Australian Dictionary of Biography entry:
William Hall (1807–1866)
by John H. Cullen

This article was published in the Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 1, 1966, online in 2006.

William Hall (1807-1866), Catholic priest, was born in London. At 17 he decided to begin studies for the priesthood. This took him to Paris where, towards the end of his theological course, political turmoil reigned: religious houses were destroyed, seminaries had to close, and foreigners were forced to leave the country. The College of St Edmund, Old Hall Green, received the returned exile. Ordained priest by the vicar-apostolic, Dr Griffiths, he did pastoral duties at Moorfields and Islington for about twelve years. Then the newly-consecrated bishop of Hobart, Dr Robert Willson, came to London appealing for volunteer missionaries, and Hall promptly offered his services. With the bishop's party he reached Hobart Town in May 1844. Until the cessation of transportation nine years later Dr Willson devoted most of his attention to the cause of reform among prisoners of the Crown and the mentally ill; he therefore made Hall his vicar-general. With control of diocesan administration, the vicar had wide powers which he knew how to use.

When Hall entered office Father John Joseph Therry had been supreme ruler of the Church in Van Diemen's Land for six years. Now Therry was called upon to resign with a consequent loss of status and government salary. He had, moreover, contracted debts which neither the bishop nor Hall regarded as their responsibility. A dispute arose which created divisions and controversies. The vicar was by nature reserved, stern, and unyielding. He despised all compromise even where differences were understandable. Therry, on the other hand, found intense joy in bargaining. This unpleasant situation dragged on for fourteen years. A more magnanimous attitude towards an old and popular missionary might have brought early peace to the church in Hobart.

Although the austere vicar-general made few intimate friends among his flock, he was never idle, for he attempted too much by himself. His administration for twenty-two years was very efficient. A scrupulous sense of personal responsibility was his guiding principle. Sermons, addresses, instructions and retreats for the clergy engrossed his attention. He formed a body of active young men into zealous apostles, laboured for temperance day and night, and gave advice and spiritual guidance to numerous clubs, sodalities and religious associations. In liturgical rites and approved devotions his reverence and unfailing regularity edified and transformed the people. As the years rolled by a steady growth of affection and appreciation effaced the memory of uneasy beginnings until all Catholics, devout and lax, learned and unlettered, looked to Father Hall for advice and comfort. To the whole flock he became a father and a trusted friend. He died on 17 July 1866, unaware that Bishop Willson had gone to rest seventeen days before. Memorial windows in St Mary's Cathedral and St Joseph's Church, Hobart, and a brass tablet in the cathedral record the services of Hall and his bishop to the church in Hobart.

Select Bibliography

T. Kelsh, ‘Personal Recollections’ of … Robert William Willson (Hob, 1882)
Hobarton Guardian, 22 Feb, 9, 16 Mar 1850, 19 Nov 1851
Mercury (Hobart), 18 July 1866
Church archives (Hobart).

Citation details
John H. Cullen, 'Hall, William (1807–1866)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hall-william-2146/text2735, published first in hardcopy 1966, accessed online 29 June 2025.

This article was published in hardcopy in Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 1, (Melbourne University Press), 1966.

Reproduced by permission of Australian Dictionary of Biography. Original biography: https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hall-william-2146.

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The Very Reverend W. Hall, Vicar-General, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 25 January 1860, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article114838187:

A grand farewell soiree was given to the Very Reverend the Vicar-General, the Rev. William Hall, in Saint Peter's Hall, Collins-street, on Tuesday night, prior to the departure of the Rev. gentleman for Europe.

The company assembled exceeded four hundred, and included a large number of our most respected citizens.

The Hall was handsomely adorned, and the tables tastefully arranged for the occasion, and during the time occupied in taking refreshment the Catholic Band played a series of excellently executed musical morceaux.

On the platform were the Right Reverend the Bishop, Dr. Willson, the Reverend Fathers Bond, Hunter, Woods, Dunne, Maram, Murphy, and Keohan, and the Reverend guest of the evening, &c., &c., &c.

The repast having been concluded,
The Rev. Father Bond introduced to the meeting the Committee appointed at a previous public meeting to prepare an address, to accompany a purse, to be presented to Mr. Hall, and having done so, the rev. gentleman said he should make no comment on the address, as the meeting would have the opportunity of hearing it read, and he was quite sure they would agree with him in saying that every word it contained and every expression therein was due to the very reverend gentleman in whose honor it had been prepared.

