Brian Condon: Diary of James Alipius Goold, 1848-1886

Tuesday November 1st 1853. Feast of All Saints. I rose this morning at 8. I said my Office and made my preparation for Mass, after which I heard Confessions. I read until a quarter to 11. At 11 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. I preached to the people on the feast of the day, immediately after the post-communion. On the conclusion of the Holy Mysteries I spoke to the Pastor and people, who are not on the best of terms, owing to the unclerical habits and conversation of the former, as well as the indifferent manner in which he discharges the duties of his Ministry - at least so far [as] I could infer from the smothered complaints of the people. I spoke to them on the necessity of erecting without further delay a building more suitable for the celebration of the Divine Mysteries, and more worthy of their Catholic zeal - and large means - than the present miserable and insecure room.

Without hinting - even remotely - at the Pastor's neglect, I advised him to celebrate Mass often in the week, to hear Confessions in the chapel on Saturdays in the morning and evening and to administer to the other spiritual wants of his flock on all occasions. With this I concluded the religious exercises of the day.

Immediately after breakfast I left for Timboon, accompanied part of the way by the principal members of the congregation. As we approached the swamp from the stony rises our guides lost the way, which caused our wandering to and fro in the forest until 10 in the night. We then saw the light of the inn, which we reached after considerable trouble. At 11 we dined. It was 12 when I retired to rest.

Wednesday November 2nd. I did not rise this morning until late, owing to the fatigue of the preceding day's journey.

As the resident clergyman of Warrnambool failed to meet me here I had to request the clergyman of Colac to afford me his company on the way to Warrnambool, until I should meet the clergyman of that Mission.

I left the Inn at 9, but we had not proceeded far when we lost our road. It was 12 before we got on the right road. When we were midway the clergymen of Warrnambool and Belfast with several lay Catholics met us. I left the clergyman of Colac at the next station. He was wet through in crossing the Hopkins, being obliged to get off his horse to extricate him from a deep and boggy part of the river into which he rode him. The crossing place was very bad, all being more or less wet in getting over it.

After a few hours hard riding we reached the second crossing place, where the Inn is situated at which we intend to stop for the night. This part of the river Hopkins is not fordable when the river is any way flushed, the current being rapid and deep. The horses had [to] swim over it though there was no flood. I passed over in a small boat partially filled with water. Being considerably tired I retired early to rest.

Thursday November 3rd. I rose at 7 this morning and said a portion of the Divine Office. At 9 we proceeded on our journey to Warrnambool. The weather was fine, but hot. We rode quietly through the forest until we were within a few miles of the town.

Most of the land we passed over since we left the Inn had been lately sold. Many of the purchasers are Irish Catholics. The good and bad land is pretty fairly distributed through the purchased farms: all are well watered.

We arrived in Warrnambool about 2 and went immediately to the temporary chapel, where I recited prayers, after which I published the regulations of the Jubilee which would commence this evening at 5 and concluded by giving my blessing to the few assembled.

At 5 we assembled in the chapel and said prayers, after which I delivered a discourse to the people on the importance of an immediate and sincere compliance with all the conditions of the Jubilee. At 6.30 we dined. At 10 I retired to rest.

Friday November 4th. I rose at 7 this morning. At 8 I assisted at Mass. At 9 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice and delivered a lecture to the congregation after the post-Communion. From 10.30 to 11 we heard Confessions.

At 1, accompanied by the clergyman, I took a walk through the town, which is built in a straggling way on a very undulating site. Being informed by the clergyman that one of the congregation was in a dying state from gun shot wounds received in a scuffle with parties who had pilfered his place, I immediately proposed that we should visit him. He had already received the rites of the Church. When we reached his place, we learned that the Dr. was with him - we were unwilling to disturb [him]. However the Dr. on being informed of our intention to visit the dying man, he retired. We remained with him some time. He joined us in the Litany of the Blessed Virgin and other prayers, on the conclusion of which I gave him my blessing and a short instruction as to how he should conduct himself under his present circumstances and at the approach of death. He is quite resigned to the will of God.

