CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 27 November 1913, Page 36

CATHOLIC FEDERATION

DOMINION EXECUTIVE.. (From our Wellington correspondent.) At the weekly meeting of the Executive, held on November 12, a comprehensive report was received from the secretary and organiser . with reference to his visit to Wanganui. Addresses had been delivered to large audiences at Aramoho, and Wanganui, and the four schools were visited. The St. Vincent de Paul Society held a largely attended meeting, and also the C.I.C. Many new members of the Federation had been enrolled. The members of the Executive expressed the opinion that the organiser’s tour would result in a greatly stimulated interest in the objects of the Federation on the part of the Catholic community. A meeting of the Executive was again held on November 19, the president (Mr. F. K. Reeves) in the chair. His Lordship Bishop Cleary, who was in Wellington for two days, and left that evening for Auckland, sent a message regretting that time did not permit him to attend the meeting. He wished the Executive every success, and assured the members of his deep interest in the welfare of the Federation. A letter was received from Mr. L. T. Reichel, New York, giving information as requested regarding lantern slide sets, for lecturing purposes. He also offered the Executive the free use of his own lantern. It was resolved that a letter be sent to Mr. Reichel thanking him for his services and generous offer. It was reported that a large, signed portrait of himself had been sent by his Lordship Bishop Cleary, to be hung in the board room.

It was resolved that the hearty thanks of the Executive be conveyed to his Lordship. In connection with a case before the Executive, Father Hurley said that the question of representation at the Juvenile Courts would have to be gone into. Consideration of this matter, however, was deferred for the present. It was resolved that an appeal be made to heads of Catholic families, who are willing to take into their homes, for the usual consideration, children committed by magistrates as either neglected or uncared for, to register their names with the Federation, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to all parish committees.

It was resolved' that a letter be sent to Mr. J. J. Wilson, diocesan secretary, Christchurch, commending his prompt action with reference to the Navy League’s neglect to invite the children .of Catholic schools to its entertainment on Trafalgar Day. Reports were received as follow: Employment bureau—Six women and five men have been sent to employment during the week. Boarding accommodationA number of houses were registered, and seven applicants sent to suitable places. Immigration—No oversea vessels have arrived. The St. Vincent de Paul Particular Council has formed a male C.1.C., with Messrs, Lawlor and Maurice O’Connor as official visitors.

A very encouraging report was received from Mr. Girling-Butcher of the progress of v his organising tour in Taranaki. He had visited Manaia, Hawera, Kaponga, Eltham, Stratford,; and New Plymouth, and in all of these places had met the branch committees and addressed well-attended public meetings, which had shown real interest in the work of the Federation. The various Catholic schools were visited, and the children given brief addresses. In some cases the senior children were entrusted with the work of enrolling the others as members of the Federation. Local representatives of the C.I.C. were appointed in each centre, and the various Catholic societies were' met. The parish priests had in every case proved exceedingly helpful and kind, and expressed their conviction that the Federation would be of much assistance to them in their work. It was resolved that a letter be sent to the secretary, expressing the satisfaction of the Executive at what had been accomplished during his present organising tour, and wishing him the same success in the future. DUNEDIN. A meeting of the parish committee of the Catholic Federation was held in , St. Joseph’s Hall on Sunday evening after devotions, the Rev. Father Coffey being in the chair. There was a good attendance of members. Correspondence from the Dominion Executive was received, dealing with various subjects. ; The secretary was instructed to write to Mr. Girling-Butcher, the official organiser, and invite him to visit the parish during the months of February, March, or April of next year. , It was decided to defer an active canvass for new members until next year, and also to defer action with regard to the enrolment of electors, until the publication of the electoral roll. The question of the display of anti-Catholic literature in bookshops was left to Mr. J. A. Scott to deal with. The question of a capitation grant to swimming pupils in Catholic schools was brought up, and Messrs. Hussey and Scott were deputed to draw up a memorandum on the subject for the information of the Dominion Executive.