A VETERAN HIBERNIAN

New Zealand Tablet, 17 May 1917, Page 27

A VETERAN HIBERNIAN

MR. JOHN JOYCE HONORED

A great gathering of members of the Hibernian Society assembled at the Hibernian Hall on Monday evening, May 7, to do honor to Bro. John Joyce, one of the founders of St. Patrick’s branch (writes our Christchurch correspondent) Bro. J. Flannelly (president) conducted the proceedings, and there were present the Rev. Father Long (chaplain St. Patrick’s branch). Rev. Father Hanrahan (chaplain St. Matthew’s branch), representatives from St. Mary’s branch, and West Coast friends. An enjoyable programme was contributed to by Messrs. Dugay (a popular entertainer), C. Fottrell, E. Jamieson (songs), and Mannix (flute solo). The president referred to the long and consistently useful career of Bro. Joyce, and in appropriate terms expressed the great pleasure afforded by such a fine meeting of the society to do honor to so noteworthy a member as their guest. Rev. Father Long (chaplain), in presenting a past president’s collar on behalf of the branch, said that the name of Bro. Joyce was famous in Church and National movements, and assured him that the beautiful collar was accompanied by the good wishes of his fellow-mem-bers. The collar was emblematic of the greenness of youth, and the newness of hope, and he wished that Bro. Joyce’s youth could be renewed as that of the eagle. In asking him to accept the gift he wished him many years of health and joy to wear it. Bro. M. Grimes (secretary) said he found it difficult to adequately express the pleasure it afforded him to see the services of Bro. Joyce recognised, even in a small way. In scanning rapidly over his career, one could say that it was worthy of emulation, though hard from the standpoint of usefulness to the society, to excel.

Bro. Curry looked upon the evening's function as the linking of the past with the present, and the union of the old with the young. He was proud to be able to join with his brother Hibernians in showing appreciation of the pioneers of the branch and with them joined in wishing his old friend every happiness. Bro. Haughey said his acquaintance with their guest extended over a quarter of a century, and that Bro. Joyce fostered Hibernianism for the honor and glory of the cause, as did all the first members, the fruits of whose labors were very apparent that evening. On behalf of the younger members, Bro. P. Smyth said he wished to recognise the great worth of Bro. Joyce, and trusted that he would still continue his kindly interest in the branch, and thus urge the juveniles on to greater activity. " An example of a man who was always to be found where he was wanted and never where he was not wanted " was the tribute paid by Bro. G. Dobbs, after associations with . their good old brother for 25 years. Bro. J. Ormandy, on behalf of St. Mary's branch, congratulated Bro. Joyce on the honor accorded him. It was : an honor well deserved extended to one ever in the forefront in the cause of Catholicity and Hibernianism. Bro. W. Rodgers said he felt that he was now

getting among the “ back numbers ” himself, but his recollections of their guest were of a most happy nature. He trusted Bro. Joyce would be spared for many years so that many more may benefit by his kindly influence. In proposing the health of Bro. Joyce, Bro. Mannix said all present were honoring one of the oldest, most devoted, and respected members of St. Patrick’s branch, No. 82. Seldom had a presentation of the kind been made under more enthusiastic or happy circumstances, and Bro. Joyce must feel doubly pleased at seeing his son initiated a member of the same branch on the same evening that he himself was paid a tribute of appreciation for his own devotedness. Among other attributes the speaker mentioned the useful contributions of their guest to the Tablet —articles that proved of great benefit to all interested in the work of the garden throughout the Dominion. In conclusion, he said they were honoring a loyal Catholic, a patriotic Irishman, a typical Hibernian, and a highly respected citizen.

In responding, Bro. Joyce feelingly thanked all present for the honor extended to him, and for the valued gift of a past president’s collar. I receive it with pleasure and deep gratitude (he said), and will ever cherish it. When I look around this hall and see the fine, patriotic memberssons some of them of the little band of pioneers who established this society more than forty years ago, —the pleasure and the happiness I feel can not be expressed in words. Most of that brave band who sowed the seeds of Hibernianism in this city have gone to their reward, but God has blessed their labors, and I am proud to see their sons, following in the footsteps of their fathers, working in the interests of the Church and the fostering a love for Ireland. I am proud to see my son become a member of my own dear branch. Your gift to me will be a cherished treasure amongst the members of my family, as a golden link connecting the past with the present.

In conclusion, “ A Nation Once Again ” was sung by all present.