We had night prayers at 5, after which I gave instruction to the people. At 6 we dined. After dinner we took a short walk. The evening was taken up with the Divine Office and preparation for the following day. At 9 I retired to rest.

Saturday November 5th. I rose this morning at the usual hour. I assisted at 8 o'clock Mass, and offered up the Holy Sacrifice at 9, at which I gave instruction to the people, who have been most regular in their attendance since the Jubilee commenced.

We heard Confessions from 10.30 to 12. At two, the children and adults preparing for Confirmation assembled for instruction. At 3 we again commenced to hear Confessions, and we were engaged in this sacred duty until 5, when I said night prayers and gave instruction. Dinner at 6, after which we took our usual walk. At 9 I retired to rest.

Sunday November 6th. It was 7 when I prepared to enter on the sacred duties of the day. I said morning prayers for the people before 8 o'clock Mass. During the celebration of Mass I heard Confessions. From 9 to 11 I was engaged in a preparation for Mass and for instruction to the people. At 11 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. After, I gave instruction on Confirmation, which I was about to administer. Forty-two persons, principally children, were admitted to the holy rite of Confirmation. The whole congregation of adults approached to the Holy Communion. This concluded the Jubilee for the Catholics of Warrnambool.

The exertions during the previous week and this morning rendered a rest during the evening most desirable, if not necessary. At 6 I dined. I retired to rest at 9.

Monday November 7th. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice this morning at 11, at which I addressed a short exhortation to the people. I left Warrnambool at 2 for Tower-Hill, where I arrived a short time before the hour appointed for opening the Jubilee. The people were already assembled.

The Chapel, which [is] weatherboard, is built on a portion of ground leased by a Catholic. Our tenure, therefore, is only [at] the good pleasure of the lessee. I intend to apply for two acres of the Government land adjoining. At 6 I opened with the usual prayers. After, I instructed the people and explained to them the conditions of the Jubilee. I appointed tomorrow, after the celebration of 9 o'clock Mass, for hearing Confessions, from two to three for Catechetical instruction, and from three to five for hearing Confessions again. At 5 the duties of the day are to conclude with prayer and exhortation.

It was after 6 before we could leave for Belfast, where we will stop this week, returning every morning to Tower-Hill to conduct the Jubilee, which will continue until Thursday. At 7 we reached Belfast. We dined soon after we arrived. I retired to rest at 10.

Tuesday November 8th. I rose this morning at an early hour, and proceeded (soon after I had recommended in a short prayer myself and the Missionaries' duties of the day to God, and invoking his blessing thereon) to Tower-Hill. According to my usual practice, I said the Litany of our Blessed Lady as we commenced the journey, which is not more than 7 miles.

The weather is exceedingly mild for this time of the year, having more the appearance of Spring than Summer. We arrived at the school house [at] a quarter to 8. At 8 precisely the first Mass commenced, having read morning prayers previously for the congregation. At 9 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice, at which I gave instruction to the people on the duties peculiar to the present Spiritual exercises. Immediately after breakfast we entered on the duties of the Confessional, and were engaged in them until 1. At 2 we assembled the children and those persons who had not been Confirmed and instructed them in the Catechism. From three to five, we were again engaged in hearing Confessions. At 5 we said night prayers, after which I addressed the people a few words of instruction in connexion with what I had said in the morning. At 6 we rode back to Belfast. We dined at 7. I retired to rest at 9.

Wednesday November 9th. We left Belfast at the usual hour this morning for Tower-Hill, where we arrived a quarter before 8. I said morning prayers for the people, after which the resident clergyman offered up the Holy Sacrifice. At 9 I celebrated the Holy Mysteries. After the post-communion I spoke to the people, illustrating my previous instructions by further remarks and examples. We heard Confessions and gave instructions at the hours appointed. At 5 night prayers and lecture. We returned to Warrnambool a little before 7. Retired to rest at 9.

