FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' FETE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3588, 10 October 1879, Page 2

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' FETE.

TO THE E»ITOB 01' THE STAB. Tho report of tho meeting of the Friendly Societies Fete Committee in this day's number of the Lyttelton Times, states tbat it was resolved, "That no Socioty of a national character Bhould be invited to take part in tha proceedings." \ In tho Press it is stated " That no Society of a denominational character should be in* vited." But in tho Times it further states that tho Committeo desiro publicity to be given to their proceedings. Would you allow me to contribute a littlo towards the desired ventilation ? In order to do thia I must revert to the calamity of Kaitangata, which event oalled forth an invitation to all Friendly Societies to take part in one of tho greatest demonstrations ever witnessed in this city. In reply to tin's invitation, tbo Oddfellows, Foresters, Druida and Hibernians turned out in large numbers, and cheerfully lont tbeir utmost aid in furtherance of the succe.s of the proceedings of tho day, and the servioes of ali were courteously acknowledged by the Committee of intelligent gentlemen who conducted tho day's programme with so muoh credit to their management. On another occasion since that timo, tho four Friendly Benefit Societies abovo named, promptly responded to an invitation to take part in a public procession and the utmost good feeling prevailed throughout. Thero was no question of nationality or donominationalism. Casos can also be given whore tho lnnmbors of tho Bamo Societioa have beon represented by invitation at Society dinners and eleewhere, and nothing occurred which could in any way prevent a continuance of the good feeling referred to. Now wo come to the fete, tho Committeo of which was represented by members of othor Societies which did not take part in the processions to which I have alluded. The utmoat publicity is desired. Well, Sir, the ono Society of a -national or denominational character (either will do, for wo are proud of both) alluded to in the Times and Press, is the Hibernian Socioty. One member of tho Committee was good enough to inform ua that it was - thought-, we were a religious Soeiety, and therefore w*, were not invited. We must -asaume therefore that religionssocieties are objectionable to the F6te Committee, and therefore the poor Hibernian Catholic Benefit Society, and of comae, on the same grounds, the Proteßtant Allianofr Benefit Society are to be left out in, the cold. Are the Oommitteo afraid that we should como to blows, that in their kinft conaidera--tion they decided to leave us out ? Or has their careful desire for our welfare -prompted them to separate ub by inviting thai; one which took no part with them before, Mad excluding üb.? Whichever it is, the TeßuVc to our Society is the same. We aro a 'oeneflt Society, whioh exclude! all but Oathoijoi from wmtwiWjb

"•mmmmm i mm ihi — and so f*r are a religions Society. The report of the Press, however, does not mention religion, but states that " no Society of a denominational character should be invited." Then, as far a 9 the Hibernian Society question ia. involved, we are to be left out on theae grounds, for we are a denominational body. And the Times Bays : — " No society of a national character," &o. Again we are left out. Does this affect the other religious benefit society ? Leave out the question of religion, and substitute denominational. That word they cannot claim— they are all religious; but— well, sir, perhaps the question of their many denominations had better be left out. Enough ; fche wisdom of the Committee _ ettlea the question — the yellow and green Bhall not clash on Boxing Day.— Yours, &0., HIBERNIAN.