The Committee then proceeded to the Vicar-General, and
Mr. L. Reynolds, addressing Father Hall, said that, at a public meeting held in the Hall a short time since, it had been unanimously resolved to present Mr. Hall with an Address and a Purse previous to leaving them, as an acknowledgment of the untiring exertions the reverend gentleman had always manifested in the discharge of his duties as Vicar-General of the Diocese. (Cheers.) As, however, the Address spoke in language much more powerful than any he could use, it would be more consonant to his feelings to proceed to the reading of the Address at once.

Mr. Reynolds then read the following Address, which was engrossed in a masterly manner, on vellum, in old English, illuminated, the vellum being also beautifully and gorgeously illuminated and emblazoned:—

Very Rev. and Dear Sir—The Catholics of Hobart Town, in public meeting assembled, have unanimously resolved to give expression to the high estimation in which they hold the services you have rendered to religion, and to themselves, during the fifteen years that you have been their Pastor, and Vicar-General of the Diocese.

"Wherever spiritual comfort to the sick or dying was required, your aid could ever be relied upon, at any hour, by day or by night, of any season.

"Whoever, oppressed by worldly cares or disappointments, needed the encouraging support and assistance of a zealous friend and a sympathising and generous heart, could ever make sure that an appeal to you would not be in vain.

For the religious, moral, and temporal welfare of all your flock, you have ever been ready to make exertions, few could equal and perhaps none surpass.

"The widow and the orphan, the afflicted and the unfortunate, the ignorant and the erring, in you have ever found a friend and benefactor, unwearied in well-doing.

It is with deep regret we anticipate the temporary separation from a Pastor so beloved and revered, and we can only reconcile ourselves to the loss by the hope that it will improve the health impaired by so many years of unremitting labour in the duties of your holy vocation.

"We humbly beg your acceptance of the Purse we now present to you; were our means equal to our gratitude and love, it would be full to overflowing.

"In your journeyings by land and by water, may you be ever blessed and supported by the guiding and protecting hand of the "Giver of all good," and return to us, after visiting your native land, refreshed and strengthened for the renewal of the charge committed to you, through the medium of our honoured Bishop, by the "Shepherd of all," is the united prayer of your grateful and affectionate flock. At the same time we beg, and and with the assured belief that we shall not ask in vain, your daily prayers on our behalf, and more especially when you celebrate the great propitiatory sacrifice,

"Signed by the Committee
"On behalf of the
"Catholics of Hobart Town,
"E. S. Hall,
"Chairman.
"Hobart Town, January 10th, 1860."

On the conclusion of the reading and presentation of a handsomely worked and embroidered purse containing about one hundred and fifty guineas, and also at the several pauses during the reading, loud cheering and applause pervaded the Hall for a considerable time.

The Committee having retired from the platform,
The Very Rev. Father Hall, who was most loudly and enthusiastically cheered and with every mark of affectionate respect on his rising, attempted to address the meeting, but his emotion was too great, and the reverend gentleman in a few broken and almost inaudible words requested the Reverend Father Hunter to read his Reply.

The Rev. Mr. Hunter then read the following:—

Reply.

"My Dear Friends and Beloved Flock— I am deeply grateful for your warm and ardent feelings towards me, and for the flattering manner in which you have been pleased to express those feelings.

"In the glowing picture you have drawn, I can discern only a faint resemblance to myself; you have thrown in far too glowing colours, attributed to me the qualifications of a good Pastor; it shall however be my aim to copy that picture.

"Your kind and affectionate wishes for my welfare, are, I assure you, quite reciprocal. I feel very deeply on this occasion, for a few days will separate us, it may be for a few months, it may be for ever—God only knows; but let us so live that we may meet in a better and happier land. Should it please the Almighty to spare me to return, I trust it will be with renewed health and vigor to labor amongst you in the great and good cause. Let me exhort you with my parting words to be persevering in the path of religion and virtue—to be firmly united together in the bonds of charity and affection—to have but one mind and one heart with our Beloved Bishop and my fellow labourers in the vineyard.

"I shall not fail to have you in my heart and mind, and to offer my poor prayers at the Altar of God for you and your little ones.

"I beg of you daily to ask the 'giver of all good gifts,' that he will protect me from all evils of soul and body, that he will guide and watch over me during my absence, and, should it be his divine pleasure, that I may return to you 'to spend and to be spent.'

"Accept, then, my best wishes and sincere thanks for the purse you have presented to me, and believe me, your ever faithful Friend and Pastor,
"W. Hall, V.G.
"Hobart Town, January 10th, 1860."

This answer of the Vicar-General's was also received with prolonged marks of approbation.

The Band here played the "Fine Old English Gentleman," and its appropriate introduction was warmly received.