Thursday November 10th. Having to celebrate Mass a little later than yesterday, and to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation, I did not rise as early this morning as usual. I arrived at Tower Hill a little before 8. The clergyman in charge of the district was in the act of administering the Holy Communion as I attempted to enter the temporary Chapel, which was crowded - to the exclusion of many who knelt outside the building. Soon after I put on my suitan [soutane] I heard Confessions - in which duty I was engaged until 9.30, when I proceeded to the Altar to offer up the Holy Sacrifice. After Mass I addressed a few words to the people, exhorting them to perseverance in the good life they had commenced. I further explained to those who were to be confirmed the graces of the Sacrament they were going to receive, and its obligations. I then administered Confirmation to 36 or 37 persons - many of them were advanced in age.

I concluded the Jubilee and duty of the day be [by a] short exhortation, advising the avoidance of evil and the practice of virtue. I feel confident that the seed sown here will bear abundant fruit. The people are disposed to be good. I returned to Belfast about 2. I took a short walk on the beach about 3. I read from 4 until 5. At 5 I went to the Chapel and opened the Jubilee for this part of the district with prayers and an exhortation in explanation of the Jubilee. At 6.30 I dined. After dinner I again took a short walk. I wrote and read my office from 7.30 to 9. I retired to rest at 9.30.

Friday November 11th. I rose a little before 7. At 8 I assisted at Mass. At 9 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. The attendance was large. I gave instruction after the post-Communion. At 10, or a little after, I took breakfast. From 12 to 1 we were engaged hearing Confessions. At two, the children assembled for Catechetical instruction. From three to five we were again engaged hearing the Confessions of the people, who attended most assiduously throughout the day, in the Chapel. At 5 night prayers and a lecture, which were terminated at 6.30. Dinner at 7, after which we took a short walk. Having to say a part of the divine office I retired early to my room. At 9.30 I went to bed.

Saturday November 12th. The Masses were celebrated this morning at the usual hours, 8 and 9. I assisted [at] the first, and celebrated the last, at which I gave a lecture to a large Congregation. It was after 10 when I took breakfast. From 11 to 1 we were occupied in hearing the Confessions of the people - who approached in great numbers and many after a long absence, whilst some had never been to Confession. In the evening we had prayers at 5, at which all the townspeople and a good many from the country assisted. Prayers concluded, I instructed the congregation on the preparation they ought to make for Holy Communion, to which they would be admitted on tomorrow - Deo volente.

The Confessions engaged [us] until a very late hour - our dinner was consequently [late]. Fatigued after the scarcely interrupted labours of the day, I retired early to rest.

Sunday November 13th. The resident clergyman said two Masses today, one at 7 in Belfast at which a great number approached the Holy Communion, and another at Tower-Hill 7 miles from Belfast, whence he returned to assist at 11 o'clock Mass, which I celebrated. I heard a great many Confessions in the morning. Immediately after the Gospel, during the celebration of the Holy Mysteries, I read the Epistle and Gospel of the day, after which I gave a discourse to the people on the subject of the former. The congregation was the largest ever assembled in Belfast.

The day was most favourable. Many approached the Holy Communion. After Mass I again gave instruction on Confirmation, at the conclusion of which I administered the Holy rite to 20 persons - adults and children. In the evening we had night prayers, after which I met the collectors of the church, and exhorted them to renewed exertion in obtaining subscriptions towards its erection. I promised to visit Belfast early next year to lay the foundation stone. They seem most anxious that no time should be lost in preparing for the event. We dined at 6.30. At 9 or a little after I retired to rest.

Monday November 14th. Accompanied by the resident Clergymen of Belfast and Warrnambool, I proceeded on my journey towards Portland via Moroney's Station. This is not the ordinary or direct road to Portland, but I selected [it] with a view of affording the Catholics living in this part of the country an opportunity of approaching the Sacraments.

