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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Father Martin Aloysius O'Carroll

Father Martin Aloysius O'Carroll, Assistant Curate of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland, was born in 1853, in Queen's County, Ireland. He was educated at St. Kearn's College, Kilkenny, and ordained by Cardinal McCabe, in 1879. After his ordination he proceeded to the archdiocese of Madras, India, and on arrival there was appointed to the North Arcot district, a place many miles in the interior, where a white face was seldom seen. The district was very large, and the only means of conveyance was by riding on bullocks. Here Father O'Carroll had to learn the two languages spoken in the district, the Telagoa and the Ta[gap — reason: illegible]ul. After mastering them he remained there—assisted by a Hindoo priest, his only helper—ministering to the native converts for over five years. He was then appointed to St. Thomas's Mount, and was attached to a military station there as chaplain. The station consisted of three field batteries of artillery, one garrison battery, and one native Sepoy Regiment to mount guard and look after the powder magazine. Father O'Carroll remained there four years, and about 1888 went to Madras to take charge of the Milapore Mission. Thence he went with the Burmah expedition, and was present at the taking of Mandalay, Pokoko, and Mingan. on the frontiers of India. He then posted as military chaplain to Ballany cantonment, about 347 miles from Madras, on the borders of the Bombay Presidency and the Nizam's dominion. There he was chaplain to the Cheshire, Cornwall, and Welsh Regiments. and ministered in the cantonment until he left India for a tour round the world. Father O'Carroll visited Jerusalem, travelled through the Holy Land, and took, what few have done. a bath in the Dead Sea. He went through Egypt, and at Cairo visited the old house where tradition says St. Joseph dwelt. Whilst he was in Egypt Father O'Carroll also visited the supposed spot on the river Nile where Moses was discovered in the bulrushes by Pharoah's daughter; also the Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Museum de Giez, accounted the most wonderful museum in the world. After leaving Alexandria, he visited the cities
Father O'Carroll.

Father O'Carroll.

of Rome, Naples, Paris, Marscilles, and London, and his birthplace. He then proceeded through America, saw the principal cities in that famous country, and arrived at Auckland in July, 1900, when he accompanied Bishop Lenihan on his return to New Zealand. Father O'Carroll is charmed with Auckland and its surroundings, and thinks it equal, if not superior, to Naples, in beauty. He is much liked by people of all denominations with whom he has come in contact in Auckland. Father O'Carroll tells some interesting stories of Indian life, and tells them in a way of his own that cannot fail to interest the listener.