CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 15 July 1915, Page 24

CATHOLIC FEDERATION

’ WELLINGTON DIOCESAN COUNCIL . : The following is the report of the executive committee of the Wellington Diocesan Council of the Catholic Federation for the half-year ended June 30: During this period the committee held 'five meetings, and the attendance of members was as follows: Right Rev. Mgr. McKenna 2, Rev. Father Daly 2, Mr. B. Ellis 2, Mr. J. Corry 4, Mr. H. A. Parsonage 4, Mr. R. Sievers 4, Mr. F. W. Crorabie 2, Mr. R. P. Smyth 3, and the secretary 5. In February last the Rev. Father J. H. Herring resigned on account of removal from Wellington, and and Mr. R. P. Smith was elected for the remainder of the term. The committee desires to place on record its profound gratitude to Almighty God that his Grace Archbishop Redwood has returned once more amongst us in good health, and sincerely hopes that his Grace may be granted many years of happiness' with his people. The committee desires to express its deep sorrow at the decease of the Right Rev. Dr. Grimes, Bishop of Christchurch, who had taken an earnest interest in the affairs of .the Federation from its inception. A message to that effect was conveyed to the Vicar-General of that diocese on behalf of this council. The committee desires to record its sincere sympathy with the Right Rev. Dr. Cleary, Bishop of Auckland, in the long-continued and severe illness from which his Lordship is suffering, and trusts that Almighty God, in His mercy, will shortly restore the Bishop to health, and that he may be spared to his people for many years to come. The committee learns with deep concern that the health of his Grace Archbishop O’Shea has necessitated his departure from the Dominion, and trusts that his mission in quest of renewed health and vigor may be entirely successful. The committee desires to place on record its sincere appreciation of the dignity conferred upon the Right Rev. Monsignor.McKenna, V.G., chairman of the council for the past year, and trusts that the Right Rev. Prelate will return to the Dominion with restored health, and that he may be long spared to enjoy the honor so worthily bestowed upon him. The membership of the Federation in the archdiocese, based upon the contributions remitted to the Diocesan Council, shows a slight decrease when compared with the similar period of last year. The returns sent in represent 4855 members— including those received too late to lie included in the accounts for the period, and one life member enrolled (Mrs. Cornish, Feilding)— as against 4904 for the first half of the year 1914. This may be accounted for to some extent by the departure of many of our members with the Expeditionary Forces now serving abroad, but a glance at the accounts for the period will show that branches that were last year in a sound and healthy condition have fallen away sadly. This is a matter for very grave concern to all who have the welfare of the Federation at heart, and as the financial year is by resolution of .the Dominion Council, carried forward to June 30 the ■ parish committees referred to have a full year in which to make good the deficiency in numbers. Committees are earnestly requested to give this matter their immediate and serious attention, for until the Federation has enrolled upon its books a majority of the Catholic population of the Dominion, it cannot hope to accomplish very much in their interests or to receive the consideration that would be accorded to a fully representative body. «During the past half-year, the work of the executive committee has been generally of a routine character. No great question such as that which agitated the public mind at this time last year has been before the people, and the opportunity has thus been given to consider questions in the general interests of the Federation. Some of these matters will be placed before the council