At 11 we arrived at the first Inn, which is distant 20 miles from Belfast. Part of the road up to this was very bad, so we could not travel very fast. We fed the horses at the Inn, and gave them an hour's rest. At 2 I stopped at the most convenient spot in the forest to lunch. This occasioned a delay of an half hour. The country through which we have been travelling hitherto is, with the exception of a few spots, poor and uninteresting.

We crossed the Eumerella after an hour's hard riding, over very indifferent roads. We missed our way before we came to the river. For the last few miles, the country improved - the land being available for the plough and the pasturage of cattle. It is well watered - vast swamps are dispersed throughout its great extent. Hills covered with fine forest trees and of picturesque form appear in every direction.

At 4 I came in sight of the station where we intend to stop the night and following day. It belongs to a Catholic, and is considered to be the best grazing station in the country. The cattle sold last year off of it fetched thirty-five thousand pounds. The present owner had been a private soldier. He bought the place for twelve thousand pounds.

As we approached the entrance an accident happened. The horse led by the servant broke away from him, and he was thrown from the one he rode. He appeared to be severely injured - however, on inquiring, we found that the injury, though painful, was not serious. This accident made me very uneasy the remainder of the evening.

At 7 we assembled the family for night prayers. I retired to rest at 10.

Tuesday November 15th. I slept but little the previous night. At 7 I rose and prepared to celebrate Mass. Previous to the offering up of the Holy Mysteries I heard several Confessions. Catholics from the neighbouring stations came to Confession.

At 9 I said Mass and administered the Holy Communion, after which I gave instruction. The servant has recovered from the injuries he received yesterday. During the day I read and wrote at intervals, when not engaged in reading the Divine Office. We dined at 5.

The clergyman of Portland arrived at the station soon after the celebration of Mass this morning. At 7 the family joined us in night prayers. I retired to rest soon after 9.

Wednesday November 16th. I rose this morning a little after 6. At 9 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. Nearly all the persons present approached to the Holy Communion, with the view of gaining the Jubilee. We left at 11 en route to Portland.

The country we passed in the early part of the day was picturesquely hilly. These lofty highlands are beautifully wooded. As we approached the Portland district the aspect of this country was barren and uninteresting. The road is excellent. We reached the Inn where we purpose remaining for the night about 7, as night was falling. The moon soon appeared in all its fullness. At 11 I retired to rest.

Thursday November 17th. We proceeded on our road to Portland - situated about 18 miles from the Inn at which we stopped - at 9. We intended to have made an earlier start, but the horses - which they turned out in an adjoining paddock the previous night - were not got in until 8.30. We reached Portland about 1.

At 5 I opened the Jubilee with prayers and instruction, but few persons attended. The hours appointed for the public devotions in the chapel were the same as were observed in Belfast and the other Missions. We dined at 6. I prepared my letters for the mail, which leaves early on Saturday morning for Melbourne. At 10.30 I retired to rest.

Friday November 18th. I assisted at 8 o'clock Mass and at 9 I celebrated the Holy Mysteries and gave instruction. The attendance at both Masses was small. The clergyman, however, informed me that the principal persons were in attendance. The population is very inconsiderable. The Catholics in the neighbourhood have not received notice of my arrival, consequently their presence is missed. Confessions, the Catechetical instruction of the children, and evening prayers with instruction constituted the Missionary duties of the day. At 6.30 we dined.

By the Melbourne mail which arrived today I received several letters, some from England. Those from Melbourne were on business. I answered them by the mail that leaves tomorrow morning.

A letter from Geelong conveyed to me the alarming intelligence of an attempt made on the life of one of the priests stationed there: he happily escaped without injury, his pony receiving the wound intended for him.

I was engaged until late in the evening answering the letters I received from Melbourne. At 5 [I] said night prayers and gave instruction. It was near 7 when we dined. At 10 I retired to rest.

