IRISH NATIONAL SOCIETY

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25609, 25 September 1948, Page 2

IRISH NATIONAL SOCIETY

OFFICIAL OPENING LAST EVENING - "

The Irish National Society, which was formed three months ago to foster a spirit of goodwill and keep alive Irish culture among people of Irish descent in Canterbury, was officially opened by the Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews) at a grand opening ball held by the society at the Wentworth Cabaret last evening. “If you’re Irish come into the parlour,” was the welcome guests received from a large banner across the entrance, and the committee members, who were distinguishable •because of their “wearing o’ the green” in the form of committee badges, did their utmost to make the evening’s entertainment an enjoyable one.

With the Mayor on the platform, which was decorated with the flag of Eire flanked by the Union and the New Zealand flag, were the Mayoress (Mrs F. Hardy Cookson), the Rev. Father P. Timoney. Canon and Mrs A. H. McC. Acheson, the president of the society (Mr W. Hickey), and the president of the social committee (Mr S. Newall). The society has a membership already of 200. and hopes to have its own clubrooms soon. Mrs G. Murtha arranged the musical programme, whic included songs by Miss Coleen Murtha. Messrs E. Comerford, J. Gallagher, J. Barry, and Dan O’Connell; an Irish hornpipe by Mr J. Maloney; a “floor show” by Miss Betty Carnochan and pupils; an Irish jig by Miss Myna Barry; and a banjo solo and song by Miss Edith Boyd. The gathering concluded with the singing of the Irish anthem.

Officers of the committee which qrfanised the ball were Messrs W. Hicey (president). J. P. Dowdall. and G. McSweeney (vice-presidents). E. Comerford (treasurer), and Mrs G. Edwards (secretary).