CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 9 April 1914, Page 26

CATHOLIC FEDERATION

WELLINGTON. . (From our own correspondent.) A meeting of the Dominion Executive - was held on April 2. Mr. F. K. Reeves occupied the chair, and there were present Messrs. Flanagan, Burke, Ellis, Hoskins, McCosker, and Girling-Butcher. An apology was received from Rev. Father Hurley. On the motion of the president, seconded by Mr. J. J. Burke, the following resolution was carried in connection with the terrible calamity at the Upper Hutt last week— * That this Council desires to place on record its deep sense of sympathy with the relatives of those brave men who lost their lives, while performing their duty to their neighbors, in the terrible catastrophe which occurred on Saturday evening at Upper Hutt. The fact that four of the victims were Catholics, and of those four two were members of the Federation, only serves to magnify the sense of loss which the Federation, representing the Catholics of New Zealand, so acutely feels. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the relatives of each of the deceased.’ Letters were dealt with as follows: From the Auckland , diocesan secretary, forwarding copy of the following resolution— ‘ That this Executive Committee desires to place on record its grateful thanks and sincere appreciation of the excellent work done in the cause of the Federation in this, diocese by the organiser (Mr. G. Girling-Butcher), and looks forward to his mission being productive of much good.’—To be acknowledged. From the Dunedin diocesan secretary, forwarding itinerary for the organiser’s tour in that diocese, and reporting her intention of resigning her position owing to removal from Dunedin. was resolved ‘ that the Dominion Executive of the New Zealand (Catholic Federation learns with regret of the retirement of Miss Cal from the position of hon. secretary of the Otago Diocesan Council—a position which she has filled with marked energy and conspicuous ability since the inauguration of the Federation. The Executive feels that the loss it has sustained by Miss Callan’s retirement is almost irreparable, and trusts that at some -future date she may be able to again take up the duties for which she is so eminently fitted.’ - That a copy of this resolution be sent to Miss Callan signed by each member of the Executive. It was resolved that Messrs. M. Walshe and T. Fouhy be elected, subject to their consent to act, to fill the Vacancies caused by the resignation* of Messrs. Ward and Columb. The secretary was directed to interview Rev. Father Hurley, hon. treasurer, with reference to the refutation of calumnies against the Church which may be spread by evilly disposed persons, and request him to bring up the matter at next meeting. The ( secretary reported that replies had been received from ' the diocesan secretaries at Auckland and Dunedin to the effect that it was not probable that any member of the clergy or laity. would be in Sydney to represent the New Zealand „ Federation at the Conference of the New South Wales Federation in Easter week. The diocesan secretary of Christchurch had, however, reported that Mr. H. S. Murray, of Bathurst, and the Rev. Basil Loughnan, _of Riverview, would probably act if furnished with data, and, requested to* represent New Zealand. - : As ; time pressed, the secretary had written • to these gentlemen requesting them to attend the meetings as New Zealand representatives, and to furnish reports of the. proceedings. The secretary’s action was approved. • The Diocesan Council- of Dunedin was thanked for their : action in attending to the matter of billeting'

Catholic lads who * will attend from the country districts the, parade of Senior Cadets before General lan Hamilton. . T - V The secretary was instructed to write to diocesan /secretaries as to forwarding remittances wherewith to defray current expenses, as the balance in the bank does not at present suffice to meet payment of salaries and other expenses now due. The secretary and organiser reported at some length on his recent tour of the Auckland diocese, and it was resolved to place on record the appreciation of the Dominion Executive of the good work of the organiser and the pleasure the Executive feels to note that Mr. Girling-Butcher’s services were so highly appreciated by the Auckland Diocesan Executive, as shown by the resolution previously recorded. The secretary reported that after some months of very strenuous work the office assistant, Miss GirlingButcher, needed rest, and it was resolved to grant a fortnight’s leave and to place on record the Executive’s appreciation of the excellent work done by her during the absence of the organiser in the Wellington archdiocese and Auckland district.