HIBERNIAN SOCIETY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 196, 20 August 1931, Page 3

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY.

FIFTY-EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY.

The Auckland branch of the Hibernian Society held a successful conversazione last week upon the occasion of its fiftyeighth anniversary. Bro. Flynn, branch president, occupied the chair. There were nearly one hundred members present, including the district officers and visitors from the Wellington, Otahuhu, Onehunga, Grey Lynn, Dominion Road, and Devonport branches. After formal business, Bro. Sheahan, district treasurer, performed the ceremony of installing branch officers for the ensuing half-year. Several toasts were honoured during the evening. Bro. Hoskins (Wellington), proposing the Auckland branch, referred to its long record of honourable service and achievement. The branch president acknowledged the congratulations, and spoke of measures now in hand to increase the membership and promote greater co-operation between Auckland branches. Bro. Hay (Dominion Road) toasted the district u. fitting terms. In reply, the district president reviewed the work before the executive, and spoke of its desire to improve the society's system of government to meet the changing needs and conditions of the times. With this in vew, the executive intended to call a conference of past officers, and submit proposals for autonomy for the provincial branches consistent with the continued unity of the society. Bro. Kelly gave the toast of "The Visitors," to which Bro. Rogers (Otahuhu) replied. A pleasing item was a short address given by Bro. Sheahan upon the progress of agricultural industry in Ireland during the past few years, and the relatively prosperous condition of the country. A splendid musical programme contributed greatly to tho enjoyment of the evening. Messrs. Duffin, Hogan, and Higgins rendered songs, and Mr. Zanderigo opera selections upon the pianochordion. Mr. J. Hand was the accompanist.