HIBERNIAN AUSTRALASIAN CATHOLIC BENEFIT SOCIETY.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 321, 23 June 1875, Page 2

HIBERNIAN AUSTRALASIAN CATHOLIC BENEFIT SOCIETY.

A branch of this society was opened in Akaroa on Saturday, the 19th instant, by Bro E. O’Connor, secretary of the Christchurch branch. Rev Father Francis, treasurer of the Lyttelton branch, who happened to be in Akaroa on duty, was present, and assisted very materially in the opening, which took place at his house, where the intending members mustered to a goodly number, many having travelled over thirty miles from the neighbouring bays in order to be present. Bro O’Connor having read the “ Permit,” authorising him to open a branch of the H.A.0.8.5. in Akaroa, and also the “Dispensation,” granted to the proper applicants, proceeded to receive and initiate those in attendance.

The election of officers afterwards took place, which resulted as follows : —President, Bro Thos. Brough; vice-president, Bro Antonio Rodrigues; secretary, Bro John Cullen ; treasurer, Bro Patrick O’Reilly ; warden, Bro Daniel Brown ; guardian, Bro Patrick O’Sullivan, all of whom were duly installed by the delegate. The president then called for three hearty cheers to be given for Brother E. O’Connor, for his kindness in coming to Akaroa to constitute them members of the H.A.C.B Society, which was responded to with a real good will, and three times three. A meeting of the new branch was then held, when it was unanimously resolved that a vote of thanks be passed, inserted on the minutes, and presented to Bro E. O’Connor for the efficient manner in which he had opened their branch. - After a little more routine business, the brothers adjourned to Mr Antonio Rodrigue’s house where an excellent spread awaited them, In the course of the evening, Bro O’Connor, in thanking the officers and brothers for their great kindness and attention to himself, and also for their vote of thanks, said it afforded him great pleasure in meeting them there that evening on such an important occasion. He said important, and meant it, for he was certain if they fulfilled all the good things they had promised that eyening (and which he believed they would)

the inhabitants of Akaroa would have cause to look back with pleasure on the day on which a branch of the H.A.C.B Society was established in their midst. Though intimately connected with societies of one kind or another since his childhood, there was none he took greater interest in than the one, a branch of which he had had the honor of opening here that day. The more the principles of this society became known and understood, the greater it was appreciated, and the more numerous were the applications on the B.D. to obtain permission to open new branches wherever material was to be had. And this could not be wondered at, seeing that as a benefit society it offered all the advantages of any other benefit society, and at a less cost to its members ; and as a Catholic association it instilled into its members the principles of their religion, and enacted that they should be prudent and wise, temperate, and steady, always good members of society, and ever ready to extend the right hand of friendship to their fellow brothers and others when required. There were some who fancied (or at least they said did) that the society was calculated to foster party-feelings ; but those acquainted with the laws knew that they discountenance all discussion of a party or political naiure at meetings ; and should any member be persistent, and introduce such topics, he was immediately suspended. The opposition now was not so great as it was at the beginning; persons holding adverse opinions then had learned to uphold the society, and the few who still persist in maligning it, would come round in the course of time, when it would be well to know that this society was legally established, registered under The Friendly Societies’ Act, and as such, that its laws had underwent a most strict investigation by the proper authorities before being approved by them. Again, as a catholic association, it had the approval of the highest dignitaries of the church in the colonies, many of them being members, to wit, the Right Rev Dr Redwood their esteemed and beloved Bishop. He urged them therefore, to comply with those laws, which had received the approbation of the highest authorities both in Church and State; to be guided by their superior officers; to assist them in the execution of their duty, and they would find that they should gain the respect of their fellow citizens and tend to strengthen the position of the H.A.C.B.S. throughout the colonies. Before sifting down, he had much pleasure in bearing testimony to the great endeavors of Rev F. Francis to multiply the society. He had been greatly instrumental in the opening of two branches already, and the speaker was certain that they would derive much benefit from his presence and advice at their meetings. He trusted that other priests would follow that example in that point, and that they would endeavor to spread what he was sure they must characterise as a good society. [Cheers.] Father Francis thanked Bro O’Connor for mentioning his name. He believed the society to be a good one, and hence his endeavors to spread it, and would always continue to assist it as he considered it the duty of all men, but especially clergymen, to aid in everything good. The President (Bro Thomas Brough) thanked the brothers for the high honor they had done him that evening in electing him president. He promised to do his best to please them, and hoped they would assist him in carrying out the laws. A vote of thanks being passed to Bro A, Rodrigues for the excellent dinner provided, the party dispersed after spending a very pleasant and enjoyable evening.