H. A. C. B. S.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 45, 9 March 1894, Page 19

H. A. C. B. S.

(From an occasional Correspondent.)

At the usual meeting of St Patrick's Branch No 82 H.A.C.8.8., held in Christchurch on Monday last, President Brother Rogers, junior, in the chair, Brother Rogers senior introduced a deputation consisting of Miss Mar gl ret Rogers and Miss O'Shea representing the young Udies of tha parish. la introducing the deputation Brother Roger* remarked that tho youig ladies in presenting toe flag wished to supply a loag folt want, viz., a national flag to remind the members of ihe land of their birth. The young ladies here presented the flag, a very handsome one 9ft by 6ft, made of the best bunting with the harp of Erin in the centre, a wreath of shamrocks underneath, and the letters H.A.C 8.8. in a circle above, makicg 1 1 all a flag of which any branch might well feel proud. The president thankeJ tbe ladies on behalf of the members for this handsome gift and assured them the members would ever treasure that wuich is so dear to every Irish heart. " th<s national flag," ani acksd ih;m oa behalf the branch to bjist it for the first time on St Patrick's Diy, to which they readily agreed. Bro. Stfllars m>ved a hearty vote of thinks to the fair donors for their handsome aod generom gift, and spoke in feeling terns ol tbe patriotic manner in which it was done. Bro. Russell O'Shiugnnessy secjnded the motion and endorsed the remarks of Bro. Bellas. Oa the motion being put it was carried by acclam»tion. Bro. Rogers, senr., replied on behalf of the ladies thanking the members for their very kind remarks and assured the meeting it was their patriotism moved them to do what they had done. The deputation then retired. After the business of tbe meeting was over refreshments and n irmony were indulged in. Mr Sheahan, J.P., of Auckland, and secretary of the Irish National Federal League, who was a delegate to the district board meeting, left Wellington for the West Coast on Wednesday night. I am sure the presence of that patriotic gentleman will be to the Irishmen of the West Coast as it were the renewal of their baptismal vows, for I am informed a better Irishman or mate fervent Catholic never crossed the line. One of the delegates *ho was present at the district board meeting in Wellington, informed ma that ilr Sheahan moved the motion of condolence with Bishop Moran in his serious illness in a manner that betr .yed the feeling of his heart. He believes that it wai with great difficulty he prevented the tears from lowing down his cheeks. i belike ona of the delegates urged M[r Sbeahan very hard to visit Christchnrcli on his return from the coast, but time would not permit him to do so. I firmly believe the good work he has devoted Us lime hii-I attention to, viz., the federation League, will, through him, be .aken up in tbis city. In my opinioo, in the history of the great struggle for freedom in Ireland assistance »as never more needed than at the present day to accom! push and bring to a final issue the work that was commenced by the Great Li heritor. I unierst.nJ that Messrs Patterson and Fairweather trusts of the New Z u land district bjird B A.CB.S. are oa a visit to Chnstcburcb. Toe branch officers here want to meet them at Lytteltou to-day.