HIBERNIAN SOCIETY

Grey River Argus, 14 September 1937, Page 6

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY

REEFTON GATHERING. On Sunday last the annual general Communion of St. Patrick’s Branch, No. 383, H.A.C.8.5., Reefton, was held at the Church of the Sacred Heart, when a number of members of St. Patrick’s Branch, No. 17, Greymouth, and a large number of members of the Reefton Holy Name Society were also in attendance. Mass was celebrated by the Chaplain, Rev. Father Heavey, ' who, in the course of a stirring address stressed the need for greater Catholic action to combat present day evils. Father Heavey made a strong appeal to every man in the parish to belong to one or both Societies. After the Mass, the Branch members and visitors adjourned to the Parish Hall, where the ladies’ committee, under the capable supervision of Mrs. M. Hodgens, had prepared an excellent repast. The hall was tastefully decorated in green, white and gold. The President (Bro. J. Smith), in welcoming the visitors from Greymouth and Waiuta, thanked them for their co-operation in making the function so successful. He trusted that they would all be present at next year’s celebrations. Bro. M. O’Malley, one of the founders of the Branch, said that it gave him the greatset of pleasure to have been spared to witness the edifying sight he had seen that morning. Eighteen months ago the Reefton branch had only eighteen members, but their efforts had increased the membership to over 60, ot whom 15 had been initiated at the last meeting. Along with other old members, he felt that, with this remarkable increase in numbers, the branch would do a great deal of fine work, and that the older members could feel that the control of the branch would be in the hands of capable new members. Their duty in carrying on the traditions and faith of St. Patrick would, he felt, be in very able hands. Bro. A. M. Carroll, one of the eleven original members, said that Reefton was enjoying prosperous times when the Branch was opened 35 years ago. Like every other mining town, they had experienced hard times, and membership had dwindled in consequence. To-day they were being rewarded for their efforts, and now had a branch which any town might well be proud of. Bro. A. Greaney (Provincial President), congratulated the Reef ton Branch members on their excellent work. Especially was the Society grateful to those stalwarts who had laid the foundations of the branch and maintained its spirit over a long period. To Father Heavey, they were particularly grateful, for the revival of the Branch was due in great measure to his untiring efforts on behalf of the Society. Bro. Greaney wished the Branch continued success, and expressed the hope that when next year’s function took place, the membership would be still further, increased.

The Provincial Secretary (Bro. M. G. Kelly), outlined the work of the Council since its formation, and said that Reefton deserved hearty congratulations on their fine showing that morning, and on the splendid results that had crowned their efforts. Bro. O. Beirne (President St. Patrick’s Branch, Greymouth), endorsed the remarks of the other speakers, and said that the Greymouth members felt that their trip that day was well worth while, as they had witnessed a memorable sight. He wished the Reefton Branch continued prosperity and success. PROVINCIAL COUNCIL.

Later in the afternoon, the visiting delegates, along with members of the Reefton Branch, continued their journey to Westport, where the annual meeting of the West Coast Provincial Council of the Society was held. The President, Bro. A. Greaney, presided, and welcome the delegates. Many matters of vital interest to the Society on the West Coast were discussed. The election of officers resulted: President, Bro. A. M. Carroll (Greymouth); Vice President, Bro. J. Ryan (Westport); Secretary, Bro. M. G. Kelly (re-elected); Treasurer, Bro. M. Mcßride (Greymouth).