Saturday November 19th. At 8 I assisted at the Holy Sacrifice, and at 9 I offered it up myself, and gave instruction to those who attended. From 11 to 12 I heard Confessions. I paid a visit to gaol at 2 - there were no Catholics confined in it. On my return to the presbytery I visited a sick person, agreeably to the advice of the clergyman. At 3 I heard the children in the Catechism. From 3.30 to 5 I received persons to Confession. [At] 5 night prayers, after which I delivered a short discourse. We dined at 6.30. At 10 I retired to rest.

Sunday November 20th. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice this morning at 8. I administered the Holy Communion to about 12 persons. At the 7 o'clock Mass 60 persons approached and received the Blessed Eucharist. The last Mass was celebrated at 11. The congregation was large, crowding the small building; several protestants were present. I preached at the post-communion and at the conclusion I spoke again on the Sacrament of Confirmation, which afterwards [I] conferred on 40 persons, children and adults. It was 1.30 when all was over. At 2 I took a short walk. At 3 we commenced the evening devotions, which were terminated with a lecture and Benediction.

The sacred duty of the day [completed], a few of the leading members of the congregation met me in the chapel, and on my recommendation immediately decided on proceeding with the erection of a church. The amount subscribed was £500. The present building can be formed into an excellent presbytery. The present accommodation provided for the clergyman is miserable, consisting only of two most uncomfortable rooms.

The weather during the last fortnight or three weeks is cold and windy - it is, however, most favourable for travelling. We dined at 6. At 10 I retired to rest.

Monday November 21st. I assisted at Mass (said at 7.30), immediately after I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. The mail from Melbourne being hourly expected, I shall wait its arrival - after which I shall proceed on my journey to the Grange. The weather is cool and windy, most suitable for a journey.

After several hours' hard riding under a hot summer sun, we reached the Green Hills (35 miles from Portland) about 5. Here we remained for the night. At 10 I retired to rest.

Tuesday November 22nd. We started at 6 this morning for the Grange. The weather was cool and pleasant in the early part of the day, but as mid-day approached the heat of the sun became most oppressive. What made this day's journey so trying on us - we lost our way. And after many vain attempts to reach Murphy's Station (whither I intended to go when I left the Green Hills, in order to visit an elderly Catholic gentleman, who has been most anxious to obtain an opportunity of going to his duty, a consolation he had not had for some time), I proceeded to The Grange, giving instructions to the clergyman of Portland, who travels with me, to call on him on his return. It was 6 when we arrived at Grange.

Before I took any refreshment, I selected a site in the township - which is most picturesquely situated in the heart of a magnificent country - for a church etc. At 7.30 we dined. At present there are but few Catholics here - however, there are many Catholic families employed on the neighbouring stations. In our rambling during the day we entered the Wannon Country. The scene of beauty which the rich downs and plains presented to our view somewhat reconciled us to the mistake that brought us into the district of the Wannon. The whole of the land we gazed on is available for agriculture. At present it constitutes cattle runs and sheep walks for a few squatters.

Being rather fatigued, and having a long journey before me on tomorrow, I retired early to rest. We travelled at least 50 miles today.

Wednesday November 23rd. I resumed my journey this morning at 6. The clergymen of Portland and Warrnambool accompanied me a few miles; on taking leave I instructed Mr Rowe to visit the Grange on Sunday week and publish the Jubilee there. I arrived at the Grange about 11.

Whilst here I was given to understand that there were a good many children to be baptized on the neighbouring stations. On this information I wrote to Fr Rowe to extend his visit this far when he has finished his duties at the Grange.

The weather is very oppressive, a hot wind setting in at an early hour. My little horse is tired - I have been obliged to take the one ridden by the servant. He took the one that hitherto carried the saddle bags, transferring them to my horse. With this change we were enabled to resume our journey to the Hopkins, where we arrived at 5, having performed the 45 miles in 6 hours.

I retired early to rest, but slept little. Every crime consequent on drunkenness may be witnessed openly and shamelessly committed at the Inns through the Colony.

