H.A.C.B.S.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17113, 7 April 1921, Page 9

H.A.C.B.S.

DOMINION CONFERENCE. i About 130 delegates from all parts of Xew Zealand were present at the opening of tljo Dominion Conference of tho Hibernian Society yesterday morning in the Hibernian Hall. Tho Mayor (Dr. Tboekcr,. M.P.) said ho was pleased to have the honour/of addressing the Society. The' name Hibernian was one which represented some fino traditions. Ho was proud of, his ancestors, who came from tho Avest of Ireland. The Society was out to assist its brothers and sisters who were una'klo to help themselves, and that was the greatest spirit of humanity. As a doctor in the city he had met with good work done by the Society, mid ho complimented them on the briskness with which it supplied tho necessary help. He thought it well that the Society should keep in touch with Australia,' and thus promote kindly relationships between tho countries. It should be understood that ho was not present to act in a spirit of sectarianism. As Mayor, he threw that aside, and intended to be,fair to everybodyi-' He offered to do all that was in Ins po\ver to mako the visit of the delegates an enjovablo one, Bro. "Thomas Kelly, district president, said that the Mayor was an ardent supporter of friendly societies, and they* were- all very pleased to receive, his visit. ' .',.„., - Bro. the Hon. P. J. Nerhcny, M.L.C., said that the Mayor was a suitable man to hold not only the Mayoralty of a city like Christchurch, but also tho Premiership of the Dominion. It was such broadminded men that were needed in public positions. "May your shadow newer grow less,'' he said to the Mayor. Bro. Burke said that as far as ho knew the present occasion was the first on which a Mayoral, reception had been' given to Hibernians in conference. That-only bore out the opinion ho had formed concerning the Mayor's fairness and impartiality. Bro. M. Grimes, Canterbury >ortu district secretary, endorsed what tue other sneakers had said. . ■ Bro.' J.i J. Marlow,' district deputy for 'Otago and Southland, said that his knowledge of the Mayor convinced him that.he was always willing to heln a weak cause. He was not called upon that day to help a weak cause, but his presence testified to his fairness and impartiality. In replying, the Mayor said that ho had received a valuable part of his surgical training in Dublin. .. ' RECEPTIQN~BANQUET.

A reception banquet to visiting delegates was given in the Hibernian Hall last night bv the three Christchurch branches (St." Mary's, St. Patrick's, and the Sacred Heart) of t'he, Hibernian Society. The four well-set tabjes were ably waited on by the.members of StMatthew's .(ladies) branch of the H.A.C.B.S. Branch President L. .1. Courtncv presided, and among those oeerpying'seats at the top ':aMe were the Bi"ht Rev. Dr. Brodic, the Mayor rUr. Tibiieker, M.lf.j/tho Very Kcv. Dean Begnaul't. Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P., awl several local and visiting members of thij Catholic clergy. Delegates from local branches of other friendly societies were ! also present. Apologies for absence were read from Messrs E. J. Howard, M.P., and L. M. Isitt, M..P. After the toast "The P<,pc and iho King" had been proposed by the chnirman, and fittingly honoured, Bisho)) Brodie was called on to formally welcome ii'ie delegates, and also the representatives of kindred societies. His Lordship said he was delighted to sic such, a big gathering on such an important occasion. As a Hibernian So<tfctv, the delegates would naturally take an interest in the welfare of Ireland, but he wished to xreat with the Catholic aspect of the Society. If there was not organisation lor good, thore would be organisation for evil, and thus it was a most pleasing thing to see the members of the Society uniting to find out how they could be a benefit to their fellow-men. A bisho;) must have

the .ambition to see such good societies established in every part of liis diocese, and lie was pleased to seo that in Cbristchurch Hibernianisra wnß strong. (Applause.) He trusted that in tho deliberations of the conference the fullest consideration -would bo given to all questions, and the matters discussed! with all sincerity and candour. Hehoped Chat the deliberations Would b* for the advancement and greater good of the H.A.C.B.S. (Applause.) The toast of the "H.A.C.B. Society" was proposed by the Very Rev. Dean, lieguault, S.M. Hofsaid ho had always been proud to be associated with friendly societies. They worked on the two ideals of Christianity—to help the sick, visit the fatherless, and assist t'iiose in tribulation. Jhc great principle of tho Hibernian Society was t& promote thrifts and industry. After touching on some Dominion political matters, the Dean said that Hibernians wore noted for their adherence ; to their faith and love of their homeland. Tho Hibernians should never forget that they were the citizens of this new and 'beautiful land of New Zealand. They had helped to build up t'he Dominion by their industry and patriotism; ' Brother T. KMly (Auckland), District President, in responding to the toast, said that the H.A.C.B.S. had in New Zealand 65 branches; The -finance of the distriet now stood at £25,000, and lie thought that the time would sown come when higher benefits could bo given, or eke the ■ subscriptions reduced. .''•'' ■

Brother J. j.' Burke, P.P. (Wellington), also replied to tho toast, lie. said ,that the Society's motto was * "Faith, Hope',' and Charity," and it worlfed for the betterment of democracy in general. > Brother the Hon. P. J. Xerhony,

M.L.C., P.D.P., of Auckland, was called on to propose the toast of "Tho Commercial Progress of Canterbury," but he admitted that ho was unprepared at the moment to give a speech on such ' an important subject. "' Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P., in replying, said he • realiwd that the people did, not com© prepared to hear dissertations on commercial matters and politics, bnt he impressed on the Canterbury delegates the need of taking an active interest in the progress of their province: If the factor of population was taken into consideration, it would be ,found that Canterbury had nc/t advanced as liad Auckland'and Wellington. All classes of the community should get together in endeavouring to obtain a square deal for Canterbury in' tho expenditure of public money. Other toasts were honoured, including "Kindred Societies," which was responded to by Bro. A. Winter, 1.0.Q.Zf., M.V.. who said his Society stood shoulder to shoulder with the Hibernians and other friendlv socioties in relieving suffering, and Bro. "J. McCnllougli, who recommended consolidation of funds, and said that Bro. Burgess, representing the Druids, and -Bro. Wheatlcy, representing the A.0.F., .. were,not nble to wait to respond to the toast', and asked him to extend their felicitations.

Other toivsts were:—"The Bishop ami Clergy," proposed by Brother H. Gallagher, and replied- to by Father Graham, S.M.; "Tho Ladies," and "Tho Press." During the evening Mr 11. 'ciarko played a violin solo, and vocal items were given by Miss Olga Wacked, Bro. W. -Atwill. Mr P. H. Jon v s, Bro W. Brittenden, Bro. Allan B. Young, and Mr Arthur McDonald. A pleasant' night was concluded by the singing of "God Save^lreland."