HIBERNIAN AUSTRALASIAN CATHOLIC BENEFIT SOCIETY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXI, Issue 45, 9 March 1894, Page 25

HIBERNIAN AUSTRALASIAN CATHOLIC BENEFIT SOCIETY.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

(From the Wellington Post.) The first annual movable Conference of the New Zealand District Board, No 3, of the ab.ve Society was opened on Tuesday morning M w* T Z 2 l th ' [t !,T' *'*"*' Ha "' B ° UlCOtt Btreet ' at » "'dock, Mr W. Beehatn, J. P., occupying the chair. On the roll being called Brother the Rev. Father U.ggau said that several delegates, including those from the West Ooa«,t (South Is'and). had not arrived owing to the bad weather. oatnar n u. aP ° logy Waß received for th * abseQ <* of the delegate from The p-oceeiioga were opened with prayer by the Bey. Father uoggan. Mr M J. Sheeban, J.P. (Onehunga), moved the following resolution, which was seconded b/ Mr \l. Bohaa (Wellington) :-« That the delegates take this opportunity of passing a unanimous aod heartfelt vote of condolence to the Right Rev. Dr Moran in his present severe and critical illness, and pray that God may spare him, but if it should please the Almighty to take him unto his fathers, that he may be kept in happiness aDd peace." The president mentioned that the Society was glad to welcome the representatives of the Press and visitors to the Conference, whether members of friendly societies or notThe Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, sent a telegram conveying fraternal greetings to tbe Conference. n „°! tb °,^ ra n tioQ °' Mr Doban ( Welh °gtou), seconded, by Mr Uallaghaa (Wellington), a vote of welcome was offered to the visiting delegates. The president expreseed his thanks on behalf of himeelf and tbe others visiting to tbe Wellington delegates for the cordial welcome which had been extended to the visiting delegates, and congratulated the Society upon its present satisfactory condition. The Conference would prove cf tbe utmost importance, not only to their Society, bat also to ibe various fnecdly societies throughout the Colony Tb» propositions to be brought forward were cf the utmost importance Their financial position w&b h'ghly satisfactory. Tbe credit balance

was a splendid record, Bhowiog, as it did, £3063 5s to the good, and this notwithstanding that the funeral expenses during the year Amounted to £170. Several of the branches had not sent in the'r quarterly returns, and he would move that the Rangiora branch be fined £10 for neglectiog to furnish their returns, and that the Grey mouth, Waipawa, Hastings, Oamaru, and Maeterton be fined £5 each for the seme dereliction. These fines would be remitted providing that the branches complied with the laws of the Society. The funeral fund he regarded as most flourishing, the credit balance being £127 Is 9J, whilst the credit balance of the incidental fund was £47, The president at some length referred to the business which was on the order paper, and expressed the hope tbat the various resolutions to be proposed would receive their gravest consideration. He expressed the hope that ere lorg the scope of the Society would be altered with a view to allow persons who were not Roman Catholics to join in the benefits of the Society. (Vice-president — Never I) Well, he might be in the minority, but this he would say fearlessly, that it was their duly — tbeir imperative duty — to look after their wives and children, and how could they do that, how could they provide for their families and also for their own burial expenses unless their funds were sufficient for those purposes? At present their roll of membership was only sufficient to carry on for 20 or 30 yean> to come, unless their basil was enlarged so as to include non-Catholics. The question was a serious one, but he did not think he would be doing right unless he put the matter fairly before them, Should the Conference decide to alter the constitution of the Society, the latter would not lose its individuality, as they would still be Hibernians, but tbeir scope and their usefulness would be enlarged. The president went on to refer to the malingering on the part of some of the members of several of the branches, and expressed the hope that this cause of reproach woo Id soon be lemoved. Before concluding his speech, the president again referred to bis remarks relative to his proposition to alter the constitution of the Society so as to admit non-Catholic members, and instanced the success which had been achieved by the Royal Irish Foresters, established in Australia not

