CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 28 January 1915, Page 23

CATHOLIC FEDERATION

CHRISTCHURCH DIOCESAN COUNCIL

(From our own correspondent.)

- The third half-yearly meeting of the Christchurch Diocesan Council of the Catholic Federation, was opened on Monday afternoon, January 18, in the Sacred Heart Hall, Craigie avenue, Timaru. The following represented the diocesan clergy, and incidentally their own parochial , districts —Very Rev. Dean Tubman, S.M. (Timaru), Very Rev. Dean Hyland (Rangiora), Rev. Dr. Kennedy (Methven-Rakaia), Rev. Father Aubry, S.M. (Waimate), Rev. Father Fanning, M.S.H. (Darfield). Rev. Father Cooney (Lyttelton). The executive officers present were, Messrs. J. R. Hayward (vicepresident), and J. J. Wilson (diocesan secretary). Mr. G. Girling-Butcher, general secretary and organiser, also was in attendance. Branch delegates were present as follows: —Christchurch (Cathedral), Messrs. J. R. Hayward, J. J. Wilson, (St. Mary’s) Miss Guiney; Lincoln, Mr. M. Corrigan; Methven, Messrs. T. Twomey and D. McKendry, jun. ; Rakaia, Messrs. P. Tully and F. Stanton; Geraldine, Messrs. J. Lysaght and J. Goughian; Temuka, Mr. J. J. Nolan; Fairlie, Messrs. W. Barry and G. O’Dowd; Timaru, Messrs. W. Angland? and J. P. Leigh; Morven, Messrs. J. Tangney and D. Costello; St. Andrews, Messrs. R. T. Batchelor and M. Sullivan. As proxies representing districts were Rev. Father Murphy, S.M., Messrs. J. Hyland, M. Roche, W. Gillespie, and M. O’Meeghan. A telegram of sympathy was despatched to his Lordship Bishop Grimes on his illness. On the motion of Mr. W. Angland, Mr. J. R. Hayward (vice-president) was unanimously elected chairman of the conference. Apologies for absence were received from Mr. W. Hayward, jun. (president), Mr. M. Garty (treasurer), and Mr. J. Griffin (St. Mary’s, Christchurch). The Rev. Father Cooney (Lyttelton) telegraphed an apology for unavoidable absence from the opening session, but was present at the second. Mr. S. Ryan also telegraphed an apology for absence, greetings from the Rangiora branch, and best wishes for a successful meeting. After the roll-call of delegates, the chairman welcomed the general secretary and organiser, Mr. G. Girling-Butcher, to the meeting. Mr. Girling-Butcher suitably replied, and explained that his chief object in coming at the request of his executive, was to meet and become acquainted with the delegates, so that when he commenced his organising tour he would know someone in each of the various districts he had

to visit, who would be helpful to him, and he would thus not be a total stranger. Another reason why he had come south just then was to meet the Westland clergy when coming out of retreat. The Very Rev. Dean Tubman, S.M., tendered a hearty welcome to the clergy and delegates. They were honored that Timaru had been selected for the first meeting of the Diocesan Council, held outside the chief city, and all would be delighted to make the visitors’ stay pleasant and agreeable. His best wishes were that the meeting would be prolific of the greatest good to the Catholics of the Dominion.

The half-yearly report and statement of accounts were adopted. The secretary read and moved the adoption of the report of the Catholic Immigration Committee. This was seconded by Miss Guiney, who spoke of the need of girls’ clubs, making special reference to the practical move in that direction in Christchurch. Mr. J. P. Leigh congratulated Miss Guiney on her work, which should receive the assistance of the Federation. The Very Rev. Dean Tubman said he was greatly pleased at the movement, and gave instances of how the interests of Catholic girls were safeguarded by similar institutions in other large cities known to him. The work of Miss Guiney and her lady associates had formed a basis of operation upon which an enduring structure, would eventually arise. Mr. Girling-Butcher also congratulated the ladies of Christchurch on the in-

