BENEFIT SOCIETY.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 76, 1 April 1910, Page 3

BENEFIT SOCIETY.

HIBERNIAN CONFERENCE. THE DELEGATES ENTERTAINED. The delegate* to the Hibernian Catholic Benefit Society Conference were entertained at a banquet in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hnll lost evening by the Wellington branches. Bro. J. W. Callaghan presided, and 120 people, Including a number of ladies, were present. Amongst others, apologies for non-attendanrc were received from' Archbishop Redwood and Dr. Newman (Mayor). • Mr. Martin Kennedy, K.S.G., proposed the toast of the H.A.C.B.S. He said he 'realised that of all the societies connected with the Catholic Chunh, the H.A.C.B.S. was tho most useful. Ho did not wish to depreciate the good •work done by other Catholic societies, some of which he named, but he wished ,to emphasise that there war a great work to be done. It should be recognised what difficulties the Catholic <Jergy , laboured under, and in helping to nlle•viato these difficulties, the H.A.C.B.S. ■••»• alway« in the forefront. Very often it appeared to him that greater numbers of people should belong to «the societies to which he had referred. Membership of such societies meant better citizens and better Members of the Church. Ho wan glad to know the society was growing on membership and in financial strength. (Applause.) Bio. Callagaan also spoke. Replying, Bro. P. J. Kcrlieny, D.P., remarked with pleasure on the fact that so many of the clergy' were present. Members of St. Vincent de Paul's Society, he went on to say, knew? of tho poverty which they came across. They also knew that if people joined friendly societies in greater numbers, there would be less for the St. Vincent de Paul's Society to do. He urged all young men to join the society. In later years, when they entered the married state they would be better able to bear any trials which came their way. How many people made no provision whatever for the rainy day. He spoke of tho good feeling which existed between members. He undertook to say that differences of opinion concerning the location of tho headquarters would be smoothed away. All realised that unity was strength and that divided they would fall. Bro. Kane, D.S., in the course of his acknowledgement, said that members of friendly societies acted in a manner beneficial to thomselves, their fellows, and the State. (Hear, hear.) In 1886 the Hibernian Society in New Zealand had funds amounting to £3000. Today the funds totalled over £23,000. The society in Australia had funds totalling £210,000. It was to be regretted, he said, that many young men were capable of spending all their earnings. They never looked to the future. He claimed that a member of a friendly society was per sr industrious, sober, and thrifty. (Applause.) The chairman proposed "The Delegates." Ho remarked upon the fact that tho delegates included two clergymen and two ladies. The Hibernian Society put before its members more than the mere material benefits that could be offered by other societies — they were bound together by ties of land and faith. He hoped the- delegates would spend a pleasant time in Wellington. Bro. Mnrlow (Dunpclin) particularly thanked the Wellington members for tho kindly and generous manner in which they had entertained the visitors. While reference had been made to little differences it had to be remembered that they had met in the f ul l vigour of manhood, and in nay assembly differences would arise. He had a vnguc idea that differences occurred in Parliament. And if they, as Hibernians, could not agree on nil , matters, they could at all events agree to disagree. (Applause.) Bro. Beshan, M.L.C (Auckland), said it was somewhat remarkable to look round the conference room and note the youth and intelligence of the delegates. Bro. E. Casey (Wesiland) also acknowledged the toast. "Our Chaplains and Clergy" was proposed by Mr. J J. Devino. %He said that nmong«t Hibernians the world over there was an ardent regard for the priesthood. He referred to the day when Ireland was known throughout the then Christian world as the Ihia ml of Saints, and to the day when bribes were offered to sell tho priest. He also spoke of the establishment of the Hibernian Society >n Victoria. The Very Rev. Fathei O'Shea, vicargeneral, expressed his pleasure at being present. Every Catholic young man in the Dominion should *be to tho Hibernian Society. Ho looked upon it almost as a crime, in these times of high pressure, for young men not to become members of friendly societies. He congratulated the society on its progress, and said the clergy would do its best to advance the society's interests. Tho clergy looked upon the society as its best helper amongst the laity. (Applause.) Father Hoi brook (Auckland) said that the Hibernian Society would bind together that glorious bond — the bond between priest and people of the Irish race. (Applause.) Father Yenning (Wellington) said there were 55,000 Catholics in New Zealand between the ages of 15 and 40. The society only had 2000 odd members. At the very lowest estimate the society should have 6000 members. Father Hickson (Wellington), speaking of the advances made by the -society, said he would sooner sec a large number of branches, with a limited membership, than a small number. of brandies with a large membership. The toast of "Kindred Societies" was proposed by Bro. H M'Keoucn. He was at home paim to remove what he considered were misapprehensions in the minds of some people regarding the aiips of the H.A.C.B.S. Some people, he said regarded them as aliens and men lacking in patriotism. ("No.") The society stood for all that meant the advance of the aims of friendly societies as a whole He hoped the good relations which existed between the Hibernians and other friendly societies would long continue. Bro. Grant (Druids), in briefly replying to tho toaxt, said the society which he repi es-etUed had 9156 member*. He noticed it hail been stated that th* Hibernians Ivil 2706 financial members. He ventured Ui r;iy that more than half that number win weie members of the Druids wrio Catholics. As» to the question which had arisen at the rouferenc", ho tendered the* advire that tho Fociery should remain as otic gtand lodge. On behalf of his society, he. thanked the Hibernians for their hospitality. Bro. R. Fletcher (Druids) i«aid that all friendly societies were aiming for the *amc object. Their aim wa< to inculcate thrift, and to make bettct citizens in every way. He mentioned that the friendly' wx-ieties did nor g»t that recognition from the State which they deserved. He hoped the conference pitit concluding would be productive of lasting good to the society. He offered his fraternal greetings, and wished the society prosperity in years to conic. Bro. Shopcott (Foresters) and Bro. Fathers (Rechabites) also responded. The latter congratulated the Hibernians on the proposal to increase funeral benefits, and consolidate sick funds. (Applause.) He also hoped* the society would cement ite unity— not disinte-

grate. (Applause.) What had struck 'him that evening was tho active interest which the clergy took in the interests of the Hibernian Society. The clergy of other denominations might, he thought, take a note from their book. Songs w«re contributed by Miss F. Master Christie, Messrs C. 'Hickmott, J. F Cair, and Lewis, Walker, while Mr. P. Barry danced an Irish jig.