Catholic Federation in Auckland

New Zealand Tablet, 16 January 1913, Page 25

Catholic Federation in Auckland

(By telegraph, from our own correspondent.) January 13. ' A large and most enthusiastic audience thronged the Hibernian Hall on Monday night, when a branch of the Catholic Federation was inaugurated in Auckland City. Mr. D. Flynn presided, and his Lordship the Bishop, Eight Kev. Mgr. Gillan, V.G., and all the city and suburban priests attended. His Lordship the Bishop addressed the meeting, and explained the object of the gathering. It was, he said, a movement of the laity in which he and the priests would heartily join, and encourage in every way. he constitution and rules of the new organisation were the same as those of Australia, and identical to those in practical use in other parts of the Dominion. The following resolution, moved by ‘Mr. M. J. Sheahan and seconded by Hon. W. Beehan, M.L.C., was unanimously carried—' That this meeting of the Catholics of the city and suburbs of Auckland having heard the aims and objects of the New Zealand Catholic Federation do now form a branch of the Federation.'

Arrangements were made to constitute parochial committees immediately in the city and suburbs and throughout the remainder of the diocese of Auckland. Representatives from these will meet at an early date, and appoint a Diocesan Council, and by the various Diocesan Councils the Dominion Executive will be constituted. The aims and objects of the federation were read in detail on the lines reported in your issue of the

9th -inst. Among the speakers were his Lordship Bishop Cleary, Hon. W. Beehan, M.L.C., Mr. G. Wilkinson (chairman of the Ellerslie Town Board), Right Rev. Mgr. Gillan, Rev. Father Edge, and representatives of the various parish. societies, notably Mr. Martin (vice-president of the Waihi Catholic Club), Mr. Considine (member of the Devonport Borough Council), Mr. Kane (secretary, of the Hibernian Society). . His Lordship directed the priests present to give effect forthwith to the resolution by organising parish committees, and to report the result to the executive pro. tern. —viz., Messrs. D. Flynn (chairman) and Mr. J. G. Temm (secretary). A vote of condolence was passed with the widow and relatives of the late Mr. W. J. Sullivan, president of the Waihi Catholic Club, who was killed in the city on Friday night last. A vote of thanks to his Lordship for his attendance and to the chairman was carried by acclamation.