CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 27 August 1914, Page 35

CATHOLIC FEDERATION

CHRISTCHURCH DIOCESAN COUNCIL.

At the recent annual. meeting mention was made of a particularly vile and noisome anti-Catholic book that was given circulation by the Sydenham Public Library. It was reported that the book was so sought after that it ’was bespoken in advance at the library by as many as twelve to fourteen persons as a regular thing. With a view of having its circulation suppressed, a zealous lady member of the Cathedral branch of the Federation secured a copy, and this was produced at the meeting above mentioned, examined by several present, and the duty of dealing with it delegated to the executive committee. The following correspondence subsequently passed between the Christchurch diocesan secretary and the Sydenham Library committee : ‘ Hardwicke street, Sumner, ‘Christchurch, July 22, 1914. ‘ The Librarian, Sydenham Public Library, ■ ‘ Dear Sir, —The attention of the Christchurch Diocesan Council of the above Federation has been directed to the , circulation by your library of a vile, scurrilous, and vulgar anti-Catholic book by Lindsay Russell, entitled Souls In Pawn.' As a work of fiction it has not one redeeming feature, neither has it the merit of fulfilling any object other than the fostering of religious bigotry and hatred, and conveying to certain minds a cruel and totally false impression of the Catholic priesthood and the Catholic Church generally. ' ‘I am directed by the executive of the Catholic Federation in this city to respectfully protest against this book being kept in circulatiipn by a library sup-

ported in part, wo believe, from the general municipal rates, and numbering amongst subscribers a large proportion of Catholics whose religious susceptibilities have been grievously wounded as a consequence of the circulation this undesirable publication has already received. ‘ We feel confident that having directed your attention and that of the honorable board controlling the I Sydenham Library to the nature of the book indicated, S immediate orders will be given for its withdrawal from j the library shelves. ‘ Trusting to bo favored with an early reply, 1 | have the honor to be, Sir, very ’ faithfully yours, | ‘ J. J. Wilson, ‘ Secretary Diocesan Coucil, N.Z.C.F.’ ‘ Sydenham Public Library, ‘ Sydenham, August 12. | ‘ The Secretary N.Z. Catholic Federation, ‘ \ ‘Sir, —Re your letter of July 22, asking withdrawal | of Souls in Pawn, by Lindsay Rqssell, my committee have considered the matter, and resolved that the book | remain on the shelves. ‘ 1 have the honor to be, very faithfully yours, ‘ T. C. Sutcliff, Librarian.’ The executive of the Federation do not intend to let the matter rest here, but at the earliest convenient moment will ventilate the subject in the City Council, and meanwhile urge Catholic residents to refrain from supporting the library.

CATHOLIC IMMIGRATION COMMITTEE, WELLINGTON.

A meeting of the C.I.C. was held on August 20 ; Miss Reichel presided, five members attending. . Rev. Father Venning (spiritual director) was also present. As tho arrival of boats is somewhat uncertain, owing to the disturbed state of affairs, it was decided to call meetings when necessary, the secretaries to notify members of dates. The secretaries were instructed to convey the sympathy of the C.I.C. to Mrs. Prendeville—a member her sad bereavement. A Requiem Mass would be offered by the spiritual director. Correspondence was read from Christchurch and Foxton. The club secretary reports that St. Bride’s Club is now in a satisfactory financial position. The club continues to be well patronised, especially on Thursday evenings, when members are at liberty to invite their friends of both sexes, and an enjoyable time is spent in music and games, light refreshments being supplied by members of the club. The committee (hon. secretary, Miss Girling Butcher, Federation office) will be delighted to welcome any girl who is a Catholic, particularly these who are strangers in the city.