Thursday November 24th. Being anxious to avoid the heat, which now seems to increase each day, I rose this morning at 5, though I had scarcely any sleep during the past night. I said a portion of my morning prayers before I left my room.

A quarter after 6 I set out for Fiery Creek, which is 22 miles from the Hopkins and 45 from Ballaarat. We arrived at Fiery Creek about 9.30. The morning was cool and pleasant.

The country we passed over consisted of vast plains without trees, having numerous lakes of various dimensions and forms breaking the sameness by the diversity introduced into the landscape.

Here ourselves and horses will have a long and necessary rest by our stopping here this evening. Tomorrow, Deo volente, we shall be within 10 miles of Ballaarat. I expected to meet here the clergyman stationed at Ballaarat, but he has not arrived - he may be here before the evening.

Friday November 25th. I rose this morning at 7, considerably refreshed by a good night's sleep. The person who keeps this Inn is a Catholic and an Irishman.

Owing to the presence of some bad characters on the premises, he had to remain up all night, prepared to resist with firearms any expected attack on the place by them. After a poor breakfast made in haste, I set out for the next stage, which is supposed to be 30 miles from Fiery Creek. The weather in the early part of the day was cool and pleasant. The road - stretching for a long distance over plains - was generally good for travelling, except where swamps intervened. Lakes of every size and form met our eyes in all directions. We lost our way, but after a little trouble and inquiry we soon found it. It was 4 when we reached the Inn.

The country about Mount Emu is picturesque, and in parts available for agriculture. As we approached the Inn the country became hilly and gravelly. Quartz whitened the hill tops, and in many places the plains. A great resemblance exists between this part of the country and Bargs Brush. The land in the neighbourhood of the Inn is pretty good, and yields a fair share of good grass. I dined at 4 - the fare was according to the strict rules of modern ascetics. The water is good, and at present abundant. At 9 I retired to rest.

Saturday November 26th. I rose this morning at 6. Having performed my devotions, I took a short walk. At 7 I took breakfast. The servant, having inquired the distance to Ballaarat, learned it was twenty five miles. This piece of information was to me the source of disappointment, as I was led to believe the distance to be only 10 miles. We proceeded on our journey immediately after breakfast.

The country we passed over was poor, but it everywhere presented indications of gold. The soil is whitish and studded with quartz. After 6 hours ride we arrived at Ballaarat.

The scene which here opens on the stranger's view is at once unique and picturesque. To describe it and do it justice is an effort exceeding the power of language. The features of the gold country admit of great variety. Hills, flats and shallow gullies, in some places holding a good supply of water, constitute the gold fields. The best and most fruitful sinking is in the gullies. But the depth in some instances has exceeded 120 ft. 70 ft is considered nothing.

After some twisting and turning in order to avoid the numerous holes of the gold diggers which crowded on the way, I arrived at the tent occupied by the clergyman, our only guide to it being the long low slab building, so unlike all the other structures on the diggings, which he was erecting for the purpose of a chapel and school. The tent is the most miserable apology for a dwelling I have been in. A few badly made wine cases serve for chairs, a piece of dirty canvas for a partition between the end used for general purposes and that which answers for a sleeping apartment. The floor is nature's own making, on which is crowded whatever is necessary for the general use and convenience of the Reverend occupant. Great are the inconveniences and privations to which the clergyman on this important Mission is obliged to submit. He complains not, but with all the spirit of a zealous Missionary, he bends to his difficulties in pious, generous resignation.

He did not expect me. The letter I wrote him from Portland had not been delivered. A kind Catholic family living in the neighbourhood of his tent invited us to share their dinner. The invitation I thankfully acknowledged, but owing to fatigue I declined it, and something was soon prepared, to which this family contributed a dish of very tough beefsteak.

In the evening I took a short walk through the diggings. On my return I finished the Divine Office. At 9 I retired to rest, occupying the extreme end of the tent, whilst Fr Downing occupied the floor of the other.

Sunday November 27th. At 8 I assisted at Mass, the celebrant being the Rev Mr Downing, resident pastor. At 11 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice - there were present at least 13 hundred persons, the majority were men.

