The Cathedral is home to two of the oldest bells in New Zealand.

Bishop Luck purchased the bells in Rome during a fundraising tour of Europe in 1884.

The larger of the two bells, 24in high and 26in across, bears the inscription Ave Maria in onorem Bartholomei et Stephani A.D. MDCCXXIII - Hail Mary in honour of (St.) Bartholomew and (St.) Stephen 1723.

“The bell is decorated at the top with cherubs and garlands, and from the garlands suspend seven medallions - the Nativity, Crucifixion, St. Michael, St. Stephen, St. Bartholomew, Madonna and one which is unrecognisable. All are badly weather worn. Lizards decorate the bottom edge.” Auckland Star 1 February 1937.

The smaller bell, 20in high and 18in across, is inscribed Plerique benefecerunt vaccintorum V. Maria Franca AD MDCCL - Many of the beef-butchers contributed St. Mary of the French 1750.

“The bell has three rows of cherubs supporting garlands on which are three medallions - two of martyrs, with palms crossed, and a bust of Our Lady.” Auckland Star 1 February 1937.

The two bells are located 19.5m above the main porch floor of the Cathedral. They are suspended from a large wooden, wheeled headstock that allowed them, in the past, to be rung manually.

Since 1980, however, the bells have been electrically tolled. At 6 p.m. on 31 October, the automatic Angeles bell rang for the first time.

The Whitechapel Bell Foundry, London supplied the automated system.

• Bishop's Chair (cathedra)
• Bust of Bishop Pompallier
• Foundation Stone
• Lenihan Plaque
• Tabernacle Stand
• Tapestry

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