HIBERNIAN BANQUET.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 791, 21 March 1871, Page 3

HIBERNIAN BANQUET.

The Charleston Hibernian Societyheld a banquet at Regan's Post Office Hotel, on St Patrick's night, when about 100 sat down to a first-class repast, prepared by Mr Eegan. Mr Wm. Pigott occupied the chair, and Mr J. Dillon the vice-chair. Justice having been done to the inner man, the Chairman proposed the toast of "The Day we Celebrate." He said that the toast was one upon which much might be said without tiring an audience, as he was sure that all present fully recognised its importance, it being the anciversary of the day upon which Irishmen first received the blessing of Christianity, a blessing which they had propagated and fostered with a never ending zeal. The toast was then given. Mr Dempsey responded, and read some verses composed expressly for the occasion. Song—"St. Patrick's Day." —Mr Thomas O'Callaghan. Mr M'Parlandproposedthe next toast, and said that it was about three years since the Hibernian Society was established in Ballarat by Mr Mark Young.

No great had been its progress since then that it now numbered 25 branches, and the aggregate number of its members was about 1200. The West Coast had the honor of first introducing the society to New Zealand. The principles upon which the society was founded were a sufficient gaurautee of its success ; those principles were love of country, and the promotion of the social and intellectual condition of its members. In conchson he proposed suocess to "The Hibernian Society." The Chairman, in responding, said it gave him pleasure to respond to the last toast, as the progress of tbe Hibernian Society was a subject of the deepest interest to him He was happy to say that the society, since its establishment, had increased in numbers, not alone by the accession of individuals, but also by the accession of whole societies. He concluded by thanking the gentlemen present for the enthusiastic rnannar in which they had received the toast. " The land we live in " was proposed by Mr Kirkpatrick. Mr iSkapter said he was pleased in being called upon to respond to the toast, " The Land we live in." He remarked that his time among the people of Charleston had been short, yet be must say that, in every instance, the right hand of goodfellowship had been presented to him, and he was sure that he was grateful. They had all come to this land for the purpose of bettering themselves, and he sincerely hoped that all preseut would succeed in doing so. Eecitation—"Shiel's reply to Lord Lyndhurst," by Mr Moore. " Our Visitors," proposed by Mr MGrath, and responded to by Mr Williams."

bong—" Sublime was the Warning," by M O'Callaghan. The "No. 8 Branch of the Hibernian Society," proposed by Mr Moore, and responded to by Mr M'Parland. Song—"The Exile of Erin"—Mr John Hurley. Every alternate verse of this song was rendered in the Irish language. Mr James Nestor proposed, " The Mining and Commercial Interest." Mr M'Parland responded. Song—" The harp that once through Tara's Hall "—Mr Moore. "The Ladies," ably and eloquently proposed by Mr Nestor, and responded to by Mr Barrett. Song—" Believe me if all those endearing young charms " —Mr Moore. Song—" Dear Land "—Mr O'Brien.

" The Press " was proposed by Mr Deehan, and responded to by Mr Dempsey.

Song Mr Moore.

"Old Ireland" proposed by Mr Shapter in eloquent terms, and responded to with acclamation.

" Eminent Irishmen" proposed by the Vice-Chairman, and responded to by Mr Dempsey. He said that without claiming to rank amongst Eminent Irishmen, yet he fully recognised the justice of the toast, as indeed Irishmen should never forget the deeds of their eminent countrymen who had sacrificed all lor their native laud—men who shed lustre upon their country by the high positions their talents enabled them to fill in the service of the nations of the world. Those who still lived he would wis!: to cheer on ; the mighty dead he could but pray for, cherish their memory, and hold high the example of their good deeds. Kong— 51 r O'Brien.

The " Host and Hostess " proposed by Mr Bohan, and duly responded to.

A vote of tbanks to the cbair terminated tbe entertainment. Tbe whole was characterised bya s warmth of feeling wbich was truly gratifying, and tbe St. Patrick's Day Banquet will be long and agreeably remembered by tha participators.