H. A. C. B. S.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXII, Issue 17, 23 August 1895, Page 15

H. A. C. B. S.

{Auckland Star, August 13.)

An enthusiastic meeting of the above was held last evening in the Catholic Institute to establish a female division branch. The hall waa crowded, ladies being predominant, which augura wall for its future success. The D. President, Mr W. Kane, occupied the chair, and was assisted by the following district c fficers :— Jamea Smith, D.V.P. James Flynn. D. Treasurer ; P. J. Nerheny, P.D.P., and P. Kearney, D. Secretary. Oa the platform were, P.D. President, John Patterson, Daniel Flynn and C. Little, the President of the Auckland male branch, H. Duffin, and his subsordinate ofnears. The Tery Rev Dr Bgan, of St Benedict's, whj has taken a lively interest in the formation of this branch, was also presen', apologies, and good wishes being received from the other ljcal clergy. The D. P., in opening the proceedings, very concisely put forth the ben^n s to be derived from such an organisation, and lucidly explained the rules, exhorting the intending members to take that interest in the working of the branch which would ultimately lead to succe33. He poiate 1 oat that though some may think the rates of contributions rather high, he waß satisfied that nothing less would assure the benefits proposed to be given. He said the calsulations hid been carefully gone into and reminded bis audience that it was better to payatnflo extra and secure a cer. tainty than pay leBS and find in the end that tha promoters could not meet their liabilities. P. D. P. Nerheny addressed the meetiDg in a somewhat siratbr strain, aid reminded bis Catholic friends that the Society had the especial blessing of his Holiness the Pope. The D.V.P. James Smith aleo congratulated the ladies on the opening of this branch, and offered some healthy advica as to the future conduct of their meeting. The D. P. then called upon the D. secretary, Bro Kearney, to read the dispensation empowering the opening of the branch, which being doe amidst cheers, the several candidates were balloted for, and bein<» elected were impressively initiated by the D. president. After all had subscribed to the conetitution they were asked lo nomina'e and cleat thur officers. Closing time being near only tha Branch president was elected, in the person of Mrs Elizabeth Kane, wife of the D.P., and Dr W. J. Darby as medical attendant. The doctor, who was present, had a busy time in the ante-room examining the several candidates, about fifty offering themselves for examination, thirty only being go' through at call of time. The meeting was then adjourned until the 19th inst in the same place, when the remaining officers will be •lected, and the candidates' membership balloted f jr.