Excursion to Port Arthur . 
271 
This necessary arrangement, in a great degree, de¬ 
stroyed the solemnity of worship. The crew of the 
Favourite were present; their frank, manly, jovial 
countenances offering a striking contrast to the lowering 
aspects of the miserable yellow-jackets. Service was 
performed by our fellow-traveller, the Rev. Mr. Simpson ; 
and the occasion being in aid of the Sunday Schools, 
the worthy pastor took the opportunity of remarking, 
that as cash was a scarce commodity on the Settlement, 
the I. O. U. of any individual disposed to contribute 
would be gladly received—an observation which excited 
a general grin, since, however beneficial it might prove 
to the cause, the expression seemed more fit for the 
gaming-table than the pulpit: the language, however, 
was soon forgotten in the motive. 
The Church of Port Arthur is a beautiful, spacious, 
liewn-stone edifice, cruciform in shape, with pinnacled 
tower and gables. Internally, it is simply but neatly 
fitted, affording accommodation for upwards of 2000 
sitters. There is no organ ; but a choir has been selected 
from among the convicts, who chaunt the psalms with 
considerable effect. As yet, no clergyman of the Esta¬ 
blished Church has been resident, the religious duties 
having hitherto been undertaken by those zealous and 
indefatigable Christians, the Wesleyans. Mr. Manton 
is the present respected pastor, a gentleman who has 
devoted himself not only to call the sinners of Port 
Arthur to repentance, but who has erewliile laboured 
earnestly in the same good cause at the now abandoned 
settlement of Macquarie Harbour. 
After service, we accompanied the Commandant to the 
cook-house, where the respective rations were about to be 
issued. The manner in which this is arranged is ad¬ 
mirable. The messes, varying from 12 to 26 men, are 
berthed in chambers of the penitentiary, affording accom- 