by resolutions to be found on the order paper, and it is hoped that the council will give these questions its serious consideration, and that toe result of its deliberations will be beneficial to the Federation, and to the Catholic people as a whole. At the last meeting of the council the necessity of a building at the Trentliam Camp for Catholic purposes was realised, and the council voted the sum of £25 towards its erection. Subsequently, the Dominion Council authorised the erection of a commodious hall for this purpose, and called upon each diocesan council to contribute the sum of £4O towards the cost. Your committee authorised the payment of the balance required, and the whole amount was promptly paid over to the Dominion Council- The Diocesan Council has every reason to be gratified at the. manner in which the money has been expended, and the building —although suitable in every other way — is now scarcely large enough to accommodate all the soldiers attending Mass, and further expenditure vn this direction may be required in the near future. The question of expenses of delegates to Diocesan Council meetings was referred to your executive by the last meeting of the council, and the matter has received considerable attention. The committee went exhaustively into the matter, and was regretfully forced to the conclusion that the revenue of the council would be unequal to the strain imposed upon it, if the proposal to refund the fares of the delegates was given effect to. A return was prepared by 'the secretary, which showed that the cost of bringing three delegates from' each of the 29 principal committees outside a radius of 20 miles from the city, would amount to no less than £l2O for each meeting; and with two meetings in the year it will easily be seen that a much larger revenue than is now the case would be required. * This affords an additional reason for doing everything possible to increase the membership, as it is manifestly impossible for the council to enter into this or any similar scheme for the benefit of the Federation, while hampered by the want of funds. Your executive is of opinion that it is of vital importance that each parish committee should be directly represented at the council meetings, and trusts that the council will give this subject its earnest attention when considering the remits dealing with the question. The necessity for a hostel for Catholic women arriving at, or employed in, the city, has long been felt, and at the last meeting of the council this question was referred to your executive for consideration. The committee, after giving the question much attention; reluctantly came to the conclusion that it would be unwise, in view of the many claims at present upon the generosity of the public, to ask for subscriptions for this purpose. Since the matter was disposed of, however, information has been received that the project would meet with sympathetic consideration from persons in a position to assist the movement, and your executive recommends that the incoming committee be requested to consider the question. Your committee feels that this report would be incomplete without some reference to the great war in which the nations of Europe are now engaged. Many of. our members are now on active service with the Expeditionary Forces, and the Catholic manhood of this Dominion has furnished its full quota of men. The committee feels honored that two of its members have been accepted for service, and feels sure that the council will join in wishing both gentlemen good health and fortune at the front and safe return to the Dominion. To the relatives of those who have given their lives for their country the committee offers its deepest sympathy. To those who have been wounded, its earnest hope is that they may soon be restored to health: and to all now engaged in this terrible conflict its sincere wish is that the war may be speedily brought to a close, and that our men may return to the Dominion in health and with the honor and glory that their brilliant achievements at the Dardanelles so richly deserve. The committee desires to thank all the officers and members of parish committees for their services during

the period ’ under review, and urges upon all the importance of taking advantage of every, opportunity to advance the interests of the Federation. One or two earnest men or women on a parish committee can accomplish much; and the improved position of several of our branches is due almost entirely. to the- earnest work of an industrious and self-sacrificing secretary and too much praise cannot be given to those who have not spared themselves for the interest we all have so much at heart. The secretary desires to place on record his sincere appreciation of the many courtesies extended to him by the general secretary, Mr. Girling-Butcher, and his assistant, Miss Butcher. The balance sheets shows that the total receipts for the half-year were, including a balance in hand of ,£62 Os 3d on January 1, £202 10s lid, made up mainly of contributions by the parish committees. The principal of these wereSt. Joseph’s (Wellington), £2l 4s 2d; St. Mary’s (Wellington), £ls 7s 6d ; Blenheim, £l4 9s 2d; Thorndon, £ll 17s; Wanganui, £ll 15s. The expenditure amounted to £ll9 3s, leaving a credit balance of £B3 7s lid. The principal items of expenditure were —Dominion treasurer, £sl 3s 2d; Trentham building fund, £4O.

CHRISTCHURCH i DIOCESAN COUNCIL

(From our own correspondent.) The second annual meeting of the Christchurch Diocesan Council of the New Zealand Catholic Federation was opened in the Catholic Clubrooms, Wiltshire Buildings, at 10 a.in. on Wednesday, July 7. Mr. W. Hayward, jun. (president) presided. The clergy present, representing their various parishes, were : The Very Rev. Dean Hills, S.M. (St. Mary’s, Christchurch North), Very Rev. Dean Hyland (Rangiora), Rev. Dr. Kennedy (Methven and Rakaia), Rev. Fathers O’Connor (Hawarden), Bonetto (Akaroa), Kerley, S.M. (Temuka), Graham, M.S.H. (Darfield), Bridgewood, M.S.H. (Lincoln), and Cronin (Ross). Delegates from branches present were: Messrs. J. Siegert (secretary) and M. Leonard (Waimate), J. P. Leigh (secretary) and J. D. Crowley (Timaru), R. T. Batchelor (St. Andrews), E. J. P. Wall (secretary) and A. J. Ormondy (St. Mary’s, Christchurch North), S. Ryan (secretary) and J. Conlan (Rangiora), M. J. Liddy (secretary) and J. Staunton (Rakaia), M. Poff and D. McKendry (Methven), Mrs. J. Meade and Mr. W. E. Doolan (Lyttelton), Mrs. P. Burke (secretary) and Mr. J. O’Carroll (Hawarden), Miss M. C. Cassidy (Little River), Mr. J. Cunneen (secretary) and Mr. P. F. Ryan

