A NEW ZEALAND TEMPERANCE CONFERENCE FOR CATHOLICS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume I, Issue 52, 25 April 1874, Page 7

A NEW ZEALAND TEMPERANCE CONFERENCE FOR CATHOLICS.

1 he example of the American Catholics in forming Temperance Homes or Hotels for Catholic immigrants, might well be followed in this country — but it is niuuh to be feared, in our small community, the publican element is too strong for that. I have often thought that in our linger towns Catholic working mcii might form a joint stock hotel or club, ,into which no intoxicatiug drink should be admitted — its members need not be total abstainers. It would serve as a resort for Catholics in town or country, where they might get a good cheap me»l, and a cheap comfortable bedj with Catholic books aud newspapers, and good Catholic company. As a mere money speculation it might pay. Drink and bad books, aud bad company, are the bane ofCatholics here and every where else. Why don't! the "Hibernian Benefit Society" take the matter pp? It is in their w.ty. The club should have a Chaplain — as in tho clubs for the " upper ten" at home — po'itics would be quite adinissabje into such a club, under certain rules. The Reform Club and Carlton, in London, instead of excluding politics, putionise them. Yet good and cheap eating and drinking and lodging are provided at the same time in these clubs Even ia a private house, both politics and religion are allowed to be discussed in a quiet and moderate way. A club or hotel of the sort might be placed under the management of a professional Restaurant-keeoev, who might receive a commission on the profits. Cleanliness and chcipnoss should be the principal things in an institution of the kind. If in time they could raise a billiard-table, it would be a great and innocent attraction.