HIBERNIAN AUSTRALASIAN CATHOLIC BENEFIT SOCIETY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 302, 19 December 1914, Page 3

HIBERNIAN AUSTRALASIAN CATHOLIC BENEFIT SOCIETY.

A branch of the H.A.C.B.S. was opened iu Stratford on Thursdayevening by Bro. Jones, of New Plymouth, District Deputy for Taranaki, assisted by Bro. Fitzgerald. P.P., of the \y.auganui Branch, and Bro. h itz. gerald, V.P., of the Eltharn Branch. A large number of Eltharn members also attended. The initiation of officers and members was carried out by Bro. Jones m an,impressive and able manner. The following officers were elected: —. President, Bro. T. I. Geraghty; vicepresident, Bro. W. A. Weyboume; treasurer,,-Bro, W. Bowler; secretary, Bro. P. G, Brennan; warden, Bro. E. Bassett; sick visitors, Bros. J. O’Brien and T. Magee; guardian, Bro. J. E. Schumacher.

Apologies for absence, and congratulations to the new branch, were received from the secretary of the Wanganui Branch and from the secretary of the District Executive of New Zealand.

After the initiation ceremony, the visitors were entertained to • supper by the members of the newly-formed Branch, under the ..chairpianship of Bro. Mulvey, and a short programme of toasts, songs, and recitations was gone through, a- most enjoyable evening being spent. The following toasts .were.honored: “The Pope” and “The King,” by the Chairman; “Officers and Members of the new Branch,” by Bro. Fitzgerald, of Wanganui, responded to by Bro. Weyboume, V.P. and Bro. W. Bowler, treasurer.

‘‘The New Zealand District Executive,” by Bro. J. Mulvey, responded, to by Bro. M. Jones, district deputy. “Visiting Brethren,” by Bro. W. Jones, and responded to by Bros. Kilbride and Reardon (Eltbara), and Fitzgerald( Wanganui).

“The Radies,” by Bro. Dore, Eltliam, responded to by Bro. Reardon, Eltham; and “The Chairman,” by Bro. M. Jones.

Some splendid addresses .were, given; by the various speakers, and ’a* highly successful gathering closed with the singing of “God Save the" King,” and “Auld Lang Syne.”