(Lincoln), I Mr L. -Courtney (secretary) and Mr. G. Getson (Addington), Mr. W. Hayward, jun., and Mr. J. R. Hayward (Cathedral), Mr. T. H. C. Williamson (proxy, Totara Plat). ' . Opening addresses were, given by the Very Rev. Dean Hills, S.M., and the president, after which , the reports of the executive committee, the Catholic Girls' Hostel and Club, and of branches were received. Dean Hills, in his address, made reference to the lamented death of Bishop Grimes, to the serious illness of Dr. Cleary, Bishop of Auckland, and to the death announced that morning of the Most Rev. Dr. O’Reily, Archbishop of Adelaide. The -president welcomed the delegates, especially the lady representatives of branches. He was (he said) pleased to see some who had attended all the Diocesan Council meetings, and he was also pleased to see new delegates to the present meeting. He hoped all would spend a pleasant and profitable time, and that, as the outcome of their united deliberations, much good would ensue with regard to the Catholic cause generally and of benefit to Catholic Federation. Resolutions were passed as follows: ‘ That this Diocesan Council, assembled in general meeting, desires to express its sense of the great loss sustained by the diocese in the death of Bishop Grimes, and to place on record its deep appreciation of the magnificent work done by his Lordship during his lengthy episcopate.’ ‘ That a letter be forwarded to his Lordship Bishop Cleary, deeply sympathising with him in his serious illness, and expressing the heartfelt wish of the Diocesan Council that he will be speedily restored to good health.’ THE REPORT. The half-yearly report of the executive, presented to the meeting, was in part as follows:During the past half-yearly period your executive have been called upon to transact a vast amount of routine and detail business, and we feel that a brief summary of the more important matters considered and dealt with will be of interest to the delegates now assembled. During the last half-year eight meetings of the executive have been held, with an average attendance of six members. Acting on the standing orders of the Dominion Executive, and the expressed wish of the delegates at the halfyearly meeting at Tinian;, together with a request from one of the clergy in Westland, your executive did all that was possible in the interests of the Catholic chaplains and men in connection with the Territorial camps at Orari, Waimate, and Totara Flat (Westland). The experience thus gained, and the expenditure of so much energy resulting in so little real benefit convinced us that as these camps are so comparatively small, and so widely located, several being held at almost the same

