HIBERNIAN SOCIETY

New Zealand Tablet, 31 July 1913, Page 31

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY

OPENING OF A BRANCH AT MOSQIHL The inauguration of a Branch of the Hibernian Society in Mosgiel took place on Sunday, when several members of St. Joseph’s Branch (Dunedin) were present, including the District Deputy (Bro. J. J. Marlow), Bros. Bevis (V.P.), John Doherty, P.P. J. Carr, Boyle, Ahern, Ford, and F. J. Doolan. In addition to those intending to join the new Branch, there were present Rev. Father Liston and several members of the congregation. After Father Liston had read the opening prayers, Bro. Marlow delivered the formal opening address, showing the objects of the Society, and then read the authority for opening the new Branch. This over, the new members were elected and initiated. Twenty-two full benefit and three honorary members were enrolled. Several members of the congregation have signified their intention of joining in the immediate future. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Bro. J. P. Walls; Vice-President, Bro. A. F. Queleh; secretary, Bro. R. Gilligan; treasurer, Bro. Janies Daly; Warden, Bro. Wm. Hawke; Guardian, Bro. A. Hawke; sick visitors, Bros. A. Maiko and John McGcttigan; auditors, Bros. Wm. Knott and J. Keppell; trustees, Bros. Denis O’Brien, A. F. Queleh, and J. P. Walls. The District Deputy then installed the officers. ' It was decided that the Branch be named St. Mary in keeping with the name of the parish church. The open-

ing night was fixed for Tuesday, 29th July, in the schoolroom* at 7.3 U o’clock. ’ Bro. Marlow, in congratulating the new Branch on its successful and promising opening, referred to the fact that a number of those just initiated were students of Holy Cross College. He had always recognised the splendid support accorded the Society by the priests. These students- would grow up with the Society, and by so doing were sowing the seed for the Society’s good throughout New Zealand wherever their lot might be cast. Bro. Bevis endorsed the remarks of Bro, Marlow, and quoted some figures to show the rapid strides made by the Society in recent years. Bros. Walls, Queleh, and Gilligan returned thanks for their election to office, and acknowledged the kindness of the members of St. J oseph’s Branch in coming to Mosgiel to open the new Branch with such ceremony. They also thanked Father Liston for the interest ho had : displayed in the formation of the Branch. Rev, Father Liston said he was grateful to all the young men who had responded so readily to the call for membership. It was particularly gratifying to see some members of other Lodges leaving them to join the new Branch. That showed an excellent Catholic spirit. He was very much indebted to the members of St. Joseph’s Branch for coming out to open the new Branch. The closing prayers were read by Father Liston. When afternoon tea had been served, the visitors and others present attended Benediction in the College chapel, and so ended an interesting and instructive afternoonone that marks another step in the progress of the Mosgiel parish.