FEDERATED CATHOLIC CLUBS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1101, 13 April 1911, Page 5

FEDERATED CATHOLIC CLUBS.

ANNUAL REPORT. The tenth annual conference of the Federated Catholic Clubs of New Zealand is to be< held at ChTistchnrch during Easter. The annual report of the Executive Committee, to be presented to tho conference, States that'since last annual conference three new clubs have been admitted to the federation—Otnhuhu, Queenstown, and Waimate. It is regretted that, during the year, the Timaru Club found it necessary to disband, but the executive has reasonable hopes that the club will be re-established during the incoming year. There are now twentythree clubs affiliated to the federation.

During the year your executive has awarded diplomas as follow:—For oratory, Messrs. F. O'Gorman (Westport), J. C. Carroll (Auckland), A. F! O'Donoghue (Greymonth), F. Quinn and E. Anderson (Christchurch). lor debating, Messrs. .T.Dwyer (Auckland), J. C. Cooper (Ashbur,ton), J. P. Boland (Onehunga), P. M'Namara : (Christchurch), A. Kirby (Westport), and C. L. Rassmusson (Greymouth). The executive's oifer to award diplomas .for skill in oratory and in debating should havo drawn a greater response than tho above list represents. An improvement in this matter, for the future, is- strongly urged. For essay writing (papers read at last conference)., Messrs. L. T. Reichel (Wellington) arid M. J. Burgess (Ashbnrton). Only two papers were submitted, both of which were of average merit, and .showed evidence of original thought. The executive consequently decided to awaTd a diploma to both contributors.

Messrs. R. W. Collins and E. B. L. Reade (St. Anne's), A. H. Casey and M. O'Kcoie (Wellington), D. O'Dwyor (Blenheim), J. Eadford (Westport), A. V. Patten (Onenunga), C. Fottrell and F. Rowo fChristchurch), J., J. O'Grady (Ashburton), B.' Cox (Hokitika), Thos. . Knight (Timaru), C. A. Carmine and J. R. Tryon (Greymouth) were awarded meritorious service diplomas. . . In conclusion, the executive again urges the necessity of more enthusiastic support by individual members- of affiliated clubs, so that the federation may become a more powerful factor for good in promoting the cause of Catholicity and good citizenship. The agenda for the conference includes the appointment of a.Catholic organiser; papers (specially invited by the executive) by members of affiliated clubs on. "The Best Means. of Promoting and Ensuring the Continuance of tho Welfaro of Catholic Clubs in Now Zealand"; suggestions by delegates for tho improvement of the federation and of its constituent clubs; St. Vincent de' Paul Society, Catholic Ssamen's Conference), H.A.C.B. Societv, Boys' Clubs—tho desirability of mutual co-operation in extending the membership and participating in the work of societies.