CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 1 July 1915, Page 19

CATHOLIC FEDERATION

WAIPAWA. ' The annual meeting of the members of Waipawa branch of the Catholic Federation was held in St. Patrick’s Church, Waipawa, on Sunday, May 30. The president (Rev. Father Bergin) occupied the chair; there was a large attendance. . The secretary presented the annual report and balance sheet, showing a membership of 235, and a credit balance of £3 Bs. Both were adopted. The following were elected a parish committee:—Rev. Father Bergin, Messrs. E. H. Lee, T. Butler, S. McGreevy, sen., W. Vickers, E. J.’ O’Brien, and S. McGreevy, jun. Representatives of the other parts of the parish are as follow:—Waipukarau, Mi. M. Murphy; Takapau, Mr. M. O’Connor; Onga Onga, Mr. E. Coles, jun. In the annual report, these gentlemen were thanked for their generous cooperation during the past year. In view of the departure of the parish secretary, it was moved by Mr. E. 11. Lee that— The best thanks of the Waipawa branch of the N.Z. Catholic Federation be extended to Mr. John Duggan for his enthusiastic work as secretary of the branch.’ Speaking to the motion, Mr. Lee pointed out the need there was at the present time for young and energetic Catholic laymen, and he held that the full fruit of Catholic effort'could not be garnered until each parishioner recognised that lie or she had a personal duty in furthering the activities of the Church, both on religious and social lines. .Mr. S. McGreeAy bore testimony to the straightforward and earnest spirit of their departing secretary. The Rev. Father Bergin endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers, and took the opportunity to wish Mr. Duggan God-speed. Whether as a practising Catholic, the sturdy champion of the Church’s cause, or as a citizen, he was a man the community could ill afford to lose. On behalf of the Sisters, and convent, children, and on his own behalf he thanked Mr. Duggan for many kindnesses and much generous co-operation. Priest and people deeply regretted his departure, and wished him a long and prosperous future. Father Bergin then asked Mr. Duggan to accept several small tokens of esteem.

In reply, Mr. Duggan returned thanks for the many kind words and gifts. Ile gave feeling expression to his appreciation of the help and assistance afforded him by his fellow Catholics of Waipawa. There was a place in the Church’s social work for the layman, and he had but attempted to realise his ideal in this matter. He was touched by the kindly gift of the Sisters and convent children. Subsequently a meeting of the committee was held, at which Mr. W. Vickers was appointed secretary, and it was decided to make a donation of ,£1 towards the expenses of the Catholic hall at Trentham. PALMERSTON NOR (From a correspondent.) . A general meeting of the Catholic Federation was held on the 31st ult. Mr. T. Norris, who presided, briefly explained the object of the meeting, and said that it was necessary to elect six members to act on the parish committee of the Federation. The following members were elected:— Messrs. J. Gleeson, Geo. V. Graham, M. Burke, Misses L. Low, 11. Butler, and Brophy. At a subsequent meeting, held on June 14 for the purpose of appointing officers the following were elected;—President, Rev. Father McManus; vice-presi-dents, Rev. Father Forestall and Mr. J. Gleeson ; secretary, Mr. T. W. Comerford ; treasurer, Miss Low.

On Friday evening, June 18, Mr. Girling-Butcher paid a visit to Palmerston North, and addressed the members of the Federation, Mr. A. Mahon presiding. The organising secretary spoke for nearly an hour on Federation matters, and his remarks were listened to with every attention. lie brought home to all the aims and objects of the Federation, and urged the various committees to increase the membership. In his concluding

iemarks, he asked the Federation to remember the * boys at the front’ in their prayers. On the motion of the chairman, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the speaker which was suitably acknowledged. The meeting passed a vote of sympathy with Bishop Cleary in his illness, and cabled the same to his Lordship. It was decided to hold the’ first Sunday in July as Federation Sunday, and the committee were asked to attend each Mass and collect subscriptions. The meeting then closed with the usual vote of thanks to the chairman.

AKAROA. (From an occasional correspondent.) The first annual meeting of the Akaroa branch of the Catholic Federation was held on June 8, nearly 100 persons being present. Rev. Father Bonetto presided. • The annual report and balance sheet were read and adopted. The officers elected for the coming year are as follow:—President, Rev. Father Bonetto; vicepresidents, Messrs. Felix Brocherie and B. G. Mora; treasurer. Miss Ethel Lelievre; secretary, Mr. Martin Daly : committee—Mrs. Lane, Misses G. Weir, R. Kotlowski, Mary McGuire, Messrs. E. Donnell and P. McGuire: representatives of the Altar Society, Mrs. KotloAvski and Mrs. M. J. Lelievre; Children of’Mary Misses M. Dierck and B. Walker; parish committee, Messrs. M. Kearney and E. Kotlowski. During the evening an orchestra played several pieces. Songs were sung by Mrs. Lane, Misses A. Dierck, B. Dierck, and M. Piper, and a recitation was given by Miss Nora Lelievre.