BENEFIT SOCIETY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22975, 1 March 1938, Page 13

BENEFIT SOCIETY

HIBERNIANS' IDEALS OPENING OF CONFERENCE THE SPIRIT OF FRATERNITY Visiting prelates were welcomed and a successful year was reviewed at the opening conference of the New Zealand District of the Hibernian-Australasian Catholic Benefit Society in the Manchester Unity Hall yesterday afternoon. Mr. M. Grimes, the Grand President, presided, and in welcoming the distinguished visitors, referred to the growth of the society. The visitors present at the opening of the conference were the Most Rev. Dr. J. Duhig, Archbishop of Brisbane, the Most Rev. Dr. D. Mannix, Archbishop of Melbourne, the Most Rev. Dr. A. Killian, Archbishop of Adelaide, the Rt. Rev. Dr. J. McCarthy, Bishop of Sandhurst, and Bishop Liston. The society in New Zealand now numbered over 5300 members, said Mr. Gri nies, and there were 80 adult and 10 juvenile branches. An indication of the growth of the society was given by the fact that the fund now stood at over £123,000. "The Hibernian Societv'a ideals nre love of God and love of country," said Archbishop Duhig. "We find in Australia a beautiful blend of love of God, love of the Old Country and love of the new. It is traditional that the Hibernian Society had its origin in the men who defended the priests during Mass in days when there was persecution in Ireland. I am sure every bishop can say that now, whenever the occasion arises, ho will find the Hibernians ready to form a guard of honour for him." Archbishop Killian said he was sure the members were very gratified at the beautiful message Cardinal MacRory had sent the Dominion on the Catholic Centenary occasion. It was only to New Zealand that# a message was conveyed from tho Cardinal Primate of All Ireland. . Referring to the benefit aspect of the society, Archbishop Killian said there was no doubt that on account of social legislation in some Australian States and in New Zealand great progress was being made for the support of tho sick. The social legislation bestowed material benefits, but it could never supply the spirit of fraternity and love of country as a society such as the Hibernians. The work of such organisations was not material, but spiritual.