Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 113, 26 February 1901, Page 2

Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society.

A largely attended meeting of ladles and gentlemen was held in St. Patrick’s . schoolroom last evening to consider what steps should be taken for the formation of a branch of the above society at Waimate. The Rev. P, Regnault occupied the chair, and there were also : present the following delegates to the Hibernian Conference that has lately been sitting at Dunedin : —Mr O’Sullivan, district president; Mr Kane, district secretary; Mr Skeahan, district treasurer (Auckland delegate); Mr Flynn, P.D.P. (Auckland); Mr Lyttle, P.D.P. (Auckland); Mr G. J. Sellars, P.D.P. (Christchurch); Mr F. Doolan, P. P. (Christchurch); Mrs Kane, P.P., (ladies’ branch, Auckland.) The Rev." Regnant said that the meeting had been called for the formation of a branch of the H.A.C.8.3. " He had desired the formation-of a branch of the society -for a long time. He thought that while the delegates ' from all N.Z. were meeting at Dunedin it would be a good opportunity to get \ them to come, here and explain the objects of the society. Unfortunately, it was a bad time, as so -many of the parishioners were away' working at a distance, He had no doubt that they all would join. He read a few lines from the preface of the rules of the society, embodying the spirit of the society. He had attended a large number of the society’s meetings in Hokitika and bad seen the good done by it. He asked Mr Flynn", Past Dia- : triot President, to speak.. Mr Flynn said they had dome to start the society, after which the members could run it themselves. They had just finished a most successful conference in Dunedin. He explained the aims and objects of the s ;ciety. The pariah was in a very prosperous ' condition, but he did not think it would be complete without a branch of the Htberniah Society. He was pleased to see so many ladies present. (Applause.)

Mr Sellars said the Hibernian Society was established in Victoria about thirty years ago, and had spread all over the colonies, and that was a guarantee of its stability. He explained the benefits to be derived from membership. He said that the constitution of the society was being altered to allow of ladies and gentlemen being admitted into the same society. Mr Sheahan, District Treasurer, said ■ he had known Father Pegnault for seven years, and was proud to address a meeting over which he presided. He explained and illustrated the working of the society and the benefits, both spiritual aud material, to be derived. Mr Kane, District Secretary, read the scale of contributions in force in the society, the benefits dming illness, and at death. He thought a society, if formed at Waimate, would get along very well; He read a telegram from the secretary of the Timaru : branch, who was unable to be present. He quoted statistics, showing tbe progress the society had made since its-forma-tion. -Mr , Kane ralso answered a number of questions. The enrolment of members for the new branch, of the society was thea proceeded with. Supper was kindly provided by the ladies, and a hearty vote of thanks was passed to tbe delegates for their attendance.