HIBERNIAN JUVENILE CONTINGENT.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume II, Issue 63, 11 July 1874, Page 7

HIBERNIAN JUVENILE CONTINGENT.

A numerously attended meeting was held in St. Joseph's schoolroom on Monday evening last, for the purpose of forming a Juvenile Contingent of the Hibernian Society in conneslion with Branch 73. The President of the association, Mr F. J. Bunny, occupied the chair, supported by the Vice-President and several officers and brethren. The President having read the advertisement convening the meeting, proceeded to explain to the meeting the provisions made in the rules of the Hibernian Society for the establishment of Juvenile Contingents in connection with the various brandies. He stated that the objects of Contiagents are to raise funds for the payment of the initiation fees of the members thereof as members of tho H.A.C.8.5., on arrival at the age of eighten year 3, to foster and maiutaih the principles of the Society, and to cherish the memory of the land of their fathers. Each member shall pay to the Secretary the sum of 2s 6d on entering his name in the books, as his first year's contribution, and on or before twelve calendar months shall again pay a like amount, and so oa for each year until his age be eighteen years, when he shall been entitled to join the Branch, by paying a sum that, when added to his contributions while in the Contingent, will make £1 2a 6d, on producing a certificate of sound health and constitution. The monies received on account of annual contributions Bhall be placed to the credit of tho Contingents in the Incidental Fund of the Branch to which it belongs, the Secretary shall pay the Sick and Funeral Funds the sum of ten shillings from the Incidental Fund. The Contingents shail be under the authority and subject to the guidance of the officers of the Branches to which they belong. Each Contingent shall elect from amongst its members a President, Vice-Presiclent, Assistant-Secretary, Warden and a Guardian, who shall hold effice for six months, and the election of whom shall be conducted as in the Branch. The Contingent although not allowed to take part in the meetings of the Branch, shall wear regalia similar to that worn by its officers and members, and will be entitled to march in processions "f the Society. The Chairman expressed the great pleasure he experienced at the large attendance, as it was a proof of the earnestness of parents in the movement in hand, and he was certain that with the aid of their hearty co-operation it would become a great success. The idea of establishing Juvenile Contingents first emanated from the Sandhurst Branch, Victoria, at a meeting held in February, 1873. The prevailing opinion, however, at the time seemed to be, while recognising the good results which would arise from tlieir formation, was that the time had not arrived, and that matters of more importance -claimed the attention of the Association. He however had been struck with the importance of the movement, and at a meeting of the Hibernian Society" he brought the question before the body, and he was glad to say the formation of a Contingent was strongly advocated and seconded by Bro. J. J. Connor, and carried unanimously. He then wrote to the corresponding secretary of the Melbourne Branch asking for advice on the subject, but received a reply informing him that no Branches in Victoria had moved in the matter. The movement was then kept in abeyance for some time, but when on a visit to Naseby be was struck by a remark made by Warden Robertson, who drew his attention to the fuct that the number of aged and infirm persons was so large, and the drain on the funds of the Society would be so great, unless some steps were taken, notwithstanding the flourishing state of the society, it must succumb. It would be evident to all that a number of persons joining at the age of forty were likely to become a burden on its resources, and he looked upon the Juvenile Contingent as the very best means of counterbalancing this. It would be a constant stream of young and healthy blood into the Society, while the Association would be them a school in which they would learn to live as practical Catholics, and create a love of veneration for the old land which would grow with their growth and ripen as they verged into manhood. They would be taught to honor, respect^ and obey tlieir parents, to become good citizens, and learn not only how to obey but how to command. The formation of the Contingent would also have a beneficial influence on their elder brethren, for they would know that to them would the juveniles look for example, and it would make them doubly careful to lead edifying lives, and avoid the slightest danger of scandalizing their younger brethren. Bro. J. J. Connor said he was oie amongst a number of persons who had taken a great interest in the movement, and although he was most sanguine as to the success and benefits to be derived from its institution, he should confess he was totally uuprepared for the amount of interest which wus evidenced by the large attendance present. He might inform those present that this matter had not been taken in hand until his Lordship the Bishop had been consulted, and his sanction and approval obtained, and he might also state that steps should have been taken at a much earlier period, but that his Lordship deemed it advisable they should be postponed until the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, for which so many lads had been preparing. Speaking in selfish point of view, and and as a member of the Hibernian Society, he was heartily glad to second tho movement for which they had been assembled, as for the admirable reasons advanced by their worthy President, he would look to the future of the Juvenile Contingent as the mainstay of tho parent branch. Many members of the Catholic body though strong in. the faith, were unfortunately weak and lukewarm in attending to their religious duties, but by the fact of becoming a member of the Hibernian Society they gave a pledge, and guaranteed that they should be not only Catholics in name, but by precept and example they would prove those who were not of the faith that the H.A.C.B.S. was calculated to make those who belonged to it worthy members of socie y, good citizens, and better Christians. The President then called upon those who intended toformtue youthful Branch to come forward and give in sheir names, when for yone candidates applied for admission. Their names being duly <ntered, they were informed t hal a meeting would be held on the 22 ad for the election of the various officers, and the meeting adjourned.