HIBERNIAN SOCIETY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1332, 9 January 1912, Page 3

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY.

Mr J E. Fergusson, District President of the Victorian District of the Hibernian Society, was formally welcomed by tue local Hibernians on Sunday afternoon, at St. Patrick's Hull, Boulcott Street, llie Wellington District Deputy, Bro. J. \\. Ciillaghan. presided,' and there were also present Bros. J. M'Carthy (Petone branch), M'Kvleiiu, and Giles (Newtown), Darby (Thorndon), H. M'Keowen, M. Walsh, \\. ,) Feeney, M'Phee, Hoskins, and M Gowan (city), Sisters Robinson, V. P. and (j. O'Fliihorty (L'tdiHS , ).- Bros. Callaghan and M Keowen and Sister G. O'Flaherty. on behalf of Hibernians of Wellington, extended to Bro. Ferguson a heart}- welcome. Bro. Ferguson thanked them for tue hearty welcome. It was not only an honour to him personally, but tho district over which he presided, and which consisted of 10.000 members. He said he was also pleased to hear • of tho progress of the society in New Zealand. Ho was also glad to inform them of the progress of the society in Victoria, /eight branches being opened during the year, two of which were ladies' branches. Bro. Ferguson also stated that the great work of Catholic education was taken up by the H.A.C'.B.S. in Victoria where, ns in New Zealand, it is found very difficult to maintain the schools, but ho was glad to inform them that tho Government had at last made a concession to them of ton scholarships to bo competed for by children attending Catholic schools, and tenable in Catholic colleges. Another great work which tho society, in conjunction with other Catholic societies, had token up was the launching into existence jof the Catholic Federation, which promised to be a power for good in the future. Its principal planks will be for the defence of the Catholic faith against attacks by the dissemination of Catholic literature, Catholic education, eapppission of intemperance and vice., the nplifting of Catholics generally and the removal of religions bigotry. In Victoria the membership is expected to reach 60,000. On the motion of Bro. M'Gowan, Bro. Ferguson was heartily thanked for the mass of interesting information which he had given them during the course of his speech. An adjournment was then made to Kelburne Kiosk, where afternoon tea was partaken of, and tho narty photographed. Mr. Ferguson is combining business with pleasure. He is interested ill the flax industry, and consequently will stay at Foxton for a few wcoks, having left for that town on Monday morning. On his return to WcOington a social evening will b» arranged in his honour.