A trio, the "Red Cross Knight," followed, and
The Right Rev. Bishop Willson, who was received with immense cheering, addressing the meeting, said—The beautiful language they had just heard in the address to the Vicar-General that evening was both deep and touching, and he was quite sure that it was from the hearts of those who composed it. Every line, every word, spoke a volume, and every line and every word was beautiful—because it was true. (Great applause.) And, continued the Right Rev. speaker, if those to whom they had confided that trust had presented an address, so beautiful because it was so true, he would leave them to judge what must be his feelings—he who had one to support him, one to comfort him, one to console him for so many years, and that one now about to be separated from them and him for years, and, as the very reverend gentleman himself had told them, it might be the will of God for ever. If they felt so much, he (the Bishop) was quite sure they would give him credit for feeling more. (Applause.) The Vicar-General had shewn by his emotion when he rose to address them, that he was incapable of doing so, and the reverend speaker himself must say that he was almost unable to give expression to the feelings of his heart, which were then passing through it. (Cheers.) He felt that not only himself and the Catholics of Hobart Town, but also every Catholic throughout the Island, and he might say also the whole Christian community throughout the Island at large, must feel the loss they were about to sustain. (Loud cheers.) The Vicar-General had ever in the discharge of his sacred duties —and he called upon them to bear testimony to the expression—had ever refrained from anything like acrimony or anger towards those who had and did differ with him on some points of Religion. (Loud cheers.) He was not going to preach a sermon on this occasion, but the expression of the Apostle well applied to the very reverend gentleman, that all man's religion was as mere sounding brass and tinkling cymbal without charity, and he asserted that he believed the whole of the community in this Island was greatly indebted to the Vicar-General. (Loud cheers.) He could mention several occasions in which the Vicar-General had proved this in a very strong manner, but would content himself with referring to one instance which occurred about five years ago, at a time when men's minds were agonised by the commission of five dreadful murders, when no man felt safe either on the high road or in his own habitation, an occasion on which, through the exertions of that good man the Vicar General, the excitement of men's minds was calmed down. The Right Rev. Bishop then referred to the confession made by Whelan, under the influence of the spiritual attendance of the Vicar-General, and remarked that with patience and prayer Father Hall in his sacred duty touched the criminal's heart by his exhortations because they came from the heart, and that confession set the minds of men at rest. That act of the Vicar-General alone, the Right Reverend speaker said, was one which rendered the whole colony his debtor, and no matter of whatever creed or profession a person might be, he should give to the Vicar-General those thanks to which, though an instrument in the hand of God, he was entitled. (Loud cheers.) He cordially assented to every word contained in the Address, and prayed the Almighty God to preserve the Very Reverend gentleman, that his health might be restored, renovated, and strengthened, and that he might speedily come back to them, and, as was beautifully expressed by Father Hall in the language of Saint Peter, "to spend and to be spent" amongst them. (Prolonged cheering.) These were eventful times, and Father Hall, as in the French Revolution of 1830, might be again thrown in the midst of convulsions from which he had then escaped, and he prayed if such should be the divine will that he might through the blessing of Almighty God safely pass through these also. It was only the hand of the Almighty which could avert the calamity of war, but might God in his infinite mercy and goodness sanctify the soul of their Very Reverend Vicar-General, and might they all again by God's blessing meet heartily to welcome him on his return. (Long continued applause.)

A number of songs and duets, with piano accompaniments, were then sung by the lady and gentlemen visitors present, and after an evening of great enjoyment, saddened only by the approaching departure of the Vicar-General, the Company separated.

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Intercolonial. Tasmania, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 19 February 1862, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115760191:

We are happy to hear that the Very Rev. William Hall, V.G., is about to return from his visit to the mother country. It is now a long time since this respected gentleman bade farewell to his friends, and his expected return is anxiously looked for. Our Roman Catholic friends, we believe, are making preparations for his worthy reception — Advertiser

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Hobart Town, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 2 June 1866, p 346, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115453621:

(From a Correspondent.)

Yesterday evening, Whit Tuesday, in compliance with previous announcement a complimentary tea party was given in St. Peters Hall to do honor to the Very Rev. W. Hall, D.D., Vicar-General of this diocese, and to present him with an address and testimonial on his being re-appointed to the ecclesiastical office of Vicar-General under our new bishop. The hall was tastefully ornamented with the flags of different nations, the most conspicuous being a green banner with the inscription "Erin-Go- Bragh our dear native land." There could not have been less than five hundred who sat down to table, the chair being occupied by J. A. Watkin, Esq., on his right sat the Right Rev. Dr. Murphy, and on the left the Very Rev. Vicar-General. The following clergy were also present, Fathers Beechinor, Hunter, Murphy, Hoolahan, Hennerby, O'Meara, Sheehy and Woods. The tea and accompaniments were excellent and a fine band played at intervals choice pieces of music.

