CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 19 March 1914, Page 31

CATHOLIC FEDERATION

AUCKLAND DIOCESAN COUNCIL. (From our own correspondent.) March 7. A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Auckland Diocesan Council was held on March 4. The president (Mr. J. J. Furlong) occupied the chair. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The first business dealt with was the completion of itinerary for the organiser. A quantity of correspondence was received and dealt with. It w 7 as moved by the vice-president (Mr. B. McLaughlin) and seconded by Mr. Tully, that an office be procured in Auckland for the transaction of Federation business, Mr. Furlong and Mr. Temm to arrange the matter. Since last meeting a letter-box at the General Post Office has been procured. All interested are requested to note this, and address correspondence, etc., to Box No. 453.

The hon. secretary of the Catholic Immigration Committee (Miss A. Lorrigan, York street, Newton), has registered her code address, ' Uru,' for all inland telegrams.

CHRISTCHURCH. (From our own correspondent.) A special summoned meeting of all members of the Cathedral parish branch was held in the Federation rooms, Wiltshire Buildings, on last Monday evening, Mr. J. R. Hayward (vice-president) presided, in the absence of the Very Rev. Chancellor Price, Adm., who had another appointment to fill. A large amount of useful business was transacted, and a spiritual discussion ensued upon several important subjects. Relays of members were appointed to occupy tables at the Cathedral doors on next Sunday to enrol voters on the municipal rolls, and also to enrol new members in the Federation, and receive the present year’s subscriptions. Every effort will be made preparatory to the visit of'the organising secretary to ensure the most successful results. As one of the best means to effect this, a mass meeting of Catholics was strongly advocated to give Mr. Girling-Butcher an opportunity of explaining the chief aims and objects of the Federation, and thm. secure the adherence of many not easily otherwise enrolled.

WESTPORT.

(From our own correspondent.) March 2. Since the reorganisation of the parish committee some weeks ago, when the places of those who failed to attend regularly at the meeting were filled by more active members, the work of the Federation has been advancing satisfactorily. On Sunday evening last a meeting of parishioners was held in the club rooms, when short addresses on the aims and objects of the Federation were delivered by Yen. Archpriest Walshe, Messrs. A. Galbraith and C. O'Loughlin. Yesterday at both Masses an active canvass was made by the committee at the door of the church, and a large number of members enrolled. Further meetings will be held in the near future, when the aims of the Federation will be put before the people ; and 'finally a house-to-house canvass will be made. By this means it is hoped to enrol as a member every Catholic in the parish.

NGARUAWAHIA. (From our own correspondent.) March 3. Mr. George Girling-Butcher, organising secretary of the Catholic Federation, visited our parish recently and addressed a representative and enthusiastic meeting of the parishioners. He described at some length the objects and aims of the Federation, and exhorted his audience to help themselves by joining its ranks. After the lecture questions were invited, but so clearly had Mr. Butcher explained every detail that no questions were necessary to convince those present. At a meeting

held after the lecture Mr. J. Cavanagh proposed, and Mr. T. McKeown seconded, that Mr. F. Pohard be appointed parish secretary (carried).' ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON. (From our own correspondent.) " March 14. The Wellington Diocesan Executive of the New Zealand Catholic Federation met last Friday evening under the presidency of Mr. F. K. Reeves.' It wat decided to inaugurate a series of social evenings in the city, possibly in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall, at which short lectures and speeches could be given. It was also decided to contribute to the expenses of the organiser’s visit throughout the archdiocese, and renovate rooms for the C.I.C. Society’s gatherings. It was decided that the executive meet monthly. The following were appointed a literature committee:—His Grace Archbishop O’Shea, Very Rev. Dean Holley, S.M., Very Rev. Father Keogh, S.M.j 8.A., Rev. Fathers Bartley, S.M., M.A., Herbert, and Hurley, Mr. F. K. Reeves, and Miss Ada Wheeler. The secretary was instructed to get into touch with branches, reminding them of their obligation under the rules of forwarding their quarterly returns.

OHINEMURI. (From our own correspondent A At a meeting of the members of the Catholic Federation, held in St. Joseph’s Schoolroom, Paeroa, last Sunday, for the purpose of electing a president to fill the position previously occupied by the late Mr. J. Black, it was unanimously decided that Mr. T. Mulville be elected for the remaining term. Mr. John Crosby, who had hitherto acted as secretary, also resigned his position, as he was about to leave the district for Auckland, where he is to join his father in business. The Yen. Archdeacon expressed deep regret at the loss sustained by the Federation by the death of the late president, Mr. J. Black, and he hoped that his successor would follow on the lines which he had laid down. Touching on the resignation of Mr. Crosby, the Archdeacon also paid special tribute to the energetic manner in which he performed the secretary’s duties during his term of office, and although regretting his resignation, he wished him every success in his new sphere of life. Mr. Crosby, in a few well-chosen words, expressed keen regret on severing his connection as secretary of the Paeroa branch of the Federation, particularly as he was only just beginning to be conversant with the duties of the position which he had the honor of holding. Mr. S-haw, jun., succeeds Mr. Crosby as secretary for the remaining term. Prior to his departure for Auckland on Wednesday, Mr. Crosby was the recipient of a. very handsome Gladstone bag and travelling rug, the presentation took place in the Druid’s Hall, and was followed by a smoke concert, at which a great many influential Paeroa residents were present.

Mr. Girling-Butcher addressed a meeting of the Catholics of the district in St. Joseph's Schoolroom, Paeroa, on Thursday evening. The chair was occupied by Mr. T. Mulville, who, in introducing :the speaker dwelt on the splendid work done by the Federation, although still in its infancy, in the way of advancing the interests of the Catholic body in this TJo-. minion. The address, Which was on the lines of those given in other places, was a very able one, and left a lasting impression on the minds of those who were present. A letter was read from the Ven. Archdeacon Hackett, expressing regret at being unable to attend.