OPENING OF THE HIBERNIAN HALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11716, 26 July 1901, Page 6

OPENING OF THE HIBERNIAN HALL.

The building known as the Catholic,'? . V tute, Wellington-street, was theSn, Ia * I festive gathering last evening, on tha ' ! sion of the ceremony of reopening tH *?"" \ by His Lordship Bishop Lenihan. Sad*? new title of the Hibernian Hall.' Th« > f hall has been thoroughly renovated, cnV HI and fitted with all conveniences in anti* 1 modern style, and bar for its new ma mont the members of the Hibernian a, b&m asian Catholic Benefit Society. riie intof the building was set out with tables w!* with good things, to which over 200 no -&' I sat down. The char, was taken by }foi 1 J. Nerhcny (president H.A.C.B.S) 1 amongst those seated at the -head of '*s%' board were: The Right Rev. Bishon"r*3ffl I han, Dr. Egan, Hons. ,T. A. Ol e and *f Thompson, Messrs. J. Sheahan V) W **t-it F. E. Baume, J. Patterson, A.'glov„ Speight, and Fathers Buckley and O'Hi, The Chairman, in opening 'the proceediL said it was 28 years since this branch of £ ' society had been opened in Auckland «*! ■'-' he was pleased to say that it had held\l place among other friendly societies, andl'*S P felt sure that it would continue; so to'll The hall had practically no debt on : i£Wm the society had not gone in fo. any lijrurU they were unable to provide for till such una as the step they had taken was justS He went on to refer to the progress of th society, and to the fact that their sick-ti ■ during the past 25 years had totalled fiKnj and to their sound financial condition. "T Bishop Lenihan said that it behoved him L congratulate tho society on the exceeding good work done in their transformation cl the hall. But in doing away with the jib,'' of the Catholic Institute it was not without a tinge of regret that they parted \rifk 1 name that in days gone by was held dear h'. both Catholics and non-Catholics. Contun.. ing, he said that the members of the societi';' had been ever ready to assist the Church* and had determined to make St., Patrick J day a financial success as well as a holidjr success, and the result had been that thin had subscribed the sum of £1000 toward? th© Church during the past five year. ig,! was more used to church christenings thanl the present unique ceremony, but it accorded him much pleasure in conferring on the building the title of the Hibernian; Hill, (Applause.) *'"',. The toast of "Th: Bishop and Clerp" was then proposed by Brother Sheahan, D.t, the toast being honoured with enthusiast Bishop Lenihan replied, and said that he »S not surprised at the kind words uttered a he knew full well the love and sympathy that existed between tho priests 'and'thn' laity. ■': ■ The Hon. J. A. Tole, in proposing. '& ; toast of "The Hibernian Society,", coupled I with it the name of Ireland. He stated that 1 he himself > had some 20 years' connect | with the society, and went on to give a brief outline of the objects and benefits of fj society, and its peculiar distinction from other societies. He submitted that the fundamental sentiment of the "society was "love for Ireland and fov. Australasia, the land 'of in 1 adoption." . s The President (ftT/. P. 'J. Nerheny) A ably responded. , Other toasts were those of "Our Guests | and : other Friendly Societies," proposed by Brother Patterson, P.D.P.. and coupled with the names of Messrs. Baume, Glover. Armstrong and Callaghan, who j replied I?; briefly, and " Tho Press," : proposed*g by Brother D. Flynn and responded to by-. Mr. J. Sheahan. . During the intervals a musical program was carried :■ out. Miss Flossie QuinnTn(M "The Gift" very pleasingly,' and Miss Col'U Lorrigan's solo, " Golden Dreams,'.' was another successful item. Misses Ormond aid : Sheahan played an: overture/ and vocal itsaii were contributed by Messrs. Buxton, "White, - ;-" Faucett, and S. Horner. - v -'.,: