HIBERNIAN SOCIETY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 August 1938, Page 6

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY

GOLDEN JUBILEE ON SATURDAY. SOME INTERESTING HISTORY. The golden jubilee of St Michael’s branch of the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society will be celebrated in Masterton during the weekend. The occasion marks a milestone in the journey of endeavour to help the widow and fatherless, to assist those in distress and the sick and to give courage to those who have to fight life’s battles among difficulties. The great work that has been performed by the Friendly Societies in New Zealand has been loyally carried on by the Hibernians in Mastertgn during the past fifty years and a new generation will meet in Masterton on Saturday to honour the past members and to spur on the present to fresh endeavours.

The early history of the branch shows that many . difficulties were overcome while there were many humorous incidents. For instance, a ballot was taken to decide whether the Rev Father McKenna should be elected a full benefit member and those who remember the late Monsignor can best appreciate the joke. On another occasion the secretary was instructed to procure candles to light the hall, the smell from the kerosene lamps being objectionable. The difficulties of the pioneering days were successfully overcome and at the present time with all the conveniences of modern science it is hard to appreciate the hardships of the past. The St Michael’s branch at Masterton was formally opened by warrant on August 17, 1888, when the following were initiated: —Humphrey John O’Leary, James Goggin, Augustus Stempa, James Cavanagh, Thomas Ruane, Thomas Tierney, Patrick Cohen, Richard Costello, Francis O’Toole, John Savage, Alexander Hdjtka, Archibald Martin, Michael O’Sullivan and Francis Treader. Of these the only survivor is Mr Francis O’Toole of Villa Street, Masterton, whilst Mr Richard Costello died in Masterton this week. The present membership of the branch contains the names of many descendants of the original founders. At the first constitutional meeting held the following officers were elected:—President, Bro H. J. O’Leary; vice-president, Bro J. Cavanagh; secretary, Bro J. Goggin; treasurer, Bro Augustus Stempa; warden, Bro T. Ruane; guardian, Bro T. Tierney. The present officers of the branch are: —President, Bro Jas Connors; vice-president, Bro R. Cross; secretary, Bro Jas. Curry; treasurer, Bro W. McArley; warden, Bro H. G. Marsh; guardian, Bro B. Brennan. Bro Connors is well known for his work on the United Friendly Society Dispensary Board. It is fitting that one who has rendered such valuable service for Friendly Society work, and for the Hibernians in particular, should hold the highest office in this, the jubilee year of the Masterton branch.