The Hibernian Society in Dunedin

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 11, 15 March 1923, Page 9

The Hibernian Society in Dunedin

Golden Jubilee of St. Joseph’s Branch

THE PIONEER DAYS. St. Joseph s branch of the H.A.C.B. Society, Dunedin, understood to be the second oldest branch in the Dominion (the first established being that of Charleston, on the West Coast, founded during the gold-seeking days), which has done and is doing a great work for Faith and Fatherland, attains the golden jubilee of its foundation on March 17, 1923. The Dunedin branch was inaugurated on St. Patricks Day, 1873, in the Catholic schoolroom, on the evening of that date. Some months previously a movement was. set on foot by Mr. T. 13. Simpler, for the first establishment of branches of the society in Dunedin and throughout the province of, Otago. Mr. Simpler shortly afterwards. left Dunedin, but the movement was carried to a successful issue by Mr. -F. J. Bunny (secretary pro. tern.) and a few others who joined the society at the first meeting. A sufficient number of members having joined, office-bearers were appointed, and the services of Mr. M. J. Joyce (of St. Ignatius’ branch, Richmond, Victoria) were secured for the opening of the new branch in Dunedin. On the occasion of a subsequent gathering in St. Joseph’s Schoolroom to formally inaugurate the branch,

the meeting- room was tastefully decorated with flags and evergreens in honor of the important function. There was a numerous attendance of members and intending members, as well as of ladies. 31 r. Joyce, as presiding officer, having read an opening address, the members were initiated, and the office-bearers installed as follows: —President, Mr. E. Carroll ; vice-president, Mr. Robt. Carroll (late of No. 1 branch, St. Francis’, Melbourne); secretary, Mr. F. J. Bunny; warden, Mr. C. Bunny; guardian, Mr. C. Fearon; treasurer, Mr. E. Downey.

The secretary read a telegram from Mr. Shapter congratulating the members on the success so far attained.

The secretary, after referring to the obstacles which the movement had encountered and which had been overcome, said that those present would doubtless be pleased to learn that, notwithstanding the fact that their expenses up to the present had been very heavy, they were then only a few pounds on the wrong side. .The objects of the society were, it was said, aid in case of sickness or death, and the promotion of social intercourse between members The Dunedin branch on its opening numbered 26 benefit members and 6 honorary members.

It will be of interest to many to here mention the facts relating to the origin of the parent society. From the preface to the Manual of the Rules of the Society, we learn that, at a conference of delegates from the Irish Australian, Hibernian, and Albury Catholic Benefit Societies, held in Melbourne in April, 1871, these societies were amalgamated, and formed the nucleus of the present flourishing Hibernian' Australasian Catholic Benefit Society, with its large roll of members and numerous branches.

The much-desired union of the several Catholic benefit societies having been effected, was regarded as a matter for sincere congratulation, and it was believed that rapid as had been the progress of those societies when acting independently of each other, it would surpassed by the present society. The hope entertained at the amalgamation of the societies, to judge from the reports appearing immediately subsequent thereto, and in due course reaching New Zealand, has been abundantly fulfilled. "The nian Catholic Society," the Preface says, "is essentially a Catholic benefit society, and as such is open to Catholics of every nationality, yet, bearing in mind what Ireland has done and is doing for the faith., it is felt that to cherish the memory of that dear Old Land, from which nine-tenths of our members hail, is not incompatible with the objects of the society."

A fact worth remembering and one of interest to. nonmembers, is that the-society is under the immediate sanction of the Church ; that it is non-political; and that there is .nothing of a- secret nature, about it, neither nor pass-words being used. .; ..,,-. ..,.....-. ~.,'..•<

Thus it is seen that within exactly two years..from the inception of the society on its present basis! a branch was established in early Dunedin and pursued its way ever since on that mission of .well-doing : with an activity nnin-

terrupted even amid the vicissitudes of strenuous colonisation effort. This fact speaks eloquently of the progressive spirit of the pioneers of 50 years ago, and of the energy and ability of those who, through prosperity and adversity, have kept the banner unfurled, and brought the branch to that stage of influence and affluence of which it is so proud to-day. Owing to the death in June, 1872, of Dr. Viard, Bishop of Wellington, the episcopal administration of that diocese (which, until 1887, when the diocese of Christchurch was erected, included the provinces of Canterbury and Westland) formed part of the duties of Bishop Moran. While on episcopal visitation of Westland about the time of the foundation of St. Joseph's branch of the Hibernian Society, his Lordship, while at Hokitika (as reported in the West. Coast Times), in referring to an address from the local branch of the Hibernian Society, "Dr. Moran expressed the pleasure with which he' received it, He said ho was asked m the address to give the society his patronage, and he gave it most willingly', because he approved of it, and he would be very glad to see all in the community who could join it would do so. It was not every society of 'which he could say the same. There were societies, and societies. Some were banned by the Church and others were blessed. Ihe Hibernian Society was one of the latter. There was no secrecy in it, and the Church abhorred secrecy. Whenever there was secrecy . there was suspicion. Men who meant to do right had nothing to fear from an open disclosure of their proceedings; .but ; where those - proceeding were kept secret there were just grounds to suspect that there were evils." " ' '''.'"

St, Joseph's branch, from the very outset of its career appreciated, the value of publicity, reference to its doings appearing in the earliest editions of the" N.Z Tablet in interesting paragraphs from time to time. Thus in the May 17, 1873, issue we read: "The regular fortnightly meeting of the HibernianAustralasian Catholic Benefit Society is to take place on Monday evening next at 7.30, which is the hour fixed for the winter months. The concert for the benefit of the society, which is announced to take place on Monday, 26th" hi the Headquarters Drill Shed, promises to be a great success . The speciality of the programme is "that Miss Aitken, the talented actress, will give one of her best readings."

In the May 24 issue appears: ''The concert in aid of the K.A.C.B.S. has been postponed to Friday, 30th. This has been done in order that the concert may not clash with- that to be given by ; the colored opera troupe for the benefit of Mrs. 'Monday next, and. to which the members of the Hibernian Society will give their patronage." . The "report" of the function in the .June 7 issue of the Tablet was a. masterpiece in brevity, and occupied a live wild a half thus: "The concert in aid of the H.A.C.B.S. was, in point of, attendance and as an entertainment, a great success " (ft would appear that the Tablet -was overlooked when press passes were issued). * .... ......... The following progressive item appeared on July 19", 1873: y '

"A summoned meeting of Branch No. 73 of - the H.A.C.B. Society was held in St. Joseph's Schoolroom on Monday evening last. It was one of the largest held since the society was opened. Messrs. Connor and Donnelly were appointed trustees, vice Messrs. Movlan and O'Brien An important letter was read from Dr. Bakewell, the society's doctor, re medical attendance, and the officers were appointed a committee to wait on Dr. Bakewell and arrange -matters. Auditors will be appointed next meeting, and the society will be then in full working order. New members are continually joining, and the; society is in a very flourishing condition." ..- ."....,..

The first work of a general and progressive nature accomplished by , St. ..Joseph's; branch . was that towards July, 1873, When its delegate (Mr. Fred J. Bunny) opened a branch at Naseby, which was followed by a banquet at Cogan's Melbourne Hotel. Within three months branches were also opened at St. Bathans and Oamaru. •■'

The first recorded quarterly : meeting -of the branch was held on Monday evening, September 22, 1873, when the resignation of Bro. Downey, as-treasurer, was accepted,