When the eating and drinking parts of the evening were got over the chairman said that they would now proceed to the second portion of the business viz., the presentation of the address and testimonial to the Vicar-General, and for this purpose he introduced the deputation which consisted of Messrs. S. and T. Sheehy, Dr. Hall, Messrs. Hunter, Raper, Quinn, O'Boyle and O'Reilly.

Dr. Hall then read the following address which had been beautifully engrossed on vellum. To the Very Reverend William Hall, D.D., Vicar-General of Tasmania.

Very Reverend Dear Sir, — We the Catholics of Hobart Town cannot allow the recent changes which have taken place in the Ecclesiastical Government of the Church in this Island, to pass by without embracing so favourable an opportunity for again repeating what we have so often expressed—our deep respect and warm affection for you, as both our Pastor and our friend,—a friendship extended alike to the humblest, as well as to the highest of your flock.

For more than twenty-one years you were the Vicar-General of our first beloved Bishop, his veritable right hand when he was present in the Diocese, and when he was absent elsewhere, as far as his authority could be deputed, the acting head of the Church. Indefatigable in all business matters, having the good of the Church in Tasmania in view, you were yet never wanting in any duty required for the welfare of the flock under your own immediate spiritual charge. You could, amid your unceasing avocations, even find time to listen to the tales of sorrow or destitution of any of your parishioners, while your consolation and relief never were withheld from the deserving. Neither were your good offices confined to Catholics. Any suffering fellow creature could appeal to you with a certainty of being heard and comforted.

That the second Bishop of Hobart Town should have so well appreciated your merits as the Vicar-General of his predecessor, and so gracefully have availed himself of your services in the same capacity to himself, is a happy and promising commencement of his episcopal reign over this diocese. That you should have so promptly and generously responded to the Bishop's wishes, gratifies us beyond measure. That the clergy of the diocese should unanimously have expressed their entire satisfaction at your continuance in office as Vicar-General, adds much to our pleasure and would—were it possible—increase our respect for them.

We feel under these circumstances that we have cause to congratulate ourselves, rather than you, on your acceptance of the onerous and exalted position to which you have been re-appointed. On you will devolve the unceasing labor, the endless anxiety, attached to the zealous fulfilment of so responsible a charge. We, in common with our fellow-Catholics of the rest of the colony, will reap the benefits.

May you long continue to labor faithfully in this vineyard of the Lord, and never leave us until summoned to your heavenly reward, and may you be blessed with the conviction that, by the help of God's grace, you have led to the eternal happiness of many souls, is the heartfelt prayer of your devoted and grateful flock.

As a small token of our esteem and regard for you, we beg your acceptance of the accompanying testimonial.
(Signed by J. A. Watkins, Chairman, and the remainder of the committee.

The testimonial consisted of a doctor's ring set with a fine carbuncle, gold lever watch, opened face, three-quartered plate, a massive gold chain, attached to which was a key neatly worked in the form of a cross. The watch bore the following inscription :— To the Very Rev. W. Hall, D.D., Vicar-General, from his loving and devoted flock— May 22, 1866.

The Very Rev. Vicar-General on rising was received with tremendous cheers, and when they had subsided he proceeded to read the following reply.

My Dear Friends,—It is impossible for me to express adequately the deep feelings of pleasure and gratification which agitate my breast on this occasion, and yet to pass over in silence your kindness would be ungracious to you, and unjust to my own feelings.

Allow me, then, to say in a few words, and I say them with sincerity. I thank you my dear flock and friends from my inmost soul for your kind congratulation, and the warm and valuable expression of your sentiments in my regard.

If your pleasure, so kindly shown at my re- appointment to the important office of Vicar- General, after nearly twenty-two years service, is so much increased by the circumstances surrounding such re-appointment you may be assured that they have enhanced my joy a hundred fold.

The kind and gracious manner in which the Bishop has, thus early, regarded my past poor services to our former beloved Bishop, and to the cause of religion in this diocese, the spontaneous and unanimous approval of the clergy— your warm and sincere congratulation, are no ordinary sources of pleasure and gratification. They will, I trust, stimulate me to renewed exertion for the advancement of our Holy Religion and the welfare of your souls.

