Hibernian Society, Wellington

New Zealand Tablet, 2 May 1912, Page 49

Hibernian Society, Wellington

(From our own correspondent.) The high esteem and regard, in which the Rev. Father C. J. Venning, S.M., is held by the Hibernians of Wellington was evidenced by the large gathering of members, both male and female, that attended St. Patrick's Hall last evening. Bro. J. J. L. Burke, president of St. Patrick's branch, presided, and in saying farewell to Father Venning as chaplain of St. Patrick's expressed, on behalf of the members, the sorrow that they experienced when it was announced that the Rev. Father had handed in his resignation as chaplain, owing to his transference from Te Aro to Thorndon. He eulogised the great work Father Venning had done for the advancement of Hibernianism not only for St. Patrick's branch but for the society in general. The establishment of Thorndon, Petone, Wanganui, and Levin branches was traceable to his energy and euthusiasm, whilst his influence at the present time is being extended to Foxton and Pahiatua, with the ultimate object of establishing branches in those towns. In conclusion he wished to inform the Rev. Father that St. Patrick's valued him too highly to lose him altogether, and therefore had elected him a life-honorary member. He then asked Father Venning to accept a framed illuminated emblem certificate as a memento of his term of office as chaplain of the branch. Bros. W. J. Feeney, P.P., P. D. Hoskins (secretary), J. W. Callaghan, P.P., and Sister D. McGrath also referred to Father Venning's good work. Rev. Father Venning on rising to respond was most enthusiastically received. He thanked the members most sincerely for the honor conferred upon -him. He assured them of his deep interest in the society, and promised to continue, whatever little he had done for Hibernianism. He appealed to those present to work

hard for the society, and to take an interest in all Catholic matters. He thanked them for the handsome certificate, which would always remind him of his duty towards the society. ; The president also took the opportunity of welcoming the Rev. Father Joseph Herring, S;M. ’ whom his Grace the Archbishop had appointed as successor to Father Venning-. ' ■

Rev. Father Herring, who was warmly received, thanked the members for the kindness extended to him. He had, he said, a most difficult task before him in succeeding such an energetic chaplain as Father Yenning. However, he would do his best to keep up the spirit of the society, which was expressed in that beautiful motto embodied in the emblem—Faith; Hope, and Charity. : During the evening musical items were, rendered by Messrs. Bishop, Quinn, C. J. Houston, D. R. Lawlor, E. Carrigan, Scrimegour, and Allan Stent. Mr, Scrimegour - acted as accompanist.