HIBERNIAN SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 21503, 30 August 1933, Page 2

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY

ST. JOSEPH S BRANCH SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY The past week-end has been an outstanding one in the history of the St. Joseph’s Branch (No. 73) of the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society, as the members have been celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of the formation of the branch. On Sunday morning some 200 membersof the society, including delegates from branches in all parts of the dominion, assembled at St. Joseph’s Cathedral to attend holy mass and receive communion,, the large number of men wearing green regalia of the society. Mass was celebrated by the grand chaplain of the Order, the Bishop of Dunedin (Dr Whyte). After mass the brothers were photographed on the cathedral steps, and they athen adjourned to St. Joseph’s Hall to partake of breakfast. A lengthy programme of toast and vocal and instrumental items was provided. Brother Scanned welcomed the delefates from outside branches, and after onouring the toast of the “ Pope and the King,” called on the bishop to propose the toast of “ The Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society.” In a short speech' Dr Whyte traced the history of the society from its inception and explained the meanings of the various symbols making up the crest of the society. He paid a tribute to Hibernians for the manner in which they had consistently responded to any appeal made on behalf of the church, and he considered that no function was complete without the wearers of the green sash being present. Brother J. J, Marlow, jun., vice-pre-sident of the Otago-Southland Council, H.A.0.8.5., represented the New Zealand district, and replied on behalf of the society. The toast of “ St. Joseph’s Branch (No. 72) ” was in the hands of Brb. T. J. Hussey, who said he remembered the late Bro. Edmund Carroll, first president of the branch, who up to the time of his death, twenty-odd years ago, was to be seen in attendance at branch meetings. He praised the pioneer members for the businesslike manner in which they had conducted the affairs of the branch, which, he said, had always been most fortunate in its presidents. It was a proud boast of those who had hod control of the finances of that branch that they could not say that one penny of interest or principal had ever been lost to the funds. Bro. Scannell suitably replied, paying a tribute to the holders of what he termed the most important office in the branch — that of secretary. He especially praised the work of Bro. Ford, the present secretary, who had been in office for over ten years. Bro. Scannell expressed appreciation of the work of Bro. J. J. Marlow for the society as trustee of the branch and as district deputy, and in his absence asked Bro. Marlow, jun.. to accept oh behalf of his father a gold medal bearing the crest and motto of the society; and on tho reverse side the record of Bro. Marlow’s offices in the society as a mark of the branch’s appreciation. The toast of “ The Hierarchy and Clergy” was proposed by Bro. W. M'Alevey and was replied to by the bishop, and Mr J. B, Callan gave the toast of “ Old Members.” This was replied to by Bros, W. Ames and J. Bourke. Bro. J. Toner proposed the toast of “The Otago-Southland Provincial Council of the H.A.C.8.5.” and paid a compliment to the calibre of the men who were controlling this body. The president of the council, Bro. \V. C. M’Donnell, in replying, briefly outlined the duties of the provincial councils, which, although of only recent growth, had already proved of importance to the society. He congratulated the branch on its jubilee and expressed his wishes for the future prosperity. Visiting brothers also congratulated the branch on its jubilee, and letters in similar strain were read. Other toasts were “ The Ladies,” proposed by Bro. 11. A. King and replied to by the Rev. Bro. O’Sullivan, and “ The Press ” by Bro. A. G. Ny, replied by Mr J. J. Wilson (‘ New Zealand Tablet’). Items were rendered by Messrs J, Devereux, 11. A. King, J. Montague, M. O’Connor, and 11. W. Fox. On Sunday afternoon a social gathering was held in the Hibernian rooms. JUBILEE BALL. The Early Settlers’ Hall presented a gay appearance on Monday night when the concluding function of the celebrations was held. It was found necessary to obtain tho use of the Pioneer Hall also, and to engage another orchestra to accommodate the dancers. In addition a room was set apart for those who wished to play cards. Among those present were the delegates from outside branches and other friendly societies, and also Dr Whyte and the llev. Mgr Delaney, V.G., and the deputy mayor (Mr J. J. Marlow).