For your very handsome present this day, accept my warmest thanks. This ring will remind me that I am wedded to the Church of Christ and that to Her I must remaim faithful, unto death. This watch will constantly call to my rememberances that my years are fast running out, and may soon come to a close, and that I should therefore be always prepared, for "Ye know not the day nor the hour." Whenever I look at this watch my dear flock and friends will be vividly present to my mind, and a prayer shall be offered up for their temporal welfare and eternal happiness.—Believe me, Your sincere pastor and friend,
(Signed) William Hall, D.D., V.G. Hobartown, May 22, 1866.

The chairman then alluded to the bishop and called for three cheers for his Lordship. Upon this three vociferous and well sustained cheers were given from all parts of the hall.

The Right Rev. Prelate then rose, which was the signal for the most enthusiastic plaudits. His Lordship said he was deeply gratified by the magnificent demonstration they had just manifested towards him. (Applause.) He really felt overpowered by it and thanked the company from the bottom of his heart. (Cheers.) He had merely come among them to assist in the presentation of the kind tokens of love and esteem, that evening evinced to the Vicar-General. (Cheers. ) He (the Bishop) was exceedingly delighted to hear the expressions of love and respect which had been shown towards the Vicar-General, and which in his (the Bishop's) opinion he richly deserved. (Cheering.) From the devotion of the Vicar-General to his sacred functions, under that holy man of God, Bishop Wilson, he (the Bishop) felt that he had done quite right in appointing Dr. Hall, to the high office of Vicar-General. (Cheers.) The demonstration of that evening did credit to the people and to the Vicar-General. He (the Bishop) must say he was proud to have been in that magnificent gathering, the like of which he had scarcely ever seen before. (Great cheering.) He hoped he made a good beginning as their Bishop, and hoped also the end would be equally as good. (Applause.) He again thanked them from the bottom of his heart for the high compliments they had conferred upon him. (General cheering).

A few glees and song were next gone through after which a vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting to a termination.

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Deaths, The Mercury, Hobart, 19 July 1866, p 1, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8840546:

Hall.—On Tuesday night, at 11.35, at the Bishop's House, Macquarie-street, the Very Rev. W. Hall, D.D. Vicar-General, aged 59 years, R.I.P. The funeral will take place on Friday next, leaving St. Joseph's Church, Macquarie-street, at 11 o'clock, for the Cathedral, where the body is to be buried. The usual services of the Catholic Church will be previously performed, commencing at 9 o'clock, and will consist of the office for the dead, and a solemn requiem mass. The body was removed to St. Joseph's Church last night, where it will lie in state the whole of this day.

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The Late Vicar-General, The Mercury, Hobart, 19 July 1866, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8840538:

