TRANSPLANTED IRISH INSTITUTIONS - University of Canterbury

57
replying to a toast to the 'Kindred Societies' said that "the society which he represented had
9136 members. He noticed it had been stated that the Hibernians had 2706 financial
members. He ventured to say that more than half that were Catholics. "54 This openness at
the meetings was a chance to convey to the wider New Zealand society that the Hibernians
were not antagonistic to the other non-Catholic benefit societies.
The general aim of the Hibernian Society was to raIse money through the
voluntary subscriptions of members. This money would then provide for members and
their families for funeral expenses, medical assistance, and support in sickness and old age.
These aims were similar to other Friendly Societies but the Hibernians differed because of
their Catholic character and because of the Society's aim to
"cherish the memory of Ireland", rejoicing in the prosperity and condoling in the sufferings of their
native land, and to bind them yet closer in social chains of fraternity and friendship in the Austral
land. Also to endeavour to instil into the minds of the Celtic-Australasian race a veneration for
the land of their forefathers, in order that they may imitate, if not excel, the faith and virtues of
that devoted nation, and to extend the hand of fellowship to their co-religionists of every
nationality, participating with them in a brotherly spirit in every benefit, social and pecuniary,
that the Society affords. 55
Cherishing the memory of Ireland was very apparent by the symbolism employed
on the paraphernalia of the Hibernians. The central symbol was the Irish Celtic cross which
symbolized the redemption of mankind. The other symbols, namely the Harp of Erin, the
shamrocks, the sunburst, oak tree, wolf hound and round tower were all reminders of Irish
history. The Hibernians state that they "are emblematic of Celtic associations, and remind
us of our great indebtedness to Ireland and to those Irish pioneers whose foresight and zeal
made the foundation of our Society possible. "56 There was also the Australian coat of arms
which showed the origin of the New Zealand Hibernians, and the motto beneath the cross
which read "Faith, Hope and Charity" expressed the Christian virtues that the Hibernians
wanted to uphold. At the bottom of the emblem was a globe which was representative of
the world-wide Catholic Church to which the Hibernians belonged. 57 All of these symbols
54NewZealandTablet, 7 April 1910.
550p. cit., General Rules for the H.A.C.B.S, p. 5.
56H.A.C.B.S. Ritual Book For the Use of Male, Ladies, and Mixed Branches, Melbourne, National
Directory, 1963, p. 6.
5 7 Greymouth Evening Star, 17 May, 1969.