HIBERNIAN SOCIETY, WELLINGTON

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 28, 9 July 1903, Page 19

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY, WELLINGTON

(From an occasional correspondent.)

The formal opening of the new branch of the HiLernian Society, established in Wellington South, took place on Sunday. June '2H. The members and intending intobers, with visitors lrom the Wellington city branch, attended the 7.30 o'clock Mass, wearing their regalia, and received Holy Communion ; and alterwards had breakfast together in the new schoolroom adjoining the church. The tables were laid in the long room of the bchool, where an excellent breakfast was served by the caterer, Mr. J. J. Callaghan, who has recently opened an establishment in Lower Adelaide Road. Bro. J. O'Leary, of Wellington branch, carried out the duties of secretary in an emcient manner.

The members of the Society and their friends were again present at the 10 o'clock Mass, which was celebrated by the Rev. Father Ainsworth, who spoke in regard to the objects of the Hibernian Society. He said that improvements had gradually been made in the parish, the priest of which had been appointed onlyi in Soptember last. A new schoolroom — the largest CaUxolic school in New Zealand, he believed, and certainly the most up-to-date — had been built, and the church building had been improved, and would be improved still further. But hitherto there had been wanting in the parish some organisation which would be as a bond of union which would keep the people together and lead them to work in harmony as brothers. He thanked God that this want was now to be supplied. They were now to have an association in their midst for the common good. They were to enrol themselves members of this society in order first of all that they might be good Catholics ; in order also to foster among themselves the love of Ireland, the land of their fathers, the land which had preserved the Faith so well, and the land all must admire, no matter what his nationality ; and in order also to assist each other in time of distress. Ireland, in all her sufferings, had preserved the Faith, though other countries, which, like her, hadi been tried in the crucible, had lost it ; and a bright day was dawning for Ireland, as there was for every soul which, gave up all for the Faith. The Hibernian Society had also for its object to establish in the hearts of the people the love of the Church. It was not an Irish Society, but a Catholic Society, and persons of all nationalities might become members, if they were practical Catholics. Father Ainsworth spoke at length of the value of the Society from this point of view, and, dealing with its material benefits, said it was a glorious thing to assist others who were stricken down by illness*, and give them practical help at that time when they were in sore need. He earnestly cony mended the new Society to the people of the parish, and wished it excry blessing.

Bro M Bohan. P.P., of the Wellington branch, opened the new branch at three o'clock, Father Ainsworth Vmdly placing the church at the disposal of the members for the ceremony. Fifteen candidates presented themselves for initiation, and the whole of them being unanimously elected to membership, the initiation ceremony was duly carried out by Bro. Bohan, assisted by the, following officers of the Wellington branch: Bro. J. Stratford, junr.. P., Bro. J. Gosling, V.P., Bro. P. II Kelleher (secretary), Bro. J. W. Callaghan, P.P., and Bio Gamble, P.P.

The election of officers took place on Thursday night, time not permitting of this being done on Sunday, and resulted as follows : President Bro. E J. Fitzigibbon ; \ ice-presirient, Bro. P, J. Guthrie ; secretary, Bro. P. J Sullivan ; treasurer, Bro. P. Barry ; warden, Bro. E. Rubirk . guardian, Bro. A Rubick ; auditors, Bros. M. TT Fit/gil>bon and F. Green ; trustees, Bros. T. S. Philpott, .J . Pearcy. and P. J . Guthrie; .sick visitors, Bros. P. O'Meara and T. S. Philnott ; medical attendant, Dr. W. C Alexander The officers having been installed by Bro Bohan into their various positions, they returned thanks to the members for the honor conferred on them, the president, Bro E. J. Fitzgibbon, delivering a splendid sneoch, which at once convinced all present that the members had made a wise choice. Five candidates were proposed for election at the next meeting. Hearty votes of thanks were passed to Bro. Bohan and the officers of the Wellington branch who had attended to open the branch and initiate the new members, and to Bro James W. Callaghan, who has taken a deep interest in the formation of the Newtown branch, which really owes its establishment to his untiring efforts. Bros Bohan and Callaghan returned thanks for the kind remarks made concerning their efforts to start the branch and said what they had done was for the advancement of the Society, which they were pleased to assist in every possible way.

The meetings, which are to take place every alternate Thursday evening, will be held in the high schoolroom, which is also to be used by the Ncwtown Catholic Club.

The half-yearly meeting of St. Patrick's branch of the H.A.C.B.S. wits held on Wednesday evening last there being 66 members present. Bro. J. Stratford, junr. President, occupied the chair, and the whole of the officers, including Rev. Father O'Shea, chaplain, weie present. The order paper was long and the business of a most important natuie, but members were in working form and very little discussion took, place on the various motions proposed, amongst which was the following : ' That in order to secure direct representation and other important conveniences and equalising thr> distances as near as possible of the northern and southern branches from the District Executive, the District Board Office be removed from Auckland to Wellington.' This was carried unanimously, and also a notice of motion for the District Board meeting to be held at Timaru in 1904. It was also decided to forward certain nominations for district officers who will be prepared to carry on the D. E. duties in the event of the above motion being carried.

The report of the secretary for the past quarter shows the Wellington branch to be the largest in New Zealand, with a satisfactory increase in funds on the previous quarter.

The election of officers for the ensiling half-year resulted as follows . — President. Bro. J. Gosling, vicepresident, Bro. O Krohn : secretary, Bro P. J. Kelleher ; treasurer, Bro M Bohan ; warden, Bro. J. Sullivan ; guardian, Bro J. Taylor ; sick visitors, Bro P. O'Callaghan, and P. Shannon ; auditors, Bros. J. W. Callaghan and J. McGlinchy.