THE CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 16 October 1913, Page 25

THE CATHOLIC FEDERATION

MEETING OF THE DOMINION EXECUTIVE. (From our Wellington correspondent.) ; A meeting of the Dominion Executive of the Catholic Federation was held at the Board Room, 51 Lower Cuba street, on Wednesday, October 8, when there were present Mr. F. K. Reeves (in the chair). Rev. Father Hurley, Messrs. Hoskins, O’Kane, McCosker, Casey, Ward, Columb, Burke, and the secretary. ~-!_■■■ The secretary reported that he had interviewed Mr. Firth, principal of Wellington College, with reference to the lecture by Mr. Ray, also that he had written to the Minister of Education with regard to it, and he had received the following reply : ‘ Dear Sir, — am in receipt of your letter of 3rd inst. I have not seen Mr. Ray, or ? heard anything of his lectures, but I regret very much indeed that he has given offence to any of our community. So far as I can do so I will see that lectures of this sort are prevented in future. ‘ (Signed) J. Allen.’ The chairman welcomed Mr. Burke as a member of the Executive. He also referred to Mr. Casey’s coming departure, and voiced the regret of the Executive at the loss they were about to sustain. He spoke of the valuable work done by Mr. Casey for the Federation. On behalf of the Executive he wished him every success and all prosperity, and promised him that he would always be remembered by his colleagues on the Executive. In order that Mr. Casey might remember the Executive he handed him a little souvenir of pleasant associations. Rev. Father Hurley also referred to the- good work of Mr. Casey, and wished him, on behalf of the clergy, every prosperity and success. He trusted Mr. Casey would keep his late colleagues in Wellington posted on the doings of the Canadian Federation. Mr. McCosker endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers. Mr. Hoskins paid a tribute to the valuable assistance he had received from Mr. Casey.; in his secretarial duties. The president moved, and Mr. Hoskins seconded—• * That the Executive of the N.Z. Catholic Federation desires to place on record its high appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the Federation, and thereby to the Catholic community of N.Z. since the inception of the new movement by Mr. Casey, and while regretting his departure, expresses a sincere hope that in his new sphere of activities he will meet with every success, happiness, and prosperity.’ This was carried unanimously. Mr. Casey thanked the Executive and officers for their kind expressions. He said he did not deserve all the complimentary remarks which were made about him that evening. He would always take a keen interest in the Federation’s welfare. He wished it every success and prosperity, which he had no doubt would eventuate under the able guidance of the president, general secretary, and Executive. In conclusion, he thanked them for their many kindnesses, and for the present made to him. The secretary read a telegram of condolence which had been sent to Very Rev. Father Keogh. The secretary of the Diocesan Council, Dunedin, reported on the progress of the Federation in that diocese. The report stated that 2050 members had been enrolled. This was considered very satisfactory. A communication was received from the Sacred Heart branch of the H.A.C.B. Society with reference to a bookseller displaying a notice of an objectionable book. The secretary interviewed the bookseller, who immediately withdrew the placard, and promised that he would not take any more orders. He asked the Federation to , advise him with regard to offensive works, in order that he might refrain from selling any- such publications. The secretary was directed to send a letter of condolence to Rev. Father Kimbell. The Rev.

Father Hurley (treasurer) read a balance ; sheet, showing the present financial position. secretary was directed to write to diocesan secretaries, • requesting remittances, and pointing out that the subscriptions received do not yet tally with the amounts that should have been received in accordance with, the membership roll. The secretary’s report of proposed operations was next taken, and approved as follows —• The Secretary’s Report. The object is to make the Federation rooms veritably a headquarters for the Catholic community of New Zealand, and it must be understood that the offices will be open continuously from 10 a.m, until 5.30 p.m. It is felt that the Federation should be the means of making our fellow-countrymen better known to one another, and, if advantage is taken of the opportunities offered, many friendships of mutual advantage can be established, and bonds of Christian fellowship : cemented. By means of the N.Z. Tablet a standing invitation is to be extended to all our coreligionists, of all ages, when visiting Wellington, to call at the Catholic headquarters, sign their names in the visitors’ book, and give the officers of the Federation the pleasure of making their personal acquaintance. ' In order to acquaint members of our community throughout the Dominion with the whereabouts of the headquarters, and the general advantages and privileges extended by the Federation, members of diocesan councils and parish committees are urged to bring this matter under the direct notice of their Catholic friends.

The secretary proposes to issue a monthly bulletin, copies of which will be forwarded to secretaries of parish committees for distribution amongst the people of their districts. The bulletin will contain the whole of the news in connection with matters concerning the Federation, and should be of great interest, and of material service in maintaining the interest of members, and stimulating them to further efforts for the welfare of the Federation.

It is proposed to compile from the various parish rolls a complete list of all the Catholics in New Zealand; to compile a schedule of all Catholics engaged in teaching in the State schools; to compile, for the information' of the members of the community, a list of all Catholic professional men and women (particularly medical men, nurses, and others engaged in similar occupations), in order that our people may (if they so desire) engage the services of members of their own faith.

The establishment of an immigration bureau is now in hand. Operations will be conducted by the staff, and every assistance will be given to the Ladies' Immigration Committee of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in each of the centres. It is proposed to act in conjunction with the Government Department of Immigration, and information will be circulated respecting ■. terms. 'of assisted emigration, and other matters in this connection. It is proposed to keep in touch with societies in England and Ireland, with a view to securing information as to intending Catholic emigrants. _ The secretary has been registered .as a licensed registry-office keeper. A roll has been opened of the names and addresses of Catholic employers requiring male or female assistants for work of any description. Persons from every part of the Dominion of either sex, desiring employment in any capacity, are invited to record their names and qualifications at the bureau. Negotiations will be entered into so as to bring prospective employers and employees into communication. It is hoped that both classes will avail themselves of the services of the staff, which will be gladly rendered, without charge to either side, albeit it is hoped that donations towards the expenses of the Federation generally may result consequent on the successful fruition of such negotiations. A record of Catholic boardinghouses and private householders in every part of the Dominion, who are prepared to receive boarders (temporary or permanent), will also be kept. Such persons are invited to supply /particulars as to terms, locality,

and accommodation available. Those in need of such accommodation, and, in particular, visitors, and parents of young people about to reside in Wellington, are asked to communicate with the secretary. A notification of the hotirs at which the various Masses are celebrated will be sent for exhibition in the various Catholic hotels and boarding-houses for the information of visitors. : The board room is at the disposal of the committee of any Catholic body, provided that due notification is given to the secretary.