Fr T.J. Linane, From Abel to Zundolovich, Vol. 2: Biographies of Priests on the Australian Scene up to 1900, 1980, pp 102-103:

Crane, Nicholas, OMI, Irish
His Blind Brother's Keeper
It doesn't appear correct to maintain that Nicholas Crane, born 1840 circa, is the brother of Bishop Martin Crane, born in 1818. But as the columnist cannot question the Hist. Word expertise of his informant, Fr. Don Hughes OMI, so neither can he question an expertise in recording the history of the Oblate Order. Anyhow the Bendigo Advertiser of January 2 & 3, 1903 is onside in making the same averment: "He was the youngest of a number of brothers, including the late bishop, who consecrated themselves to the service of God ..." Nicholas was born at Barrystown, County Wexford. He attended Maynooth College as an extern while completing the rest of his studies at Inchicore Seminary. Ordination was conferred on 15 January 1865. Several years were spent as an Oblate missionary in the USA where (to quote the Bendigo Advertiser referred to above) "he worked arduously and successfully. On his brother's appointment to the See of Sandhurst he followed him to Australia, pursuing his missionary work, especially in Sandhurst ..." Directories show that he spent brief periods in Hamilton (1881), Echuca (1890) and elsewhere, but in the main was attached to Sandhurst. "When the late bishop's eyesight failed him" (to continue the Advertiser report) Fr. Crane attended his afflicted brother with all the wealth of a noble fraternal love ..." Seemingly he had the status of Secretary in the 1890's while continuing with the performance of parish duties. "The death of his brother in 1901 contributed in no small measure to his health break-up ... He was critically ill some months ago with a heart condition, but latterly became a convalescent and could move about. He was well enough to say his daily Mass, and only yesterday (New Years Day) celebrated Mass in St. Kilian's at an early hour. Shortly after midday he took a sudden turn and collapsed. His physician, Dr. Gaffney, was called and gave unremitting attention, but he remained in a low state and died calmly and peacefully at 10.45pm. So death took place at the dawning of 1903 at the age of 63.

And to summarise the Advertiser's beautiful tribute to a man "loved among all classes and denominations ..." After a Solemn Requiem in St. Kilian's on January 3, and to the accompaniment of profuse tears among the Children of Mary, a worthy servant and his brother's helper was wheeled out by undertakers Fizelle & Mulqueen, to be laid to rest in his brother's grave, No. 17288.
(Footprints, Vol. 3, No. 2)
Information: As above.