DEAN REGNAULT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2369, 27 January 1915, Page 7

DEAN REGNAULT

WWW BONE

BY TEE HIBERNIAN SOCIETY At St. Patrick's Hall on Monday evening the Hibernians weloomed Dean R-egnauit, who lias just returned from a visit to Franca, England, and Irelaud. The Dean went Home as a delegate to the General Chapter of the Mariat Order, vsbick vro,a to hav-a been held in Belgium. Bro. J. f. M'Gowan, 8.P., presided, and representatives from oil suburban branches were present. Bro. M'Gowan, on behalf of the Wellington Hibernians, welcomed Dean Regnault back to Wellington. They desired to show him their appreciation of the splendid work he has done in the cause of Hibernianism, and althongh absent abroad, he was still keen and did good work with the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Ireland. He wished the Dean every suooess. and 1 trusted that he wonld remain in their midst for many years to oome. Bros. J. O'Brien, P.P., and P. D. Hob kins, District Deputy, also spoke. Dean Regnault, who was given an enthusiastic reception, said he was really very happy to bo amongst them once again and tkanked the Hibernians for their most hearty welcome. He then gave- an interesting account of his travels abroad, and especially his visit to Ireland He found that country prosperous, and the people industrious, every inch of ground being under cultivation. Through the detention of his steamer on a journey from France to England, he missed being present at the passing of the Home Rule Bill in the House of Commons. Although he was late, lie deemed it his duty, as a New Zealand Hibernian, to call on Mr. John Redmond and convoy to him the heartiest congratulations, iof the Hibernians of New Zealand, and especially of Wellington, at. the passing of the Home Rule Bill. Mr. Redmond thanked him most cordially, and requested him to convey to the New Zealand Hibernians his most grateful thanks for their assistance at all times. He also called on Mr. Nugent, the genera! secretary of the' Ancient Order of Hibernians, and discussed many matters with him affecting : the society. • Mr. Nugent had informed him that steps were being taken to have a conference df all the representatives of the Hibernian Orders throughout the world on the occasion of opening the Irish Parliament, and he trusted that Wellington would be represented thereat. He then gave an interesting account of the great Eucharistic Congress at Lourdes, and humorously described the-difficulties of travelling in these troublous times, especially when he went to England, on account of his nationality. In conclusion, he thanked them, again for their kindly welcome. During the evening an excellent musical programme was contributed to by the following Misses Doyle, Walsh, Butler, M. Griffin, Ontrim, and Clisby, Messrs. C. J. -Houston, A. Craig, W. B. Keaney, W. B. Scrimgour, F. Whitaker, Butler, and Leydon.