auguration of that which would have far-reaching effects. Reports * from branches were read and received. - 'f Mr. -W. Angland ’(Timaru) ' moved ‘ That this meeting of t the Christchurch Diocesan Council tenders its sincerest thanks to ,his Lordship Bishop Cleary ' for his splendid efforts in safeguarding" Catholic interests, in opposing the methods of the Bible-in-Schools League, and his valiant defence of the rights, of conscience ; and that our hearty congratulations be conveyed to his Lordship on his success.’ : This was . seconded by Mr. M. Corrigan and supported by the chairman and Very Rev. Dean Tubman, and carried unanimously. • The Very Rev. Dean Tubman moved— - That this meeting congratulates" the Catholic Federation of the Dominion, with his Lordship Bishop Cleary as leader, in connection with the foregoing resolution.’ This was seconded by the secretary and carried. Mr. J. Tangney (Morven) moved and Mr. R. T. Batchelor (St. Andrews) seconded— ‘ That this meeting recognises, and desires to most heartily thank the hierarchy and clergy of the Dominion for their great assistance during the contest on the Bible-in-schools question.’ Mr. W. Angland supported the resolution, and, with the mover’s and seconder’s consent, made the following addition —‘ And to assure them that the Federation is at their back on all questions they give the lead in.’ On the motion of the chairman, seconded by the Very Rev. Dean Tubman, it was decided unanimously to tender the sincere thanks of the conference to the Rev. Father O’Donnell (Ashburton), . and express the admiration of all present at the exceedingly able and effective manner in which he met and dealt with a recent outburst of bigotry on the part of a local politician. A discussion of the various subjects contained in the agenda paper was then proceeded with. The secretary moved that congregations attending a church in any parochial district other than the centre be privileged to form a separate branch of the Federation, instead of a sub-committee attached to a parish committee, and report direct to the Diocesan Council. The mover pointed out that the object of the motion was Intended to define the position of existing branches formed under the conditions referred to in the motion

and leave no doubt as to the proper course of action to bo adopted in the future. The Dominion Executive already sanctioned the procedure indicated, providing Diocesan Councils exercised discretionary powers. The motion was seconded by Mr. W. Barry (Fairlie), and carried.

The chairman moved' that the question of public libraries be thoroughly discussed in so far as antiCatholic literature is catalogued, permitted on the shelves, and thence distributed, having -special reference to the local and general government subsidies. An interesting discussion ensued. Mr. Hayward spoke of recent activity on the part of the Diocesan Council executive. Mr. M. Corrigan followed. Mr. W. A’ngland laid stress on the advisability of having a representative selection committee on libraries. Mr. J. P. Leigh pointed out the futility of spasmodic action, and spoke of the laxity observable" in a large centre he had visited where a certain book, so much condemned, was displayed for sale in the shop windows. Mr. Angland desired to add that the forthcoming local elections would present a favorable opportunity for the Catholic voice being heard on this subject. The secretary stated that the worst offending publishing firm had a depot in Melbourne. All the most offensive antiCatholic literature was catalogued by this firm, and it should be a recommendation to the Dominion Executive to ask the Victorian Catholic Federation to bring pressure to bear upon it. The Very Rev. Dean Tubman urged all branches to take practical steps to minimise, if not entirely suppress, this class of literature by reporting to the diocesan secretary any such coming under notice. An index of bad books could then be compiled, and lists furnished to every branch. It was decided to adopt this course.

The Very Rev. Dean Tubman moved, and Mr. T. Twomey (Methven) seconded a resolution that steps be

taken so that in-every district a copy of the Tablet shall ae placed in- the local library.V Mr. J. P. Leigh j and Miss Guin ey also spoke to the motion, which was carried, the delegates being asked to convey the .same,, their various branches, the. diocesan secretary to do likewise to the branches not represented at the meeting. - It was also resolved that it be a recommendation to all .parish committees to take the necessary steps and .do their utmost to have removed from the shelves of local public libraries all objectionable literature. Mr. J. P. Leigh moved that the remit having reference to the establishment of a Catholic labor bureau be deferred, as there was not any real need of present action. After several speakers had expressed . themselves in a similar strain this course was agreed to. On the motion of the Very Rev. Dean Hyland, seconded by Mr. J P. Leigh,, it was agreed that the need existed of measures being , taken, so that the best results could be obtained in regard to social service in the interests of Catholics, and that the ecclesiastical authorities be approached on the subject. The Very Rev. Dean Tubman also spoke to the motion. _ Miss Guiney advanced the question of establishing a girls’, hostel, and as to how far and in what manner the Diocesan Council would feel justified in assisting. Miss Guiney also spoke of girls’ clubs, and what had been so far done in this connection in Christchurch. The Very Rev. Dean Tubman, Mr. W. Barry, Mr. M. Roche, and the chairman spoke on the subject. Mr. J. P. Leigh supported the proposition with the addition that the executive be invested with the power to act. Mr. W. Angland was of opinion that branches should be directly appealed, to. The entire proposition was affirmed.

Consideration of the best means to be adopted in ensuring uniformity of action by the Federation on matters of general importance resulted in a resolution being carried, on the motion of the . chairman, to the effect that a lead should be given by the Dominion Executive.

The next remit calling for an expression of opinion on the refusal of the Education Department to concede the same privileges to Catholic primary and secondary schools as are granted to -State schools, and the necessity of framing a strong protest from the Diocesan Council, to be submitted to the Dominion Council for immediate action, occasioned an animated discussion. After Mr. Girling-Butcher had explained the concessions granted after recent agitation, and the refusals to grant just treatment in other matters, the Rev. Dr. Kennedy moved— ‘ That strenuous and urgent steps be taken by the Dominion Executive to have existing disabilities of Catholics in matters of education removed.’ This was seconded .by Mr. M. Corrigan.

