A POPULAR HIBERNIAN HONORED

New Zealand Tablet, 30 October 1919, Page 28

A POPULAR HIBERNIAN HONORED

The popularity of ' Mr. P. D. Hoskins fas>'a\ Catholic layman was amply proved at a gathering held in his honor at Sydney Street Schoolroom, Wellington,- the other evening f (writes a correspondent). The occasion was a complimentary social, arranged to give him a fitting send-off : on the eve of his departure for Melbourne to represent the Wellington branches of the Hibernian ; Society at -the forthcoming Irish Race Convention. The attendance at the function was representative of every . branch of Catholic activities. The superiors of the Marist - schools-Rev. Brothers Louis and Eusebiusas well as others of the teaching staff, were also present, as well as- a representative of the ladies' branch of the Hibernian Society. Bro. J. P. McGowan of No. 95 Branch) presided. Although the function was, owing to short notice; hurriedly convened, it was gratifying to the guest of the evening to receive the expressions of esteem and goodwill of those who were present. The chairman, in calling upon Mr. P. J. O'Regan as the first speaker, stated ,that Mr. Hoskins was to attend a Convention the sole object of "which was to urge the claims of self-determination for Ireland. ~ . Mr. O'Regan congratulated the societies represented on their excellent choice of Mr. Hoskins as their representative. Considering the interest which Mr. Hoskins took in all matters appertaining to Catholicism, it was only a fitting reward for his past services that he should be chosen to go. Mr. O'Regan enlarged upon the vicissitudes, turmoil, and strife through which Ireland has passed and is still passing, and, knowing the facts of its present history, it was sad to silently bear, and refrain from protesting against the grave injustices meted out to a defenceless and downtrodden people. He (the speaker) deplored the lying and baseless press messages which are manufactured for transmission to this and other countries regarding the alleged lawlessness of a section of the Irish people. What Ireland is seeking, he continued, was only a just vindication of her own rights. As the late war was fought for the liberty of small nations, so did they expect and demand that Ireland, as a nation, shall receive its due and merited recognition in that respect. Mr. O'Regan quoted General Hertzog on the Act of Union of South Africa in stating that Ireland's claim for self-government was constitutionally sound and fundamentally unequivocal. Mr. O'Regan strongly denounced the false god of Imperialism as applied to Ireland. He made striking reference to the refusal of the Irish members of Parliament to sit in the House of Commons while the country they sought to represent was under subjection. Mr. R. P. Flanagan, Grand President of the Druids' Lodge, paid a fitting tribute to the guest of the evening, who was a colonial Irishman more Irish than some who were native-born. Fr<#n his (the speaker's) experience, Mr. Hoskins was an authority on friendly society matters, and his opinion thereon was sought all over New Zealand. Bro. M. Walsh, Past President of the society, Messrs. T. O'Brien, H. McKeowen (Branch No. 95), and Mr. P. Fraser, M.P., also spoke. Father Dignan apologised for the absence of Father Smyth, and wished Mr. Hoskins an enjoyable holiday. Mr. Fraser gave an interesting review of the connection between the Highlanders of Scotland and the Celtic race in the struggle for Home Ride. Who would have dreamt (ho asked) of an attempt to form an Irish Republic five years ago. This was - not a Utopian dream, but a realism arising out of the jobbery and treachery of Carson and his famous gunrunners. Mr. Hoskins, who was the recipient of a travelling rug and a serviceable gent's companion, rose to reply amid the applause of those assembled. He deemed it (he said) an honor to be in the proud position of a delegate to this important convention/ where he would meet men of. the type.of the Most Rev. Dr. Mannix, a champion who would fearlessly espouse the cause so dear to every Irishman's heart. The sacrifices which were alleged, he (the speaker) had made in his various capacities were a labor of love, and he sought no recompense, but as he had been selected to go to Melbourne he would endeavor to faithfully represent them, and on his return he would give a full account of his visit and observations. "' ■■■"■■■■ '..-,