towers eecure, and which were absolutely necess iry for the preservation of the building. The second report was received a few weeks ago by his Lordship the Bishop, and U as follows :—: — • On Ju'y 6, 11)01, we reported as to remedial works whioh had been done ut the Cathedral, namely, that three shafts had been sunk on to solid rock bottom in each instance at the points considered most suitable under the towers of the building, and the manner of filling in same with concrete of the best description, securely bedded on the rock foundation, bonded with the existing piers and carried up so as to secure firm bearing under tha buttresses of towers. At the same date we alno reported that the work done had proved effective in arresting the settlement so far as we then could discover, and expressed our opinion that it would remain effective. Several months were allowed to elapse and measurement!* were taken from tim'j to time, and when it was found that all motion had befln arr. ste'i, all fiacturea in the walls were carefully grouted iv with liquid cement, tracery of windows mude good, arch and

moulding stones taken out and replaced where necessary, and all jobbing work done so as to place the walls, and work generally in workmanlike condition, the whole of the jobbing work being com* pleted in January last. We have now the further satisfaction of reporting to your Lordahip that having again visited and inspected the Cathedral externally and internally, bo far aa the remedial work referred to is concerned, we find that Bince this was done, now orer 12 months ago, no further motion has taken place, bo that oar opinion as expressed in report of July 6, 1901, has been verified.': His Lordship continuing said that the total coet of the work was £880. He trusted that with their usual generosity they would assist in meeting this sum, and in conclusion said that it was a great consolation to know that there was no further danger and the build* ing was now perfectly secure. A collection was then taken up with the result that a sum of £150 in promises and cash was received. At a meeting of the general committee held later it was decided to make collections afe the door of the Cathedral at all the Masses on the next and following Snndaye, and several gentlemen were appoioted-as collectors for the purpose.