HIBERNIAN SOCIETY

Hokitika Guardian, 2 September 1929, Page 6

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS. GREYMOUTH, Sept. 2. The oldest existing branch in New Zealand of the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society, the Greymouth Branch, No. 17, yesterday., began the celebration of its . diamond jubilee. The . members, along with numerous visiting brethren of the Order from various parts of the Dominion, assembled, along with the men of the parish, for 7 o’clock Mass at St. Patrick’s Church, to the number of several hundreds. His Lordship Bishop Brodic, of Christchurch, was the celebrant, and the large body of men together approached the altar to receive Holy Connnupion. They subsequently marched in procession from the • church to the Hibernian Hall where nearly two hundred and fifty men. sat down to the Communion breakfast, for which an' excellent spread bad 'been prepared by the members of the Children of ManSodality and other ladies of the parish, full justice, needless to sav, be ing done to the good things provided. The President of St. Patrick’s Branch Brother Thomas Benson capably occupied the chair, having associated with him at the head table liis Lordship Bishop Brodie, Rev. Father J. Long, Adm of St Patrick’s; Rev. Brother Tarcisius (Rector of the Maris Brothers’ School), Bros P. J. Duggan (Oam am branch), M. Grimes (St Patrick’s branch, Christchurch), P. Ryan (President, St. Patrick’s branch, Christchurch), M. Hooper (President of St. Mary’s branch, Christchurch), and H. McKeowen (Sacred Heart branch, Addington); P. Blanchfield (representing the Dominion Executive of the Ordei), and W. P. Sullivan (Greymouth branch). A long toast list was honoured.

The celebrations are being continued to-day.