time, the Federation cannot hope to cope with them, arid even if it could, the benefits conferred, owing to the short time the men are in camp, are not commensurate with the time and trouble entailed. There is no doubt real good and lasting work can be done among large assemblies of Catholic men, such as occur at Trentham, and we should thus, in the opinion of your executive, direct all our energies and resources there. It is with much pleasure that your executive receive periodical reports from Mr. Archey, director of the Burnham Industrial School, concerning the welfare and placing out of Catholic boys. At our request, Mr. Archey places our boys, when sent out to service, in Catholic homes, and always, as far as practicable, within easy distance of a Catholic church. Your executive accepted the Dominion Council’s levy of £4O towards the cost of erecting and equipping the Catholic institute at Trentham, and in turn asked for a contribution of £1 from all branches of the Federation in this diocese towards this worthy object. As the treasurer’s statement will show, many have not responded, and, although a sum of £26 has been advanced, a great proportion of this amount lias been drawn from our all too slender resources. The zeal and activity of the Timaru branch has been several times in evidence in reporting upon objectionable picture films, and antiCatholic literature, and we have rendered what assistance we could in these matters, the results of which will no doubt be disclosed by the delegates to this meeting from that branch. A very cordial reply was received from his Lordship Bishop Cleary to resolutions passed at the last half-yearly meeting, eulogising his Lordship’s wonderfully successful efforts in the interests of the Catholics in this Dominion. An itinerary was framed, covering the organiser and general secretary’s tour of the diocese. This was adhered to as far as possible, and the results are best known to the committees of the various parishes visited. Generally as a result of Mr. Girling-Butcher’s tour, the branches of the Federation have been increased to 33, several being now located in some scattered parishes. Practically the whole of Canterbury and Westland has now been organised. Your executive take this opportunity of expressing gratitude to the priests of the diocese for the hospitality and greatly appreciated help extended to the organising secretary during his tour. Catholic Girls’ Club and Hostel. Perhaps the most important step the Federation of this diocese has taken since the last half-yearly meeting is the opening of the Catholic Girls’ Club, at 34 Cranmer square, and, as this very important work has been the innocent cause of much adverse criticism, we must claim your indulgence fox a few minutes while we as shortly as possible give the history of this movement up to its present stage. The Diocesan Council executive in the early part of last year called a meeting of ladies of the Cathedral, St. Mary’s, and Lyttelton parishes together, and at that meeting a committee was set up to work in conjunction with the Immigration Committee in Wellington, and to be known as the Christchurch Immigration Committee. The president of the Diocesan Council was appointed temporary chairman, and Miss Johnston secretary —a position she has filled ever since. This committee soon recognised the urgent necessity of establishing a suitable Catholic home for girls on arrival here, and also a room where they, and other Catholic girls, might meet on their free afternoons and evenings. This necessity suggested the next step, and the Immigration Committee invited several Christchurch Catholic ladies to meet them and discuss the advisability of renting a room which had been offered at a very nominal rent, and setting up a Catholic girls’ club. The result was that a much larger committee was formed, some of whom accepted the financial responsibility of the venture. The first move of this committee was to approach our late Bishop, and ask his advice before starting the club. His Lordship expressed himself as very pleased with the movement, gave it his blessing, and promised a subscription. They also called on the Very Rev. Dean Hills, who also

gave his consent to the work, and a subscription towards the funds. 'So the movement began with the blessing and consent of the Church, and was simply a branch of the Federation activities. The room was soon after taken, and a club, where Catholic girls were made welcome, was launched, under the able presidency of Mrs. George Harper. At the annual meeting last year, the council decided, by resolution, that the funds of Federa- ~ tion were not available for immigration committee work, so if that branch of the Federation work was to develop, it was, in some way, to finance itself, from what source, was not stated. This decision was most illogical, as we were practically asking a committee, of ladies to carry on an important branch of Federation work, and telling them at the same time, not to look to us for financial support. This resolution of Hie council had a very far-reaching effect, as it threw the whole financial responsibility on the shoulders of the enlarged immigration committee, and practically cut the movement off from the Federation. The position to-day is that no financial assistance is required or asked for ; recognition is their only request. After occupying the clubroom for three months it was quite evident that a girls’ hostel or boarding-house, in addition to the clubroom, was much needed. Suitable premises * were found, and, after giving the matter much thought, three of the ladies of the committee signed a lease for one year, and thereby became financially responsible for the rent. The next and most-important step was the selection of a suitable matron for the club. In connection with this matter, Miss Johnston (the secretary of the committee'* was approached, and, with her sister, consented to leave their comfortable home, and move all their furniture, etc., and take charge of the Catholic Girls’ Club. The Misses Johnston have means of their own, and were in no way in need, of the appointment, and, in accepting the position, Miss Johnston was merely continuing the active, useful, St. Vincent de Paul life, which she has carried out in St. Mary’s parish for very many years. No other consideration had any weight with her but the good of the cause, and the carrying out of this branch of the Catholic Federation work. The club was formally opened on the afternoon of April 10 (but had actually been in operation since March 19), quite a large gathering being present. The president, Mrs. Harper, made a nice little speech, and Lady Clifford, who, with Sir George Clifford, had given a very generous donation to the funds, declared the club open, and wished it success. The ladies’ committee still take an active part in the policy and management of the club, and have regular meetings at which the matron furnishes full reports. In addition an advisory committee of gentlemen, under the chairmanship of Mr. E. Harper, has been set up, who visit the club, examine the accounts and books. The president of the Diocesan Council has a seat on this committee to form the con-' necting link between the club and the Federation. The many inseparable difficulties in connection with the bringing into existence of such an institution have been overcome, and the club is now running smoothly along true Catholic lines. There is a home for the immigrants on their arrival, whether they are in a position to pay or not, and for Catholic girls out of work, and a comfortable Catholic home for girls visiting Christchurch from the country and other centres. The Rosary is recited each evening after dinner, and an edifying sight it is to see the club so well represented at the altar rails, not only on Sundays but also on week days. We say all honor to the ladies who have brought the club to its present stage in the face of many difficulties. We, as members of the Catholic Federation, owe them a deep debt, of gratitude for facing what we were afraid to face—viz., the financing of a girls’ Catholic club and hostel. Much more could be said on the subject, but the foregoing will suffice to define the position of the institution. We have to thank Mr. Wall (secretary of St. Mary’s parish committee) for opening the books and setting them out in correct method. In the capable hands of the manageress every care will be taken that accounts will be kept in every detail on the lines laid down by that gentleman.