long ago. That Order was not purely a Catholic Bcciety, but was open to all Irishmen and their descendants. The Very Eev Dr Wstters, rector of St. Patrick's College, wrote ' on behalf of the Faculty md students of the College, inviting tbe delegates to vißit the College on Thursday evening next — The invitation was cordially accepted. ' A telegram was received from the Cbristchurch branch wishing ( success to the deliberations of the Conference. Tbe district officer's report was read and adopted after a short ■ discussion. The salient points in tbe report were alluded to in the ' president's speech, and therefore it is unnecessary to cuter upon the details. It was resolved that a letter of condolence be Bent to tbe rector of St. Patrick's College on the loss his staff has sustained by the death of the Bey Father Carolao. The district treasurer moved—" That a centralised district sick fund be formed." After considerable discussion it was resolved "That the members of the District Board, while approving of this scheme, believe it should be referred back to tbe branches before being finally adopted, and that it be brought up again at the next half-yearly m«eting." At the evening sitiing the district treasurer moved — " That, as it has been demonstrated by competent authorities that tbe sc*le of charges »t present in force is inadequate to meet tbe benefits promised, be it therefore resolved that one penny per week extra be paid to the sick fund by all benefit members, from Ist January, 1894, in order to meet accruing liabilities." Bro. Dennehy (Timaru) moved as an amendment — " That members who were 25 years of age and over at the time of entry, and who are at present paying one shilling per week, should be charged one penny per week extra to the sick fund." This was loat by 13 to 10, and the original motion was also lost by 19 to 4. Tbe Conference was resumed on Wednesday morning. Fraternal greetings were received from the Conference of Friendly Societies at present being held at Auckland.

A telegram was received from tbe Bey Father Lynch, of Danedin, thanking the Conference, on behalf of Bishop Moran, for their sympathy. Tbe Bishop desired Father Lynch to inform tbe Conference that be was slightly better to-day, and prayed that their deliberations would be abundantly blessed. The District Secretary, A.O.F , Wellington, wrote on behalf of the Foresterß of the district, conveying fraternal greetings. Mr P. J. Nerheny (D.V.P.), mcved, "That tbiß Board recommend tbe District Officers to use their best endeavours to bate sec* tion 16 of the * Friendly Societies ' Act, 1882,' so amended that a branch may not dissolve without the consent of the District Exe:otive Officers (if such exist) to which it belongs." The mover, in a vigorous speech, pointed out that the Hokitika Branch dissolved and diverted the funds, to the disadvantage of the Society. Mr P. Henley (Lees ton) seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr P. Kearney, District Secretary, in the absence of tbe delegate from Oamaru, moved — (a) " Tbat general law 72, clause 8, be amended so tbat a candidate who has been elected, and who cannot conveniently attend on a branch night, may be initiated by the president at any other time of place." Mr Courtney (Christchurcb and Nelson) seconded the motion, which was supported by Messrs Patcrson (Auckland) and J. Doherty (New Headford). The latter, however, objected to too much Utitnde being allowed as to the place of initiation. Mr Henley (Leeston) proposed as an amendment tbat General Law clause 72 be amended so that " a candidate who has been elected — other than for a town where a branch exists— may be duly installed by the president or the installing officer at suoh officer's residence, at the meeting-room of tbe branch, or at any other time or place determined by a previous meeting of the branch," The motion was lost and tbe amendment carried. On the motion of Mr P. J. Nerheny, D.V.P., tbe following new rule was carried :— " That the widow of a deceased brother may con* tinue her connection with the district by paying to tbe secretary of the branch to which her deceased husband belonged, the sum of 3s within twenty-one (21) days from the date of bis decease, and 3s

