Hibernian Society, Christchurch.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 47, 20 November 1902, Page 6

Hibernian Society, Christchurch.

(From an occasional correspondent.)

A. representative meeting of Hibernians took place in tbe Hibernian Hall, Christchnroh, on Friday, November 7, to tender to Bro. Gilmonr, of New South Wales, an official recognition of the Mryicci rendered by him to the cause of Hibernianism. Brn. Dennehj and Bros. O'Rorke and Ryan, from the Charleston and New Headford branches, were also present, as also were many of the pioneer members of the Cbristchurch branch. The president, Bro. D. Edmondp, in rising to offer a very hearty reception to Bro. Oilmour, of N.S.W , first thanked the olergy, the Bros, of the New Headford branch, and visitors for their presence. They were here, he said, to join in doing honor to one of our Brrs., who has had the privilege and distinction of being one of the pioneers and promoters of Hibernianism in Australasia. He was fortunately one of those gentlemen who had brought with him the best traditions of the old conn try to the colonies. It was for this, if for do other reason, that he offered to hint on behalf of the branch a ' oead mile failte,' and sincerely hoped that his visit to these shores would have beneficial results, that it would give him a new lease of life, and that he would car<-y away with him pleasant memories of his sojourn here. Bro. Gilmour may rest assured that the seed of Hibernianism which had been planted in Australia thrives well in the soil of New Zealand. That was very apparent when he mentioned the fact that the Bros. of Neir Headford branoh journeyed about 12 miles to take part in the function of the evening. Bro. Sellaro, P D.P., said the objcot of the gathering was of a two-fold charaoter — viz , to extend to Bro. Gilmour, one of the founders of the society in New South Wales, a hearty weloome to Chriatchurch, and to present Bro. F. r>oolan with a P.P.'s collar. Before dealing with the former, he mentioned that by a curious coinoideDCe another visitor, Bro. Denneby, one of the founders of tbe first branoh in New Zealand (Charleston), hid stolen a march oa them and was also present. Speaking of Bro. Gilmour, he mentioned that that Brother was one of a number of men who in 1863 in Albury carried with them the traditions of the dear Old Land, and to perpetuate the same had donned the green on the 17th of March of that year, and assisted in the foundation of the first branoh in New South Wales, The outcome of the scoffing and jeering at a number of Irishman in Ballarat on St. Patrick's Day, 1861, was the foundation of the H.A.C.B Society To his credit their esteemed visitor had come through ail successfully, being one of those who donned the green in 1861, and that from the day he joined to the present remained a member of the society. That he has always taken a keen and active part in the welfare of the society was fully demonstrated by the fact that he was up to date in all its transactions and worthy of their highest respect aud esteem. On an occasion of the kind he made no apology in referring to the rise and progress of the society in the Colony. From the Beed planted by these men three branches sprung in 1870 — Charleston, Ghreymouth, and the Thames. Then in 1873 and 1874 eleven more off-shoots were formed — Auckland, Dunedin, Invercargill, Christehnroh, Hokitika, Akaroa, Lyttelton, Oamaru, Naseby, Onehunga, and Wellington. According to last returns there were now 27 branches nourishing. Thi», he thought, was sufficient proof, and must be highly gratifying to Bro. Gilmour that the seed he helped to^plant was sound and of the right color. It was also gratifying to know that the firet three branoh es planted were still healthy and vigorous, and that they had in their midst the venerable Bro. Dennehy, one of the Charleston's first members. In connection with the progress of ihe society he hoped it would not be deemed egotistical on his part when he claimed that the Christchuroh branoh was the most progressive in New Zealand. The principal and most useful reforms introduced within the last 15 years emanated from this branch. He named among them the formation of one district for the Colony, the sliding scale of contributions, direct representation and movable meetings, and also the formation of female oon.ingents. He would like also to mention, as a coincidence, of course, that the E.D. in Melbourne had in each case followed New Zealand in introiuoing the sliding scale of contributions m,nd direct representation. Referring to the financial status of the society, he said that at the annual meeting of the society held in Melbourne in 1897 he read a tabulated statement setting forth the amount per member in the different districts. This placed New Zealand at the bead of the list, consequently if the registrar's opinion that the financial position of the New Zealand district was not good, it followed that the other di&triots in Australia are bad. Notwithstanding that the £. D. officer e and influential men in Sydney

