Napier

New Zealand Tablet, 9 February 1911, Page 237

Napier

(From our own correspondent !

February 3. The H.A.C.B. Society's banquet last night to / the members and their friends, in the Forester’s Hall, Napier, was a very pleasant function. The president of the society, Bro. B. J. Dolan, occupied the chair. Those who were fortunate enough to receive invitations turned up in force, about 160 ladies and gentleman being present. ’ The toast of the evening, ‘H.A.C.B. Society,’ was very aptly proposed by Bro. J. Downey, of Hastings. Mr. B. J. Dolan replied to the toast. He congratulated the members on tire very successful condition of the society, which was largely due to the capable organisation and untiring energy of the secretary, Bro. Cummings. The H.A.C.8.5., he said, was he only practical benefit society supported by the members of the Catholic Church. During the past year the amount paid out a sick pay was £2Ol 10s lOd, for medical attendance and medicine £lO2 2s 3d and for funeral allowance £6O. The receipts for the same period had just about balanced expenditure; the membership had increased 30 per cent., and the amount now standing to the credit of the sick fund is £5Ol 3s 4d It was a good thing, the chairman observed, to have a balance at the bank. He appealed to the ladies to join the society, and pointed out that thev could either form a branch of their own or join' the existing society. He

emphasised the, good work done by ladies, and described them as lamps of the church and lamps of the nationality. Other toasts which were honoured during the evening were ‘The King and Pope,’ proposed by the chairman; ‘Our Medical Officer and Dispenser,’ proposed by Bro. M. Murray; ‘The Ladies,’ proposed by Bro. J. W. Coe, responded to by Bro. C. Cunningham ; ‘Kindred Societies, proposed by Bro. C. S. Tolcy; ‘Our City,’ proposed by Bro. John Higgins, responded to by Bro. W. J. McGrath; ‘ The Press',’ proposed by Bro. J. P. Kenny, responded to by the Hawke’s Bay Tribune' s representative. Interspersed with the toasts were several pleasingly-rendered vocal items. Misses Hosengrave and Mitten and Messrs. Yates and O’Connor sang a quartette, which was greatly appreciated, as was also a duet by the above-named gentlemen. Others who contributed to the evening’s enjoyment were Mrs. C. R. Allen, Misses Neilsen, Miss May Higgins, Miss Madge Higgins, Messrs. F. O’Shaughnessy, A. Scott, J. Flanagan, and Bros. M. Treston and T. G. Diddle. ' The secretary, Bro. Cummings, was the recipient of a token of appreciation of his good work as secretary. In making the presentation, which was a gold medal presented by Bro. John Higgins, Mr. Dolan stated that there had been a record increase in the membership during Bro. Cummings secretaryship. In responding Bro. Cummings dwelt on the amicable relations that existed between himself and the members, and said he had never had so much as a cross word with any of them. The banquet, which had been greatly enjoyed by all present, terminated shortly before midnight with the singing of ‘ God Save Ireland.’