We briefly noticed in our last issue the fact that the late Vicar-General of the Roman Catholic Church in this colony, The Very Rev. W. Hall, D.D., died at the residence of the Bishop, in Macquarie-street, on Tuesday night. It may interest our readers to be furnished with a few particulars concerning the deceased gentleman, whose loss will be severely felt by many, and especially those belonging to the late Vicar- General's church. Dr. Hall arrived in this colony in May, 1844, being one of four clergymen who came out in the Bella Marina, with the Right Rev. Bishop Willson, the other three being the Revs. Messrs. Bond, Livermore, and G. Hunter. On arrival, Dr. Hall was appointed by the Bishop Vicar- General, which office he filled to the time of his death, having been re-appointed by Dr. Willson's successor, the present Bishop. Deceased was a native of London, born in 1807, and therefore died in the 59th year of his age. His education for the priesthood commenced in Paris, where deceased was a student at the time the revolution in which Charles X. was dethroned. In that troublous time Mr. Hall was compelled to escape for his life, which he did in the disguise of a common laborer. He reached England and finished his studies at St. Edmund's College, Old Hall Green. For eight years he belonged to the mission at Moorfields, London, and for a year or two afterwards he officiated at Islington, where he continued up to the time of his leaving for Van Diemen's Land. On arrival, Dr. Hall entered on the active duties of the church, and took up his residence at Hobart Town. In the beginning of 1860, having obtained eighteen months' leave of absence, he went to Europe going by the overland route, and visiting the Holy Land and other countries by the way. In June of that year he was at Rome, and had an audience of Pius IX After sojourning for a while in England Dr. Hall set out on his return to the colony, again taking the Overland route. On reaching Melbourne he was ill of fever, and for some days his life was despaired of ; but eventually he recovered and arrived safely in Tasmania, where he was cordially welcomed by the members of his church, and received addresses congratulatory of his happy return. Dr. Hall brought back with him a great many curiosities from Rome, and the other countries he visited, including pieces of the Pyramids, to the top of one of which he ascended. On the departure of Bishop Willson for England, the oversight of the Church devolved on the Vicar-General, who distinguished himself by his wonted zeal in promoting the interests of his church. The progress of St. Mary's Cathedral was an object he set his mind upon, and to his earnest and indefatigable labor is to be attributed the advanced state of the building, and the neat and appropriate manner in which the Cathedral ground has been laid out and fenced. It will not be forgotten how energetically he promoted the bazaar in behalf of the Cathedral last year, resulting in £520 being cleared for that object. His great anxiety was to have every thing prepared for the solemn opening of the Cathedral on the arrival of the new bishop Shortly after the Bishop reached his diocese, he visited the North, and was accompanied by the Vicar-General, who preached at St Joseph's Church, Launceston, and took part in the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new church at Longford on the 6th of last month (June). The last public ministration of the deceased gentleman was on the occasion of the opening of St Mary's Cathedral, which took place on Wednesday, the 4th inst. Amid the large array of clergymen then present Father Hall was conspicuous as the assistant priest to the Bishop, arrayed in his scarlet mantle and richly wrought cope. He had also officiated at the preliminary ceremony the same morning at eight o'clock, in blessing the structure, and sprinkling the walls and foundations inside and out, accompanied by the acolytes and attendant priests. To his exertions on that day is to be ascribed his unexpected decease. He caught cold, and had a severe attack of influenza. The day following the cathedral solemnities he visited the family of Mr. Hunter, in Macquarie-street, when he was evidently unwell, and on the Friday he was obliged to keep his bed. He was attended by Dr. Agnew, and no dangerous symptoms set in until Saturday last the ninth day after the attack. Drs. Hall and Bright, as well as Dr. Agnew, were in frequent attendance up to the time of his death, which took place at thirty-five minutes past eleven on Tuesday night. Deceased was perfectly conscious up to within a minute of his departure. In the morning of that day he enquired if anything more could be done for him, and being told that there was no hope of his rallying he appeared perfectly resigned, observing that he was dying in a good cause, referring to his having caught cold in connection with the opening of the Cathedral. Of course, his rev. brethren and other friends did all in their power to alleviate his sufferings, and to minister to his comfort, the Revs. Messrs. McGuire and Hunter, in particular, were with him almost night and day. The deceased was one of the Commissioners of the Asylum for the Insane, New Norfolk, and a member of the Counsel of Education. As a clergyman, he was most indefatigable, he was an excellent preacher, and his administrative abilities were of no mean order. The poor, no less than his fellow priests, will sustain an irreparable loss ; his charities were unbounded, he had many pensioners on his bounty, and he spared no pains by day or by night to alleviate distress, to visit the sick, or to help and counsel families who were in trouble or difficulty. He was eminently unselfish, displayed much tenderness of feeling, and was one of those who, though an ecclesiastic, was a man of business, and was ready at fitting times to put his shoulder to the wheel to promote objects of interest, especially connected with his church. His self-sacrificing spirit will be readily acknowledged by his flock, and his death will be a cause of mourning to a numerous body of citizens.

It has been arranged that deceased shall be laid in state in St. Joseph's Church to-day. The body was removed last night from the bishop's house to the church and placed on the catafalque in front of the altar. The coffin is of lead, enclosed in a shell of polished cedar, without ornamentation. The body is arrayed in priest's robes, in which state it will be seen by visitors The church has been hung with black cloth, and the funeral will be under the direction of Mr McLaughlin, the undertaker. On the intelligence of the Vicar-General's death being communicated, the bell of St. Joseph's tolled, and yesterday a great many citizens had their shop shutters partially up, or blinds down, in token of respect to deceased's memory. The funeral is fixed to take place to-morrow at the Cathedral, where the body will be placed in a vault in front of the chancel, or at the upper part of the nave. The principal portion of the religious ceremonies will take place at St. Joseph's ; at 9 o'clock to-morrow morning the office for the dead will be said, after which the Solemn Requiem will be sung Immediately afterwards the funeral cortege will be formed, and proceed from St. Joseph's to the Cathedral, attended by a number of priests from the different parts of the diocese, the solemnities to be concluded by a short service at the place of interment.

