HIBERNIAN LODGE

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 350, 3 February 1937, Page 4

HIBERNIAN LODGE

YEARS OF PROGRESS

Large Attendance At Annual

Social Function.

Following the annual meeting of the Hibernian Society l««t night a social (evening wae held in St. Joseph’s Hall. The .gathering was the moat successful held fn recent years and was noteworthy Tor the represmttative attendance from other branches. Visitpre were present from Wanganui, Hawera, Ettham, IngleWood, Opunake, PungarßhU and Manaia. Kindred »ocie*fes were also well represerted.

The report presented to the annual meeting showed .that there, had been a large increase in membership during the year and that the financial position of the society wag vary tailsfactory.

Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows:—President, Bro. ( H. B. Goodman: vice-president. Bro. A. E. Cahill; ieerStary; ferb. W. Dwyer; treasurer, Sister M. Uennon; warden, Bro. A. G. McKeniie; guardian, Sister M. Walsh; sick'visitors. Sister P. Dw-yer, Bros. C. Matsey and I. Whittle. ’’ ’ ’

During the evening' a' past presid entfis certificate Was prdisented to Bro. I. Whittle by ths ‘chairman, Bro. H. B. G6ddman, his sifccetsor in office.

The toast list was: ‘"'Pope and King”; "Hlei’arcby and Clergy,” proposed by Bro. A. E. dahlll apd responded to by Rev. Father Kennedy; “Hibernian Society” (Rro. H. B. Goodman—Bro. D. Foleyj; ‘‘Outgoing Officers” (Bro. 6, Massey—Bro. ' J. Whittle;; "Sister Branches” (Bro. A. G. McKenzie—Bros. C. Morgan, ’Wanganui, B. McCarthy, Hawera; “Newly Installed Officers” (Bro. J. Hartley—Bro. Gooidman), “Kindred Societies.” (Bro. W. Dwyer—Bros. S. Sinclair (Druids), A. pash CA-O-E.), C. Ireland (Mahcfiestel - Unity). Other toasts honoured were: “Ladief.;” “Artists.”

A programme of entertainment was contributed' to by Mr P. T. Aitken, J. Henley and Mr Rogers. Community singing led by Mr J. Henley was 'a popular feature. Accompaniments were played, by Mr K. von Sturmer. ■ a ‘ Welfare of Others, Proposing the toast Of the Hierarchy and Clergy, Bro. Cahill said they were a band of cultured jnen who devoted their lives to the welfare of others? “We are fortunate in the members of our clergy," continued Bro. Cahill. “Their lives are devoted to inrttlllng the word of the Gospel, giving practical assistance to. those Who reduifo it, arid in administering' the last rites of the church. ‘All those things STe not given publicly,) and 1t is odly alter personal reflection that their good work is brought to our ririlridri.” Rev. Father Kennedy, In responding, said it was very heartening ‘for the Hierarchy and Clergy to hear such exprestion ot appreciation of their work among the community. The pioneers had made great sacrifices in laylug the foundation of civilisation and of the church.

Bro Goodman, in. proposing the toast of the Hibernian Society, referred to the benefits afforded by the society both materially and spiritually.

After brief reference to the early history of the society in New Zealand, Bro. D< Foley, president of the Taranaki-Wanganui Provincial Council, mentioned that in the last years the membership had increased! by 25 per cent. All branches weri, showing an Increase and members could look forward to a prosperous future, tyhen the headquarters had been removed from Auckland to Wellington the new executive had taken up their duties with enthusiasm, and the value of their work had been demonstrated. Outgoing Officers. Bro. C. Massey, in proposing the toast of the Outgoing Officers; said they had worked as a team and had spared no pains in promoting the welfare of the society. J Bro. Whittle, in his reply, exprest'ed thanks for the assistance received and the loyal co-operation accorded during his term of office. Representatives of Sitter branches were welcomed by Bro. McKenzie in proposing the toast. He expressed pleasure in mee’ting so many visltorf. Bro. C. Morgan, on behalf of the various branches, expressed thanks for the hospitality extended by the Stratford branch. There wat' no doubt, he said, that great progress i had been made in Stratford, and as ■ secretary of the Wanganui branch I be had listened with great interest I to the reading of the report and balI anee-sheet presented to the annual I meeting that evening.

“There should be no Catholic young man who should not join this society," said Bro. McCarthy. The centenary of the church would be celebrated in February, 1938, and h» hoped that when the occasion arrived the local society would have Irin members.