SIR, - The proposal which has just been announced, to present a testimonial to the Dean of Melbourne on the occasion of his completing his eightieth year, should commend itself to the people of this town in an especial manner.

It may be interesting to your readers if I recall some of the incidents connected with his early days in the colony. The Rev. Dr. Hussey Burgh Macartney landed in Melbourne from the ship "Stag," in the year 1848, early in January, being a fellow passenger with the Bishop of Melbourne, Charles Perry and Mrs. Perry, the Revs. Francis Hales and Willoughby Bean, besides two young theologial students, Messrs. Henry Hewitt Paulet Handfield and Edward Tanner.

Three clergymen belonging to the Church of England were at that time settled in the district of Port Phillip, viz., the Rev. Adam Compton Thompson, at St. James', Melbourne; Rev. James Yelverton Wilson, at Portland; and the Rev. Ebenezer Collins, at Christ Church, Geelong. With the exception of Canon Henry H. P. Handfield, who was ordained in 1852, the Dean is the only one remaining amongst those early pioneers. Messrs. Willoughby Bean and James Yelverton Wilson have died within a recent period; the others are dispersed. Our venerable friend is therefore not only the father of the Church of England clergy in point of age, but the oldest in point of residence.

After a few months' parochial labor at Heidelberg, he came to Geelong in November of the year 1848, preaching here for the first time on the 5th of that month, and was soon after appointed Archdeacon of this district. What his self-denying labors were in those days, his journeyings over rough roads, his fervid eloquence which has by no means died out, old inhabitants of this town and district can testify. He made himself beloved by men of all classes and creeds. Although he always held his opinions with singular tenacity, and preached them without compromise, there was so much sincerity and so much genial affection, that he seldom made enemies, whilst the respect felt for him was universal.

During Bishop Perry's visit to Europe, and for three years prior to the arrival of Bishop James Moorhouse, he filled the office of Vicar-general with singular ability. As clergymen we are proud of him, being glad to recognise in him a Nestor whose matured judgement is not merely the result of long experience, but of keen penetration, and earnest devotion to his Master's cause. Few men in the Colonial Church have done more, not only in preaching the Gospel, and building up their own Communion, but in exercising a cementing influence among all classes of the community. If you can in your own columns help forward an object which will be so warmly appreciated by many in this community, I shall be grateful.

I am, &c.

GEORGE GOODMAN

Christ Church Parsonage,
March 28th, 1879.