quarterly in advance, the amount, with the naraes|of all such| widows, to be returned to the district secretary with each quarterly return as in the case of members, and tbat on her decease, duly certified, if she remains bis (widow, her representative shall receive tbe Bum of ten pounds (£10). Any widow neglecting her payments for a period of six ((<) months shall forfeit all claim on the district or branch, and Bhall not be allowed to rejoin." A further telegram was received from H. H. Garrett on behalf of the Frteadly Societies' Conference at Auckland, oonveying fraternal greetings. Motions 10 and 11 were ruled out of order by the president as being ultra vires. Tbe motions referred to were sb follows:— "That in order to obtain more direct representa ion of the branches at tbe annual and half-yearly meetings of the District Board, that all the future 'meetings of the District Board be beld in Wellington." * That ia order to Bee ore direct representation it is essential that movable meetings of the District be held in some central place at intervals of not less than two years." That it is desirable to have two District Boards established in New Zealand, one in tbe North Island, and one in the South Island." Mr Conrtney (Chnstchnrcb) moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr Nelson (Christchurch) : — " Tbat Law 84 be amended, the following to be inserted after clause 11 :— 'Any member suffering from certain diseases shall not be entitled to sick pay until such time as be proves to the satisfaction of the judicial committee tbat tbe disease was contracted other than by means of his own misconduct. On proof of his innocence be shall be paid bis sick pay from tbe time be claimed, in accordance witb the laws of the Society.' " Mr James Fiynn (District Treasurer) moved an amendment to the effect that no sick pay be granted to any brother contracting the diseases referred to in the motion, no matter how contracted. Mr D. Flyna (Auckland) seconded the amendment. After discussion, tbe amendment was accepted as an addition to the original motion, which was lost by 14 to 4 .

Mr 8. Fairweather (Auckland) moved, and Mr Henley (Leeston) seconded — "That the following clause, to be named No 11, be addtd to General Law 94, viz : Any branch of one district issuing a clearance, and which has been accepted by a branch of another district shall forward to the branch accepting such clearance an amount equal to the entrance fee of a member of the same age as tbe member joining by clearance at tbe time of acceptance, or forward a Burreoder value of tbe claim be might have on tbe branch from which be draws his clearance." This was carried. Mr Birch, district treasurer of the A. 0.F., attended the Conference, and was warmly welcomed. Mr Birch said tbe officers of his Order in Wellington would have oflkually visited the Hibernian Conference bad they received sufficient intimation cf the fact that the Oonfeience would be open to the members ol Friendly Societies and to the public generally. Speaking as an individual member of hii Order, he should like to see Foresters throw open their doors at district meetings. Mr Birch also remarked that he was in favour of the centralisation of tbe sick fond, and also of the resolutions passed by tna Hibernian Conference at tbe present sitting rela ing to widows. Mr. F. Denneby (Timarn) moved— "That all members and their wives who joined the Society prior to 1891 shall be entitled to funeral benefits, notwithstanding tbe absence of or irregularity in any of tbe necessary certificates.' I —The motion was agreed to unanimously, The following amendments of laws by E.D. were agreed to : — 1. "That Geceral Law 7, Clause 1, be amended by striking out the words ' and from tbe Deputies thereto,' and insert the following word?, 'by the Deputies and E.D. officers present and at such meeting.' " 2. Taat the qualifications of C.P. shall be, having served previous to election as D.C.P. or P.C.P., out of office twelve months 0.5., or District P.P. 3. For D.C.P., C.T., and C.S. shall be, having served in come District Executive Office for a termot twelve months, 4. If any member be afflicted with insanity, permanent debility. infirmity, or loss of sight, so as to be disabled from following any occupation, and he be provided for in some place of refuge, no sick pay shall be allowed unless he has a wife, child, or other relative dependent on him for support, when the amount due shall ba applied for their relief and maintenance, but in all such cases tbe member shall be kept good on tbe bojks from the Sick and Funeral Fund." la accordance with tbe recommendation of tbe district officers, a deputation, consisting of the District Executive officers aad Bro Henley (Leeston), was appointed to wait upon the Government relative to an increased rate of interest for the Society's deposits. It was decided, on the casting vote of the President, that the next annual movable meeting of the Board should be held in Auckland. On the motion of Mr Henley, seconded by Mr Nelson, it was resolved that one of tbe trustees and a district officer should visit Christcburch for tbe purpose of enquiring into tbe condition of the society's property in that city . Accounts amounting to £25 11s were passed for payment. Tbe following gentlemen were elected office-bearers :— District president, Bro Nerheny ; vice-district president, Bro W. Kane ; district secretary, Bro Kearney (re-elected for the sixth time) ; district treasurer, Bro James Flynn (re-elected for tbe eighth time). The installing officer was Past District President Bro D. Klynn. The newly installed officers received tbi blessing of tbe chaplain, the Rev Father Goggan, and returned their thanks for tbe honour conferred upon them. Mr W. Beehan moved that a suitable souvenir ba presented to Bro D. Flynn, retiring past district president, for tbe admirable* w>y in which he has filled various offices during tbe p ist three years. This was agretd to. District Secretary Kearney (Auckland) m.veH, and Mr Henly (Leeston) seconded, tbe following resolution, which was cained after a discussion :— " That having heard the remarks made by the district president in his opening speech regarding tbe admission of nonCatbolics into tbe Society, we the officers and delegates assembled, while we hold the greatest respect for our non-Catholic fellowcolonists and tbeir several friendly society institutions, must keep within the constitution and laws of our society, and must repudiate any such intention as expressed by the district president." A cordial vote of thanks to the Press representatives for attending the conference was carried. The usual compliments to tbe chair, vice-chair, and retiring officers were agreed to, and the Rev Father Goggan (district chaplain) having pronounced tbe benediction, the conference closed at 10.30 p.m. The district officers and delegates were entertained at a banquet at the Princess Theatre on Thursday evening. District President Bro. Nerheny presided, and he was supported by tbe Very fiev Dr Watters, Rev Father Goggan, Bro. By land (president of the Wellington branch), Past District President Beehan, Dr Cahill, Messrs J. J. Devine and Kennedy, and Father Lane. There was a large attendance of Hibernians and of representatives of tba various friendly societies. Mr J. Kelly was the caterer, and provided an abundant and excellent repast. The tout of " Pope aad Queen "

