FEDERATED CATHOLIC CLUBS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6492, 11 April 1908, Page 2

FEDERATED CATHOLIC CLUBS

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. THE REPORT. Following is the report of the executive of the Federated Catholic Clubs ot Now Zealand, which is to be presented at the seventh annual conference* to be held at-Auckland next week;— Chibs.—Since last annual conlercfnco Clubs established at x\ew {Plymouth, Onehunga, and Hastings have joined tne Federation. ■ There are now eighteen affiliated Chibs, viz.: Auckland, Onehun fy a, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Hastings” Palmerston North, Potone, Wellington, Blenheim, Greymouth, Hokitika, Christchurch, Ashbiudon, Temuka, Uamai'u, Dunedin, South Dunedin, and Invercargill. Wo havo been in communication with Thames, Waihi, Hamilton, Gisborne, Napier, Peildmg, Lower ilult, WcstpOrt, Waimate, Gore, and Riverton, with the view to the formation and affiliation of Clubs, and there is, wo are pleased to say, prospect of success in some of the places named. Essav Competition.—wo regret to state that only three members entered for this competition. viz., representatives of the Wellington, Petone, and New Plymouth Clubs. The. competition' was won by Sir 11. F. Jackson, of the Petcne Club, whose ossay was published in the September issue of the 'Catholic Magazine."

Oratorical Contest.—An oratorical contest was bold during October, and members of .the following Clubs competed, viz.. New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, Greymouth,, Christchurch, Onmaru and Invercargill. A diploma of merit was awarded to the winner each case. - It is to he much regretted that many of our Clubs are very apathetic in regard to competitions promoted by the Executive, and in tins instance tne majority cf tlio Clubs which did not hold a competition failed to even acknowledge receipt of the prospectus from the Executive.

Medallion.—The .question of adopting a medallion -was again submitted to the various Clubs, but ns very poor support was forthcoming too idea has, been definitely abandoned.’

“The Catholic Magazine."—Wo are pleased-to say that tho "Magazine." (the official organ of tho Federation) is in a satisfactory position. We desire, how- 1 ever, to point out that the .work entailed in tho production of the "Magazine" is very arduous, and it would bo much lightened if all the members of the affiliated Clubs gave their practical support to this important adjunct. We ffiope that the time will soon arrive, when -the

“Magazine" wi 11 be published more frequently than quarterly, but in order that this projeet may bo rcialised it is necessary that every member of the Federation should not only become a subscriber himself, but should also endeavour to obtain other subscribers, and that tho literary side of the "Magazine" should receive support from members whose talents render them facile of pen. Mr H. McKeown having, in March, linn resigned the position of Editor, wh - he had worthily filled for a considerable period, the editorial dunes were undertaken by Messrs A. 11. uasey and L. T. Reichol, and Mr McKeown was appointed business manager. •

Honorary Members.—During the year three honorary- members were elected tinder rule 15 (b), viz.: Very Rev Father O'Shea, S.M.V.G. f (\veUingtoii), biv George Clifford (Christcnurch), and W. G f Malone, Esq. (Now Fiyraouth). Spiritual Director.—Owing to his recent transference from Wellington), Rev Father Kimbell, S.M., has relinquished the office of Spiritual Director, the duties appertaining to which he has zealously discharged for several years past. He has a very worthy, successor in. the person of Rev Father Venning, S.M., Conclusion.—We wish to thank the Clubs generally for the co-operation and support given to the Executive during the past term. We trust that the Federation will progress stm more in the future, and that ere long the acme ol our ambition, viz.: the establishment and affiliation of a strong Catholic Club in ©very centre of population in the Dominion—will be realised.