CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 19 February 1914, Page 29

CATHOLIC FEDERATION

DOMINION EXECUTIVE, WELLINGTON

The Dominion Executive met on Thursday evening, February 12, under the presidency of Mr. F. K. Reeves. . Arrangements were made for the meeting of the Dominion Council, and the report and balance sheet were approved. A motion congratulating the Federation in Southland on their splendid gathering on the 11th inst. was unanimously carried. - Details in connection with the care of neglected children were discussed, and eventually left in the hands of the president to complete. The organiser’s report disclosed splendid results in the Auckland district, and he speaks well of the splendid hospitality of the clergy and laity alike and the facilities afforded him for addressing the people. Mr. Girling-Butcher will return to Wellington for the Dominion Council meeting, and at its conclusion he returns to Auckland to complete his itinerary in that diocese. AUCKLAND DIOCESAN COUNCIL. (From our own correspondent.) A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Auckland Diocesan Council was held on February 12. The vice-president (Mr. 13. McLaughlin) occupied, the chair. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The first business dealt with was the appointment of an assistant Diocesan Secretary. Mr. M. C. Tuily was appointed to the position; The Chairman considered that the secretarial work devolving on the Diocesan Secretary was excessive, together with his other duties, and the appointment of an assistant was absolutely necessary. The committee were unanimous in expressing pleasure at being able to obtain the services of Mr. Tully, and congratulated him on his appointment. Mr. Temm thanked the committee for giving his assistance, and expressed the hope that with the assistance of Mr. Tully he would still be able to further the cause and promote the interests of the Federation throughout the diocese. A quantity of correspondence was received and dealt with. The Health Department wrote granting permission for two representatives of the Catholic Immigration Committee to go out in the Health Officer’s launch to meet immigrant vessels on arrival in the port. An itinerary for the organiser to complete his campaign through this diocese was drawn up. A vote oi condolence to Mr. D. Flynn (a member of the committee) on the death of his mother was passed. A similar motion of- condolence was passed to the relatives of the late Mr. John Black, of Paeroa, a member of this Diocesan Council. Mr. Black was present at the half-yearly meeting, held on January 7, and took a prominent part in the proceedings. Mr. Temm reported to the committee that several parish committees had not ct forwarded their returns for the year ending December, 1913. It was decided to AvrFe the delinquent parishes drawing their attention to the rules regarding this matter. It is hoped that after the organiser’s visit the membership in this diocese -will be considerably increased. CHRISTCHURCH. (From our own correspondent.) The executive of the Christchurch Diocesan Council met in their rooms, Wiltshire Buildings, on last Wednesday evening. The president (Mr. W. .Hayward, Jun.) occupied -the chair. A considerable : amount of routine business was transacted, and the delegates to the Dominion Council were provided - with remits and other matters . affecting the Federation movement to be brought /under the , notice : of the Council. -; - ; , 5 " A meeting of the local Catholic Immigration Com-

mitttee was also held, and useful business was transacted. ~-■-.- ..:i- - ' ' .■ ; '"'-"' "\~-.~ /---." -•■.- At the request of the C.I.C. the president of the Diocesan Council consented to act in a like capacity for that organisation. > ; i ASHBURTON. (From our own correspondent.) Following on a meeting of the parish committee of the Ashburton branch of the Catholic Federation, the enrolment of members for the ensuing year is being carried out at the church doors on Sunday. Rev. Father O'Donnell made a special appeal to all Catholics to join the Federation ; and so far, the response to his appeal, as shown by the large numbers enrolling, is up to the desires and expectations of the executive officer.:. — : « PALMERSTON NORTH. (From our own correspondent.)February 15. The Federation committee have been busily engaged at all the services for the past two Sundays, in enlisting fresh members and taking the subscriptions for the ensuing year from the present members. Theyhave met with a large measure of success, and the resulting membership should be fully double that of last year . A general meeting called for last Sunday night in the Zealandia Hall after Benediction was largely representative of the congregation. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. Father McManus and Messrs. Joseph Hodgins and F. Oakley. Many new members joined at the close of the meeting. A big programme of useful work was drawn up by the committee to be dealt with by the Federation. This will give plenty of scope for everyone during the winter months. BLENHEIM. (From our own correspondent.) The usual monthly meeting of the local Parish Committee was held in the Presbytery on Friday, February 6, when the Rev. Father Fay presided over a full attendance of members. Important business was transacted. -- .-: :■..»<.. ... CATHOLIC IMMIGRATION COMMITTEE. A meeting of the C.I.C. was held in the Federation Rooms on Friday, February 13. Miss Reichel, vicepresident, and 14 members attended. A proposal was submitted to form a club . for immigrant girls. After a somewhat lengthy discussion, it was decided to let the matter stand over till the next meeting. The secretary in the meantime was to draw up a report on the subject, and place it before the girls at their next social evening, which takes place on Thursday, February 19. There are now many new arrivals in the city, and it is almost impossible to keep in touch with them unless some steps of this kind are taken. Correspondence was read from the secretaries of various districts. The C.I.C. much appreciate the enthusiasm shown by the majority. • <-