HIBERNIAN SOCIETY

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 92, 20 April 1933, Page 4

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY

BENEFITS AND CHARITIES

The annual district meeting of the Hibernian ■ Australasian Catholic Benefit Society was largely attended by delegates from all parts of the Dominion, the district president, Bro. J. J. L. Burke being in the chair. His Grace Archbishop O'Sliea was also present, and was accorded an ovation by the delegates assembled. "His Grace in addressing the members said he was pleased to be present, and to learn, from the reports before the meeting that the society was actively and successfully functioning. In addition to its activities it was assisting in a marked degree its members in a time when assistance was most needed. He wished the society every success. The district executive's report for the half-year ended December 31 last shows that the society is in a sound position, notwithstanding the reduced resources of many of the members. • The district consolidated sick and funeral fund shows an increase of £2415 17s 4d, and the aggregate of the fund held by branches and district is now £105,281 43 lOd. During the half-year £320 was paid in funeral benefits, and sick members were assisted to the extent of £2361 (k lOd. The management fund disbursed £2283 5s Id for medical benefits, and the credit balance of the fund is now £3060 12s sd. Maternity claims totalled £728, and in addition £52 was paid in pensions, making a grand total of £3644 lls lid distributed to members. At the last valuation of the society by the Government actuary a surplus of £23,973 -was disclosed, and to meet the serious position created by the economic situation, a special fund was established, and £3000 transferred to it to help the unemployed members to pay their contributions. In this connection 60 members havo been assisted. , The report refers to the success of provincial councils which were established at the last annual meeting, and although

only functioning for a short period, they hava already done valuable work on behalf of the society. Reference is also made to the success' of the juvenile brandies in some parts, and to _ the chances of augmenting the membership in the future from this source. Important remits dealing with the management of the society and to the cessation of payments to the sick and funeral fund of members over 05 years of age, are being considered by the delegates, and as a result of the deliberations it is hoped to make the society even more successful than in the past.