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Death of the Very Reverend Dr. Hall, D.D. V.G., of Hobart Town, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 28 July 1866, p 474, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115454028:

The Vicar-General of the Roman Catholic Church in this colony, the Very Rev. W. Hall, D.D., died at the residence of the Bishop, in Macquarie-street, on Tuesday night the 17th inst. Dr. Hall arrived in this colony in May 1844, being one of four clergymen who came out in the Bella Marina, with Right Rev. Bishop Wilson. On arrival, Dr. Hall was appointed by the Bishop Vicar-General, which office he filled to the time of his death, having been re-appointed by Dr. Wilson's successor, the present Bishop. Deceased was a native of London, born in 1807, and therefore died in the 59th year of his age. His education for the priesthood commenced in Paris, where deceased was a student at the time of the revolution in which Charles X. was dethroned. In that troublous time Mr. Hall was compelled to escape for his life, which he did in the disguise of a common laborer. He reached England and finished his studies at St. Edmund's College, Old Hall Green. For eight years he belonged to the mission at Moorfields, London, and for a year or two afterwards he officiated at Islington, where he continued up to the time of his leaving for Van Dieman's Land. On arrival, Dr. Hall entered on the active duties of the church, and took up his residence at Hobart Town. In the beginning of 1860, having obtained eighteen months leave of absence, he went to Europe going by the overland route, and visiting the Holy Land and other countries by the way. In June of that year he was at Rome, and had an audience of Pius IX. Dr. Hall brought back with him a great many curiosities from Rome, and the other countries he visited, including pieces of the Pyramids, to the top of one of which he ascended. On the departure of Bishop Wilson for England, the oversight of the Church devolved on the Vicar- General, who distinguished himself by his wonted zeal in promoting the interests of his church. The last public ministration of the deceased gentleman was on the occasion of the opening of St. Mary's Cathedral, which took place on Wednesday, the 4th inst. Amid the large array of clergymen then present Father Hall was conspicuous as the assistant priest to the Bishop, arrayed in his scarlet mantle and richly wrought cape. He had also officiated at the preliminary ceremony the same morning at eight o'clock, in blessing the structure, and sprinkling the walls and foundations inside and out, accompanied by the acolytes and attendants priests. To his exertions on that day is to be ascribed his unexpected decease. He caught cold, and had a severe attack of influenza. The day following the cathedral solemnities he visited the family of Mr. Hunter, in Macquarie-street, when he was evidently unwell, and on the Friday he was obliged to keep his bed. He was attended by Dr. Agnew, and no dangerous symptoms set in until Saturday last, the ninth day after the attack. Drs. Hall and Bright, as well as Dr. Agnew, were in frequent attendance up to the time of his death, which took place at thirty- five minutes past eleven on Tuesday night. Deceased was perfectly conscious up to within a minute of his departure. In the morning of that day he enquired if anything more could be done for him, and being told that there was no hope of his rallying, he appeared perfectly resigned, observing that he was dying in a good cause, referring to his having caught cold in connection with the opening of the Cathedral. The poor, no less than his fellow priests, will sustain an irreparable loss; his charities were unbounded, he had many pensioner, on his bounty, and he spared no pains by day or by night to alleviate distress, to visit the sick, or to help and counsel families who are in trouble or difficulty. He was eminently unselfish, displayed much tenderness of feeling, and was one of those who, though an ecclesiastic, was a man of business, and was ready at fitting times to put his shoulder to the wheel to promote objects of interest, especially connected with his church. His self- sacrificing spirit will be readily acknowledged by his flock, and his death will be a cause of mourning to a numerous body of citizens.

The body lay in state on the 19th in St. Joseph's church, Macquarie-street. The body was habited in white satin vestments, and was enclosed in a leaden coffin which was again placed in a coffin of polished cedar, having gilt ornaments. They rested upon a temporary catafalque in front of the sanctuary, and was surrounded by burning candles, in accordance with the rites of the Catholic church. The sanctuary and the walls of the church were draped in black, the altars being likewise shrouded in mourning. The church was thronged throughout the day and evening by eager crowds, anxious to look for the last time upon the form of one who was so respected in life. The face of the late Vicar- General wore an expression of calm resignation, and but for the white and stiffened hands grasping the silver chalice, we could almost have imagined him in the repose of nature, rather than in the last long sleep of death. At half-past 9 o'clock the final vespers for the dead were chanted by the choir, after which the coffin was soldered down.