The building is nearly ninety feet long; it is wide in proportion. The sides are low and made of slabs. The covering is canvas. Everything was satisfactory but the Altar. All connected with this exceeded in filth etc. anything I ever before witnessed where neglect and forgetfulness prevailed. But this is owing not to any want of respect and veneration for the Sacred articles connected with the celebration of the Holy Mysteries - for no clergyman could be more scrupulously observant of whatever pertains to them - but to the absence of the means amidst the confusion and irregularity prevailing through the gold fields to provide for the becoming and decent wants of the Altar.

Several persons received the Holy Communion at this Mass and the one that was said at 8. I delivered a discourse on the Gospel of the day at the post-communion. In the evening at 5 I said prayers, at which a large congregation assisted. We dined at 6.30, after which we took a short walk.

In the course of the day I paid a visit to the hospital attached to the camp. There were only two patients in it, a Protestant and a Catholic. The latter had not been to Confession for many years. I advised the clergyman to see [him] on Wednesday in order to receive his Confession. At 10 I retired to rest.

Monday November 28th. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice this morning at 8.30. A few persons whom I had admitted to Confession previously received the Holy Communion. I addressed a short discourse to the congregation on the advantage of frequent Communion. After Mass I called attention to the unbecoming state of the Altar. The women present immediately engaged to look after it. An alb, altar cloth, finger towels etc., were to be provided without delay. The ones at present in use are made of cotton and very much soiled.

I postponed my visit to Buninyong until tomorrow in consequence of the Hotel at which we purposed stopping being occupied by a wedding party. During the day I was engaged in visiting the Catholics who lived in the immediate neighbourhood of the chapel. They all seem well disposed and inclined to approach the Sacraments during my stay amongst them.

The Divine Office, pious reading and my diary occupied my attention during the evening. The location is very hot and oppressive. At 6 we dined.

A short walk in the cool of the evening was most agreeable. As the night fell, the scenery around us was most enchanting. The fires before each tent in the gullies and on the hill slopes gave it all the appearance of tastefully illuminated pleasure grounds. At 10 I retired to rest.

Tuesday November 29th. I rose this morning at 5, said my morning prayers and prepared to make my intended visit to Buninyong. The day was scorching hot. A high hot wind blew the whole day. The road passed through the most remarkable diggings, Golden Point and the Canadian Gully. On these diggings persons of all nations have settled down. The Americans are very numerous on the Canadian Gully - in fact they are to be found where the most enterprize is needed and the most gold obtainable.

The distance not being more than 8 miles, we arrived in Buninyong early. The township has been well selected. It has the advantages of good spring water and a fine neighbourhood of fertile soil, whilst the site of the town is most picturesque.

I marked out the foundations of the proposed school-house and temporary chapel. After this I visited the Catholics who reside here. They are few. At a late land sale in the township many Catholics were purchasers.

I returned to Ballaarat about 5. Fr Downing had a sick call soon after our return. The person who sent for him was a digger - he had a slight attack of cholera, brought on by exposure to wet whilst digging. The diggers frequently suffer from such attacks. Whilst in the holes, they are often up to their armpits in water for a considerable time. We dined at 6. In the evening I took a short walk. At 10 I retired to rest.

Wednesday November 30th. I heard Mass this morning at 8. At 9 I offered up the Holy Mysteries. I admitted a good many to Confession before 8 o'clock Mass; several persons received the Holy Communion at it. From 12 to 3 I gave Catechetical instruction to the children. There will not be many children for Confirmation. The time not occupied in the chapel I employed in writing, and reading the Divine Office. At 5 I said night prayers, and addressed a few words of instruction on the Gospel of the day to the few who were present. We dined at the usual hour. After dinner we took a short walk. The weather is something more than cool. I would call it cold. These extreme changes in the weather from heat to cold are very trying - however, few suffer constitutionally from them. At 10 I retired to rest.