CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 30 October 1913, Page 36

CATHOLIC FEDERATION

DOMINION EXECUTIVE.; ' #(From our Wellington correspondent.) The usual weekly meeting of the Executive took place at the Board Room, on the 22nd inst., Mr. F. K. Reeves, president, in the chair." A quantity of routine business was transacted, and reports were received from the diocesan secretaries of Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Correspondence was read from the Ladies' Immigration Committee of St. Vincent de Paul Society re encouraging emigrants from Ireland. A discussion ensued, and it was resolved that, while I the Federation does not desire to encourage the people of Ireland to leave their own country, yet if they are determined to emigrate every facility and attention, to their spiritual and temporal needs will be afforded to them by the New Zealand Catholic Federation at the port of arrival. A motion, that the Executive be divided into sub-committees dealing with finance, literature, social, and printing matters was lost by a substantial majority. It was decided that as soon as possible the secretary should commence an organising tour of those districts in which his services are most required. He will address general meetings, and consult with and advise local committees as to the manner in which their services can be most profitably utilised. It was resolved, ' That the clergy, secretaries of clubs, sodalities, and societies in Wellington be informed that a register of dates for socials, meetings, lectures, etc., is at the Federation headquarters, and if they desire to avoid clashing with dates already fixed telephonic inquiry should be made to the secretary.' As a result of reports from diocesan secretaries it is observed that a great number of parishes are very dilatory in remitting their dues to the diocesan councils, : thereby interfering with the progress of the Federation. Officers of parish committees are therefore enjoined to give this matter their prompt attention, and remit forthwith the proportion due to their respective diocesan councils. BRANCH MEETINGS. The Sacred Heart branch, Thorndon, held a meeting last Sunday night, under the presidency of the Rev. Father Hickson, S.M., Adm. There was a good attendance. St. Anne's branch, Wellington South, also met last Sunday evening at St. Anne's Hall, under the presidency of the Ven. Archdeacon Devoy, there being a good attendance. A sub-committee was set up to prepare for a systematic canvass of the parish for the enrolment of every Catholic. AUCKLAND DIOCESAN COUNCIL. A meeting of the executive committee of the Auckland Diocesan Council of the Catholic Federation,

was held on Wednesday last at St. Patrick's Presbytery, Wyndham street. There were present, the Bishop's representative', the Rev. Father Edge, and Messrs. McLaughlan, Casey, Sheahan, and Temm, with the president (Mr. Furlong) in the chair. The committee was pleased to learn that the Dominion Executive had now appointed a permanent secretary and organiser, and had been successful in obtaining suitable offices for the headquarters in Wellington. The Catholic employment bureau, and the register of Catholic boarding-houses will be of great advantage to visitors to that city. Parish committees in this diocese have been advised of the above, and special attention has been drawn to the fact that parents of boys or girls who are appointed to the Government service in Wellington, would be wise to obtain board and lodging for them through the Federation in good ■ respectable Catholic families. The Federation continues to make steady progress in this diocese, and it is hoped that ere long, every parish will be taking an active part in Federation matters. The question of establishing a Catholic Immigration Committee for the Port of Auckland was dealt with, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, as elsewhere, are taking a leading part in this very important matter. * •