The conference then . adjourned at half-past six o’clock till 9 a.m. next day (Tuesday). On resuming, Mr. W. Angland continued the discussion of educational matters on the resolution moved the previous evening. He quoted from the new Education Act to prove that ample provision was therein contained for the rights of Catholics if action is properly exercised. The motion was carried. Mr. J. P. Leigh moved, and Mr. J. Lysaght seconded — That it is not desirable for any member of a parish committee to be on the committee of any political candidate, until such candidate has given his views, and defined his platform on questions affecting the civil rights and liberties of Catholics ; and that the foregoing be embodied in the constitution of the Federation.’ The motion was spoken to by Mr. W. Angland, Mr. T. Twomey, Mr. W. Barry, Mr. J. Tagney, and Mr. J. J. Nolan, Miss Guiney, Mr. R. T. Batchelor, and other delegates. The motion was carried by 16 votes to fi. Mr. J. P. Leigh moved, and Mr. M. Roche seconded—‘That the delegates' present appeal .to their respective branches to raise-funds for the . pin-chase of a marquee for military camps, thus providing facilities for the celebration of Mass, and for the,, purposes of a Catholic institute.’ Mr. G. - O’Dowd seconded the motion, which was spoken to by Mr. J. Hyland and Mr. M. Roche, and carried.

• ■ The Very Rev. Dean- Tubman-spoke of the spirited' protest By - the N .Z. Tablet, against- the adoption', of Guy Fawkes -Day for the collection;■ of . funds for Bel- 5» gian relief,' and moved that this conference, through , the N.Z. '1 ablet , enters a public protest against this particular day being, utilised,-, because of its name, for . any public purpose. This was ~ seconded by , the v Rev. , Dr. Kennedy, and carried. Mr. J. P. Leigh moved a protest against the Edu- . cation Department issuing . cards, . such ,as the » John i Wickliffe card, with the School Journal. '. Mr. M. Corrigan seconded the motion, and. it was . decided to - send a remit on the subject' to the Dominion Executive.

New Business.

Mr. W. An gland moved, and ; Mr. "W. • Barry seconded ‘That this meeting considers it advisable <that the Dominion Council , shall hold a special meeting of the council in Wellington before each general election, or an election on account of a dissolution of Parliament, to consider reports in connection with each'Parliamentary candidate, discuss such reports, and define a line of action to be . taken in . connection with each electoral district, if required. —Carried. The Rev. Dr. Kennedy moved— That this Diocesan Council meeting of the Catholic Federation desires to define it as a general principle that no Catholic, holding a public position, identify himself with any movement or function organised and controlled by*an anti-Catholic society, and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to each of the other Diocesan Councils for endorsement. The motion was seconded by Mr. G. O’Dowd, and carried.

On the motion of the Rev. Dr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. J. P. Leigh, it was resolved that the hierarchy be approached re the publication of a Catholic school reader.

Miss Guiney moved a recommendation from St. Mary’s branch regarding the necessity of strict age statistics of minors enrolling in the Federation, with a view of rendering it possible at any time of arriving at any estimate of those entitled to vote, and thus securing for such their electoral rights. This was seconded by Mr. J. P. Leigh, and carried. On the motion of the secretary, a cordial vote of thanks and appreciation was passed by acclamation to the Very Rev. Doan Tubman for the use of the fine hall in which the meeting was held, and to the Sacred Heart Sisters for the trouble they had put themselves to for the comfort and convenience of the delegates, nothing possible being overlooked by them and the executive of the Timaru branch. The chairman sincerely thanked the delegates for attending and devoting much time and thought to the work of the conference, and Catholic Federation generally. The diocesan secretary expressed his deep appreciation of the splendid assistance he had received from the branch secretaries, their keen sense of duty to the Federation, and their promptitude and courtesy on all occasions, all of which tended to make his own work the more pleasant.

On the motion of the Rev. Dr.. _ Kennedy a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Timaru branch for the kind welcome and most hospitable treatment extended to the delegates. The Very Rev. Dean Tubman proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman for the able manner in which he had conducted the business. Mr. Hayward replied. The Rev. Father Cooney expressed his regret at being unavoidably, absent from the first day’s session, and voiced his appreciation of the good work done. Mr. W. Barry (Fairlie) moved, and it was carried with acclamation ‘That this conference places on record its appreciation of the magnificent work done, and being done, by the N.Z. Tablet in the interests of, the Catholic body in this Dominion, and expresses the hope that it will be so generously and consistently supported in the future that it will be enabled to continue and increase its usefulness, and ever ■ occupy that, proud position among its contemporaries it has so well- earned by brilliant editorial ability and effort.’ Before concluding the business the chairman asked

the Very Rev. Dean Tubman to present. Miss Guiney, on behalf of the delegates, with ' a handsome silverbacked hand-mirror, as a memento of the occasion, and

in appreciation of the able manner in which she had represented- her branch, being the only lady delegate present. ~ The meeting was terminated shortly before noon."-