having been duly honoured, Bro. Bohan proposed tbe health of the District Officers and delegates, District President Ryland responding, and in doing so thanked ihe Wellington officers heartily fur the efforts put forward to make their stay in Wellington pleasant, profitable, and bright. Their first movable meeting had proved most successful. District Secretary D'nnehy also responded, complimenting particularly tbe Auckland officers. The District Past President, Bro. Beehao, proposed tne toast of " The Government of New Zealand," speakiog highly of Mr Ballance, Mr Seddon, and Sir Patrick Buckley. His own opinion was that thiß was the best Government New Zealand had had- Bro. S. Watterg, of the Manchester Unity, I 0.0. F., made a humorous respons 0 , in which he said that, on behalf of the Premier, be could assure them that this Government intended to bring in a Bill to give every friendly society 24s in the £1 on its funds, as in tbe case of charitable aid, Bro Henley proposed "Kindred Societies, " and in doing so said there was much misapprehension as to tbe Hibernian Society. Many had an idea that it was a secret society, but as they bad shown in the district meeting just clo3ed they bad no secrets. They courted publicly, and threw the meetings open to the Press and public, and so it was in every meeting. Bro 8. Waters responded, counselling co-operation of all societies in a common bond of brotherhood. Bro Higginbottom, 1.0.0.F , who also responded, strongly condemning the Railway Employee's Insurance Bill. Bro Wills, of the A.0.0.F., also condemned the Bill, unless friendly societies were to receive similar benefits in subsidies. Governments did not encourage friendly societies as they should, as if they did, pee pie would help themselves more, instead of looking for charity. Bro J. Rash, representing the Rechabites expressed his pleasure at being present. Mr J. J. Devine proposed the toast of the " Chaplain and Clergy of the) Diocese," speaking most highly of the Bey Father Goggan, who responded, and read a letter of apology from Archbishop Reawood and the Very Rev Father Devoy, V.G. Father Ggogan|mads an eloquent speech. Tbe Bey Father Lane also responded. The toast of •' The Press " was proposed by Bros Grant Kiernay, wbo spoke highly of tbe treatment of the district delegates by the Wellington Press; and "The Ladies" was dealt with by Bros Dennehy and Flynn. Songs were given by various gentlemen. The committee which had the carrying out of the arrangements consisted of Bros Lessington (secretary;, Robinson, Lindsay, Stratford, Bradley, and M'Laucblan.