WESTPORT.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIX, Issue 17, 25 April 1901, Page 29

WESTPORT.

(From an occasional correspondent ) On Monday evening, April 15, a largely attended meeting was held in the convent schoolroom, Weßtport, for the purpose of considering the advisability of forming a branch of the H.A.C.B. Society. The Yen. Archpriest Walshe presided. Rev. Father Costello, Brc. M. J. Sheahan (District Treasurer) and a large number were present. The Yen. Chairman briefly explained the business in hand, eulogised the undertaking, and fervently hoped that a branch would be inaugurated. Bro. M. J. Sheahan then addressed the meeting, and showed the benefits, spiritual and temporal, that would result from membership of the society, and concluded by urging upon those present the undoubted claims which it had upon the Catholic population. The Rev. Father Coßtello also spoke strongly in favor of the proposal. Eventually it was decided to open a branch, and after the transaction of some formal business an adjournment was made until the evening of April 18. The adjourned meeting was again presided over by the Yen. Archpriest Walshe, Rev. Father Costello also attending. Dr. McKenzie was present, and passed intending members, who were initiated by Bro. Sheahan. The branch is to be known by the name of St. Canice. The election of officers resulted as follows :—President, Bro. M. Williams ; vice-president, Bro. Michael Reidy ; secretary, Bro. N. Mangoes ; treasurer, Bro. Jas. Power ; warden, Bro. J. Murphy ; guardian, Bro. J. Brown ; sick visitors, Bros. P. Sexton and J O'Connell ; trustees, Bros. Flynn and Hepburn. The appointment of auditor was left until next meeting. The new officers were then installed by Bro. Sheahan. On the motion of Bro. Sheahan a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Yen. Archpriest Walshe and Bey. Father Costello for their efforts to form the branch. A similar compliment was paid Bro. Sheahan. The next meeting will be held on May 1, when about a dozen candidates will seek membership.