The following statement of accounts will show the position of the institution up to June 30: Money received—Honorary members, ,£2O 6s; donations, i3B 12s 6d; club members’ fees, £ll ; household re-ceipts-board, etc., £7O Os 6d; social gatherings, £l9 4s 6d ; sundries, 8s 3d ; —total, .£l6O Os 9d. Money expended Furniture account, £2B 7s; household expenses, £42 16s 6d ; v rent, salaries, £37 5s 6d ; stamps and stationery, £2 17s Cd; social expenses, £7 6s; cash at bank, £4l 8s 3d ; —total, £l6O Os 9d. Luncheon is supplied at the cost of 6d to members, arid many Catholic girls are availing themselves of the opportunity of taking their mid-day meal there, and it is pleasing to note the number of Catholics who have made use of the club's facilities during its brief existence. Very Rev. Dean Hills, S.M., spoke on the excellence of the work of the hostel as revealed by the excellent report just read. Mr. J. P. Leigh ’ (Timaru) also warmly congratulated all concerned on the inauguration of a movement, the benefits of which had been already abundantly shown. The report of the executive committee and balance •sheet, showing the number of enrolments for the six months from 1-6 branches to be 2028, the cash receipts from all sources £ll3 9s 10cl, and disbursements £ll3 11s Id, were unanimously adopted. Returns were received at the meeting from eight other branches with payments totalling over £4O. The report of the Catholic Girls’ Club and Hostel was also unanimously adopted, and the following resolution passed—' That this meeting places on record its appreciation of the excellent work done by the ladies’ committee in establishing the Catholic Girls’ Club and Hostel, and appoints the Diocesan Council Executive an advisory committee to that institution.’ Satisfactory reports were given by representatives of the branches present, and by the secretary of branches not represented. In a communication received from the secretary of the Grey mouth branch, the difficulty was shown in regard to Westland being directly represented at the meetings of the Diocesan Council, owing to the great distance to be travelled, the consequent inevitable loss of time, and expense, The Rev. Father Cronin (Ross) most forcibly emphasised the point, stating that if the Federation was to progress in Westland, a seperate provincial or district council only would save the situation. This view appeared to be generally shared in by the meeting, and the following resolution was adopted—‘ That it be a recommendation from this Diocesan Council, through its delegates, to the Dominion Council, to fully discuss the subject at the annual meeting of the latter body with a view of having Westland constituted a sub-diocesan, provincial, or district council, the financial details to be re-arranged to meet requirements.’ The Very Rev. Dean Hyland (Rangiora) accepted the position of president of the Diocesan Council, and the following officers were elected:—Vice-presidents— Dr. Loughnan (Timaru), Mr. W. Hayward, jun. (Christchurch), Mr. J. E. Doolau (Lyttelton) ; secretary, Mr. J. J. Wilson (re-elected); treasurer, Mr. M. Garty (re-elected). Mr. J. R. Hayward and Mr. E. Wall were elected members of the executive committee, which it was decided, should consist of nine members, the Very Rev. Dean Hills (St. Mary’s), and Very Rev. Father Price, Adm. (Cathedral) being members exofficio. The conference adjourned at 12.30 p.m., the clergy and delegates being entertained at luncheon at the Excelsior Hotel as guests of the two city branches of the Federation. Resuming at 2 o’clock the consideration of a large amount of newly introduced business ensued-.