assured him the actuaries had reported favorably on their reepective districts, he felt inoh was not the case, and urged them to take the matter up and thoroughly investigate it. As an answer to cavillers as to the unprofitableness of sending representatives to thefe meeting?, he might say the sprinkling of mustard seed he had dropped when in Sydney bad already borne fruit, us in a year or two after his visit, the district had, so he was informed by Bro. Gilmonr, decided to inorease its contributions by one penny to twopence per member. He apoligieed for referring to these matters, but maintained it was in tbe interest of every member, that the eooiety, ac a whole, should be in a sound position. A reference to the annual report of the Friendly Societies for 1901, somewhat confirmed his contention, as New Zealand heads the li3t of different societies in Australia. In conclusion, he again referred to the good work done by the pioneers of the society and said that what was dear old Ireland's loss, was the colonies' gain, in having amongst them men of the stamp of their reepeoted visitor. Bro. Nelson, a veteran member of the local branoh, Baid he was privileged in being in the company of one who fonght so hard to plant Hibernianism in Australasia. He endorsed heartily what had been Baid by the president and secretary. He was pleased also to ccc present the oldest member of the West Coast, Bro. Dennehy, of the Charleston Branch, and that one of the oldest members of the local society was present on such an auspicious occasion. The Rev. Father O'Connell, said he was pleased to be present at Buoh a representative gathering. It was pleasing to see present, gentlemen, who had come through the difficulties of organising and establishing the H A.C.B. Society in Australasia. It was a society, where not only tbe traditions of the old land were kept op, but every encouragement given to members to adhere more {thoroughly and practically to the principles and practices of onr Holy Faith. Hibernians were true and loyal subjects. He would do bit utmost to help the cause of Hibernianism. Bro. Ryan, President of New Headford Branoh, was pleased to be present ou such an occasion. It was duty of young men to keep up traditions of the old land, and inculcate in our fellow men a love for our ocuatry. Bro. Lonergan, one of the pioneer members of the Christchurch branch, referred to difficulties experienced in. early days in Australia, in reference to the establishing, of Hibernianisui. Bro. Gilmour, who was greeted with applause, in responding said it afforded him much pleasure to be present at such, a meeting. Ho thanked the members for their kindness. Wherever Hibernianism flourished true friendship would be found. He expected friendship and was proud to bo amongst them. In 1861 a number, of Irishmen met at Ballarat to honor St. Patrick's Day. They were hooted and jeered at, but they only became the more determined to uphold the honor of their country. Shortly after a code of rules was framed, and an association set up. A branch was formed, Hibernianism then seemed to take root, and they had successfully surmounted the difficulties and barriers placed in their way from time to time. He hoped it would continue to flourish and that the very name of Ireland would bo treated with respect and love. He would ever remember what had been done for him whilo in Chriltchurch. He was satisfied that the Hibernian Society and Catholicity truly nourished there. He thanked them most sincerely. The President then presented Bro. F. Doolan with a P.P.'s collar. In doing so he said he had to perform one of the most pleasant duties that had devolved on him since he took oilico as president of the branch, namely, tho presentation to Bro. F. Doolan. He would ask Bro Doolan to accept it, not for its intrinsic value, but as a .soldier receives his medal and clasp, for the distinguished services he had rendered to Hibernianism. Bro Sellars said that from the night of his initiation up to the present time, Bro. Doolan had taken a keen and acti\e part in the working of tho society. He (tho speaker) was always opposed to testimonials given for passing through the different offices, but when a momber threw himself heart and soul into it and worked hard for its welfare then it was right and proper that his services should be recognised. In conclusion the Rev. Father McDonnell spoke in praisoworthy terms of the Hibernian Society. Ho thought every young man should be within its ranks. Ho thanked the members for the onnortunity given him to say a few words in favor of the cause. During tho evening refreshments were handed round, and a musical progranuno gone through.