The funeral obsequies of the late Very Rev. W. Hall, D.D., Vicar-General of the Roman Catholic congregation of Hobart Town, were performed on the 20th, in accordance with the solemn rites of the church. The church of St. Joseph, where the body was lying in state, was deeply draped with black, festooned with crosses of satin ribbon. The altars and sanctuary were likewise draped in black. At an early hour every available seat was occupied, the majority of those present being female and nearly all were arrayed in deep mourning. At nine a.m. the clergy of the diocese entered the sanctuary, and recited the office for the dead, being assisted in the chants by Messrs. H. Hunter and Roper. The clergymen present were the Most Rev. the Bishop-elect of Adelaide Dr. Shiel, the Venerable Archdeacon Dunne, assistant priest, the Rev. G. Hunter, deacon, the Rev. P. Hannebrey [Hennebry], sub-deacon, the Very Rev. Dean McGuire, the Revs. M. Keohan, E. Marum, C. Woods, Walsh (of Launceston), Butler (of Longford), McKernan, O'Mara, Sheehy, and De Beechinor. The recital of the "office" occupied rather more than an hour, and on its conclusion the Bishop entered the sanctuary, accompanied by the Archdeacon, both in full mourning vestments. A solemn requiem high mass was then celebrated amid a painful silence, broken only by the sobs of some of the congregation, and the muffled tolling of the church bell on the elevation of the host. Immediately after the mass a procession was formed, and marched round the catafalque, upon which the coffin rested; the Bishop springling with holy water, incensing, and pronouncing absolution. The Bishop, then addressing the congregation, said, before the remains of their dear friend were, committed to their final resting place, he would ask them to offer up a brief prayer for the repose of his soul. He died, as he himself said, in a good cause. It was through over fatigue and exposure, while preparing the Cathedral for divine service, that he was attacked with the malady which brought about his death, and he was greatly consoled in his last hours that he died in such a noble cause. He was also consoled by receiving the apostolic benediction, and the blessing of his Holiness Pius the IX., which reached him when on his death bed. They had now to perform the last act of this sad solemn office, by transferring his remains to the Cathedral, the most fitting place for him who had worked so hard towards the erection of that edifice, and lost his life in its cause. That building would now serve as an everlasting monument to his worth and goodness. Let them never forget to pray for him, their affectionate father, their ever wise counsellor, their steadfast friend. Above all things, let them never forget to reflect upon his many virtues, and to endeavor to walk like him, to love God, and so to prepare to inherit the glory which they trusted he was now enjoying.

Immediately on the close of the address the funeral procession was formed, the organ playing the "Dead March in Saul." First came the cross-bearer, supported by torches, next the acolytes; then a portion of the clergy, wearing the cassock and surplice; next the Bishops of Hobart Town and Adelaide, wearing purple cassocks, rochet, and birrettas; then came the body borne shoulder high, the pall-bearers being the Revs. E. Marum, M. Keoghan, G. Hunter, C. Woods, Dean McGuire and Archdeacon Dunne. On reaching the street the procession halted, and the Bishops entered the carriage provided for them. The funeral cortege then began to move forward. The chief mourners were Dr. E. S. Hall, and Henry Hunter, Esq. Then followed the principal members of the congregation, two and two, the members of the Young Men's Society, mourners two and two. Government officers, members of the ministry, and carriages. The children of the Sunday Schools marched alongside the procession, immediately behind the corpse, the girls (wearing white veils), on the right, and the boys on the left. The procession must have numbered from five to six hundred mourners, among whom were very many gentlemen of distinction. The members of the ministry were present; the. hon. President of the Legislative Council, the hon. the Speaker of the House of Assembly, and many members of both Houses. The members of the Corporation, the Ven. Archdeacon Davies, the Rev. Mr. Bromby, Bishop's Secretary, representing the Bishop of Tasmania; His Honor the Chief Justice, and J. A. Watkins, Esq., Registrar of the Supreme Court, the principal officers of the civil service, and many representatives of every interest in the city. The procession reached the Cathedral shortly before 12 o'clock and entered by the door of the northern transept.

The grave was excavated (under the superintendence of Mr. John Gillon), near the steps leading up to the altar. The altar, organ screen and other parts of the Cathedral were draped with black cloth. Portions of the office for the dead were chanted by the priests as the procession advanced up the Cathedral, and on arrival, the Bishops, and clergy took up a position on the altar steps, attended by the cross bearer, and other acolytes. The girls and boys of the Sunday School were arranged round the grave, and the building was in a short time filled in every part, hundreds being unable to get in, when it became necessary to close the doors. The burial service was intoned by the Bishop of Hobart Town, the responses being led by the Rev. Mr. Sheehy. The coffin was lowered into the grave amid intense feeling, not a few of the females and young people indicating their grief by audible sobs. The coffin-plate had the following inscription: — Admidum Reverendus Gulielmus Hall, D.D., Vicarius Generalis, Die 17th Julii, 1866, Obiit Natus Annus [Annos] 59. The imposing ceremony closed with the benediction, when the Bishops, clergy, and attendants retired to the sacristy. An opportunity was then afforded the spectators to view the coffin in its last resting place, and the immense multitude retired in a remarkably orderly manner. During the afternoon, in pursuance of one of the late Vicar-General's last requests, a "dole" of £10 was given to the poor, the amount being distributed among about thirty families in bread, tea, sugar, and clothing.—Hobart Town Mercury.