Mr. J. R. Hayward spoke at considerable length on a proposal he desired to have adopted and submitted to the Dominion Council. This occasioned a spirited discussion, and on the motion of the Rev. Dr. Kennedy it was decided that inquiries be made by the executive on the scheme propounded by Mr. Hayward. The result to assume the form of a remit to be submitted to the Dominion Council by the Christchurch Diocesan Council delegates. At half-past four afternoon-tea was served by ladies of the Cathedral branch, assisted by one from St. Mary and at the conclusion of the business then in hand an adjournment was made till 6.45 p.m. On re-assembling, the remits on the agenda paper received attention. The first, in slightly different form, was moved by Timaru, St. Mary’s, and Addington branches, and had reference to a suggested alteration of rule 6. The discussion on the subject resolved itself into a comparison of the difficulties encountered by country branches in sparsely populated districts in keeping the parish committees up to the present numerical strength, and the facilities afforded city branches to increase that number. After Mr. J. P. Leigh (Timaru), Mr. G. Getson (Addington), Mr. E. J. P. Wall (St. Mary’s), Mr. F. J. Ryan (Lincoln), Mr. S. Ryan (Rangiora), Mr. W. Hayward (Christchurch, and Mr. Crowley (Timaru) had spoken, a motion was proposed by Mr. J. R. Hayward (Christchurch), seconded by Mr. S. Ryan (Rangiora), recomending the Dominion Council to make provision for parish committees to keep up its numerical strength by filling vacancies from among the parishioners. The next remit (Timaru) was as follows:—‘That it is desirable to consider the advisability of amending the constitution in order to replace the Diocesan Councils by a system of direct representation of parish committees (on a numerical strength basis) on the Dominion Council, and that the meeting of the Dominion Council be held in rotation in the four chief centres.’ This was spoken on by Mr. Crowley (Timaru), Mr. R. T. Batchelor (St. Andrews), Mr. J. E. Doolau (Lyttelton), and Mr. J. R. Hayward (who strongly opposed the remit). Rev. Dr. Kennedy moved, and the Rev. Father Graham, M.S.H., seconded a motion that consideration of the subject be deferred, which was carried. Mr. E. J. P. Wall (St. Mary’s) moved that provision be made in the-rules making it compulsory for all members of Catholic societies or clubs to be financial members of the Federation, before being entitled to representation. Mr. A. J. Ormandy (St. Mary’s) and Mr. Getspu (Addington) supported the motion. Mr, J. P. Leigh (Timaru) also supported it on the broad principle, but was opposed to exacting that every member of a society should be a financial member of the Federation. He advocated 75 per cent., as a fair proportion. Rev. Father Kerley, S.M. (Temuka), spoke only on the percentage quota, advocating that 50 per cent, only should be exacted. This he proposed as an amendment, which was seconded by Mr. J. R. Hayward. It was then adopted as part of the motion, and carried. Mr. E. J. P. Wall moved as a remit from St. Mary’s—‘ That rule 10 (clause (a), page 7, be amended by inserting the following words, after the words “electing body’’—“excepting delegates to the Diocesan Council who may be elected not later than on© month prior to a Diocesan Council meeting.’’’ This was seconded by Mr. A. J. Ormandy. The Rev. Dr. Kennedy moved, and Rev. Father Graham, M.S.H., seconded an amendment, that the remit was unnecessary. The amendment was carried. Mr. Crowley (Timaru) moved—‘ That as the Minister of Education approved of scholarships being taken

