TRANSPLANTED IRISH INSTITUTIONS - University of Canterbury

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ABSTRACT
This thesis is a social and cultural history which investigates the nature of the
antagonism between Catholic and Protestant Irish through the Loyal Orange lnsti tution and
the Hibernian Australasian Catholic Benefit Society in New Zealand 1877-1910.
This
research substantially contributes to the study of these organizations during this period.
The ritual and fraternalism of each institution gave these two communities a sense
of cohesion and purpose but also contributed to the sectarian tension between them.
Fraternalism was an important aspect of both organizations and this resulted in the
development of brotherhoods. The introduction of Ladies Lodges in the L.O.I. and ladies
branches in the H.A.C.B.S. threatened the exclusiveness of the 'brotherhood'.
Once these two institutions have been set in their context then two case studies are
used to see how they performed within New Zealand society. The use of symbolism and
ritual in parades is used as a focal point for discussing tensions and conflict. This sectarian
tension is also illustrated in the way that the L.O.I. used anti-Catholic lecturers to support
their ideals. The Hibernians supported the Catholic Church in its missionary endeavours
and also in its attempt to thwart the anti-Catholic lecturers.
The L.O.I. and the H.A.C.B.S. exemplified the Irish Protestant and Irish Catholic
traditions. The L.O.1. gradually became a charitable organization but the sectarian nature
of both organizations remained. Public conflict was minimal between 1877-1910. There
was a brief burst of increased sectarian tension during the World War One period but this
was mainly due to external influences.