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

Saturday 5th November. Went on shore at Aden; commenced to walk to the town five miles distant, when I was overtaken by a Government caravan drawn by two oxen; into this I willingly got on being invited to do so. It was a very slow coach. Two gentlemen, who started at the same time with us walking reached the town as soon, or rather sooner, than we did with our oxen. After dinner had to borrow the parson's horse to get back to the port. It being the Jewish Sabbath, no conveyance was to be had; the Jews are the only persons who keep such for the public convenience. The parson's little horse travelled right well. It was kind of him to help me in my difficulty.

Sunday 6th November. Sailed for Mauritius.

Friday 18th November. Went on shore at Mauritius and called on the Bishop who received me most kindly. He drove me out to see the convent. The situation and grounds are all that could be desired. The grounds include about thirty acres. The convent is an old building, a poor affair. The Nuns belong to the Loretto Order. The Superior is an Irish lady. From this we went to one of the suburban missions; here is a large barn of a church, the very perfection of ugliness. This mission is managed by two Irish priests, one of whom Father Comerford is Vicar-General. The number of priests in the whole Diocese is scarcely twenty; the Catholic population 200,000. The Bishop has formed a congregation of ladies who undertake the mission of Sisters of Mercy, in teaching the poor schools, visiting the sick, etc. It seems to have succeeded very well. The French system of churchwardens is in force here. The Bishop says it works well. The election of these officials is made in this way. The Bishop presents for each mission a list of ten persons to the Governor, who invariably nominates the first five on the list. This meddling of the Government, and a Protestant Government, with the administration of Church affairs is most objectionable. The churchwardens receive and expend all the resources of the mission arising out of bench rents, fees, etc. Visited a purchase lately made by the Bishop for a country residence. The site is good, healthy, and picturesque, but the house is built partly of stone, partly of wood. It is a wretched thing. However, putty and paint may improve its appearance, but that is all. The ground contains about fifteen acres. Sailed for Melbourne.