out in Catholic schools immediate steps should be taken by the Dominion Executive to insist on the privilege of junior free places being also allowed. Also that free School Journals, and agricultural and swimming grants be extended to Catholic schools examined by Education Board inspectors, and that a petition be prepared and presented to Parliament emphasising our rights in these matters.' . This was seconded by Mr. J. P. Leigh (Timaru) and adopted. Mr. J. P. Leigh (Timaru) moved, and the Rev. Dr. Kennedy seconded, a proposition calling the attention of the Dominion Executive to the fact that no apparent action has been taken in regard to compiling a Catholic Reader for our schools, as directed at the last half-yearly meeting of this Diocesan Council, and urge that the matter be at once attended to. On the motion of Mr. F. J. Ryan (Lincoln), seconded by Mr. J. Cunneen (Lincoln), it was decided to direct the attention of the Dominion Executive to the desirability of appointing an organiser for the Federation in the South Island when funds permit, the opinion being expressed that until this is done the progress of the movement will be limited. On the motion of Mr. F. J. Ryan (Lincoln), seconded by the Rev. Dr. Kennedy, and supported by Mr. J. R. Hayward, a motion was unanimously passed recognising the admirable services rendered by the Xew Zealand Tablet in advocating the rights and privileges of Catholics generally, and the editorial ability displayed in conducting the journal, and expressing the appreciation felt by this Diocesan Council at the manner in which Catholic Federation matters are kept in the fore-front. Motions were also passed expressing appreciation of the work done by the executive committee and of the hospitality extended to the delegates to the present meeting. The president thanked the delegates for the time and attention devoted to the business, and declared the conference closed, the meeting having occupied about ten hours.

ST. MARY’S PARISH. WELLINGTON. The annual meeting of St. Mary’s parish branch of the Catholic Federation was held in St. Patrick’s Hall on June 31, under the presidency of Rev. Father A. Venning, S.M. The annual report and balance sheet, which were read and adopted, showed the financial membership to be 329, and the balance at credit .£4 16s lOd. The report stated that in connection with the Bible-in-Schools Referendum Rill the committee had been successful in placing over 100 names on the electoral rolls, and had questioned the various political candidates as to their views on the matter. A careful supervision was kept on the various booksellers’ shops and stalls for objectionable and anti-Catholic literature. Rev. Father Venning concisely reviewed and commented on their efforts during the year, and exhorted all present to do their utmost to enrol their fellow-parishioners in the Federation. At his request, Mr. W. F. Johnson, secretary to the Diocesan Council, addressed the meeting, and delivered a stirring appeal on its aims and objects, and showed that if all did their share what its future power would be. The delegates elected for the coming year were as follow:—Messrs. Ilalpin, Dalton, Levett, Dee, and Madden.

INVERCARGILL. The following is the annual report of the Invercargill branch of the Catholic Federation:—ln presenting the second annual report, your committee have pleasure in recording a successful year’s work. The membership reached the total of 800, which represents an increase of 176 for the year. It must be remarked, however, that there are still, a number of Catholics in the parish who have not subscribed to the Federation. Its aims and objects should by this time be apparent to all, and there is no reason why every Catholic worthy of the name should not belong to the Federation, It is confidently expected that the figures for the coming year

will exceed the 1000 mark. The subscription is merely a nominal one, but the numbers tell, and it is by the subscriptions alone that the Dominion Executive is enabled to employ a permanent secretary and organiser, and to carry on its work as the central controlling body. One-sixth of the total contributions is retained by the parish committee, and a reference to the balance sheet will show that the year closes with a ciedit balance of .£9 10s 9d. The principal work the committee were engaged in during the year was the second Pan-Southland gathering. Every detail had been attended to, and, notwithstanding the boisterous weather experienced, the numbers present exceeded that of the first gathering. This great annual exposition of our faith has come to .stay, and although the climatic conditions were disappointing on the last occasion, everything went , off smoothly, and we look forward to future gatherings with every confidence. We are pleased to be able to chronicle that we did our share, by petitions and in other directions, to defeat the unjust proposals of the Bible-in-Schools League. Other matters, such as the arrangements for assisting of immigrants, etc., have justified the existence of the Federation in these parts. All the members of the committee have been regular attenders at the meetings, and have thus justified the confidence reposed in them. The thanks of the committee are due to the Very Rev. Dean Burke, V.F-., for the interest he has at all times taken in the Federation, and also for the use of his room for committee meetings. The committee also desire to place on record their appreciation of the assistance given by those ladies and gentlemen who helped so considerably with the enrolment of members. DUNEDIN DIOCESAN COUNCIL. Hie annual meeting of the Dunedin Diocesan Council of the Catholic Federation takes place on July 28.