CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 12 August 1915, Page 23

CATHOLIC FEDERATION

AUCKLAND DIOCESAN COUNCIL. The annual meeting of the Auckland Diocesan Council of the Catholic Federation was held in St. Benedict's Club rooms on Friday, July 23. There were present the following clergy:—Right Rev. -Mgr. Brodie, V.G.; Right Rev. Mgr. Gillah, V.G.; Right Rev. Mgr. Mahoney, Very Rev. Dean Van Dyk (Superior of the Maori Missions), Very Rev. Chancellor brook, Rev. Fathers Cahill, Murphy, and Forde, and Messrs. B. McLaughlin, P. J. Nerheny, A. A. Rose, M. J. Sheahan, and F. G. J. Temm, of the diocesan committee. Mr. B. McLaughlin (president) occupied the chair. The following delegates were present:—Messrs. A. J. Woodley, J. Grace (St. Patrick's), Messrs. T. Foley, A. Rose (St. Benedict's), Very Rev. Father Holbrook (Grey Lynn), Rev. Father * Murphy and Messrs. P. Darby and J. T. Fitzgerald (Ponsonby), Mr. J. Sievers (Devonport), Mr. 11. Skinuer (Parnell), Mr. F. Carrington (Ellerslie), Messrs. P. Smyth and P. Brady (Howick), Mr. B'. McLaughlin (Onehunga), Messrs. P. J. McCabe and C. J. Murphy (Avondale), Mr. J. O'Connell (Otahuhu), Very Rev. Dean Van Dyk and Miss Murdock (Dargaville), Mr. Jos. Lanaghan (proxy, Whangarei), Mr. P. E. Dromgool (proxy, Ngaruawahia), Mr. John Kennelly (Cambridge), Mr. J. Woods (Matamata), Mr. G. Tooman (Te Awamutu), Miss A. R. Lorrigan (proxy, Paeroa), Mr. Geo. Hanson (proxy, Thames), Mr. J. P. Fox (Tauranga), Mr. J. Hennessy (proxy, Ormond), Mr. P. McKeown (proxy, Matata), Rev. Father Forde (proxy, Whakane), and Mr. James Treacy (proxy, Taumarunui). Apologies for absence were received from Right Rev. Mgr. ifackett (Paeroa), Rev. Father Lynch'(Te Awamutu), and Rev. Father Doyle (Remuera), also from the delegates from Taumarunui, who were prevented from attending the meeting owing to slips on the Main Trunk line, and consequent disorganisation of the train services. . The president welcomed the delegates to the meeting. He expressed pleasure at the attendance, especially as many of the delegates had come long distances. This shows the interest being taken in Federation matters, and augured well for the future. Mr. Temm read the diocesan committee's report for the past, year, which was as follows: It is with pleasure that your committee submits for your information a brief report on the affairs and progress of the Federation in this diocese since the last annual meeting of the council, held on July 15, 1914. Since then the committee has held eight ordinary meetings and two special meetings, and dealt with the various administrative matters arising from time to time. The attendance at the meetings was as follows Messrs. McLaughlin, 10: Nerheny, 9; Rose, 8; Sheahan, 6 ; Temm, 10. During the year new branches have been formed at Mamaku, Matamata, Wbakatane, and Tauranga. As pointed out in the half-yearly report, the Federation's office has not been open during the day except for a brief period during the lunch hour, when the secretary attends to receive correspondence, etc. The committee hopes for the time when pur organisation will have grown strong enough in member-

ship to- allow -of the funds of the council permitting the appointment of a paid official to attend the office during business hours, and so have it as a quarter to which Catholics may apply for any information on Catholio matters. Since the last annual meeting the Federation has been successful in providing employment for some of our people. ■•'■"•" _ " - 1 Accommodation Register.—Through the keeping of an accommodation register, our office has provided accommodation for Catholics coming to the city to the number of 17 cases. We would here draw attention to the fact, that the usefulness of the office in this direction has been kept at a minimum by not having anyone to attend there regularly, the above results being the work of the secretary in his own time. Military Concentration Camp Arrangements. Shortly after the last annual meeting, the present great European conflict broke out. As a consequence of this and the mobilisation of our Expeditionary Forces for active service, a new field of activity was found for the Federation in the various concentration camps throughout the Dominion. At the instance of the Dominion Executive, the committee circularised all branches for financial assistance, which resulted in theFederation being able to erect a large marquee at the Epsom Camp for the use of the Catholic troops. Here Mass was celebrated on the Sundays, and during the week the tent was at their disposal for social amusement, etc. Free writing materials, etc., were supplied for their use. Prior to their departure from Epsom, the Federation tendered our men a social entertainment which was much appreciated. The Federation also" assisted the spiritual needs of the men, and had a large quantity of prayer books, Rosaries, and other aids to piety placed at their disposal. Your committee also donated the sum of £2O towards the equipping of the chaplains to the forces and providing them with a portable altar for the troopship. Before leaving this subject, the committee would like to record its gratitude to our Catholic friends who supplied reading material for the men. This, and a quantity of Catholic literature, was placed on the troopships for the use of the men. Bible-in-Schools' Campaign.—ln connection with this matter, members will all be acquainted with the result of the elections last December, and the result of the Parliamentary committee's finding. At the last meeting of the council we recorded our appreciation of the valiant fight fought by our esteemed and eminent Bishop, Dr. Cleary. It is with regret that we learn that our beloved Bishop is now, principally as a result of his strenuous labors last year, broken down in health in Australia. We trust that God may grant him a speedy recovery. We would again point out, that while we have gained a victory over our opponents, we must not forget that the Federation has still a lot to obtain yet before Catholics can be satisfied with the present educational system. Organisation. —We would again draw the Council's attention to the fact that it is absolutely necessary that all parish committees should again put all their, vigor into the matter of furthering the membership of the. Federation, and we would remind you that the organisation is not perfect till every Catholic is enrolled in the ranks. The president, in moving the adoption of the annual report, said the Federation had reason to be proud of its success, and, while everything had been done during the past term that its committee was able to do, much work needed still to be accomplished. This could only be achieved by the whole-hearted co-opera-, tion of all parish committees in the important work of further strengthening the organisation, and he trusted the next annual report would chronicle further achievements. Mr. Sievers (Devonport) seconded the motion, and complimented the committee on its successful administration of the affairs of the Federation in the Auckland diocese for the past year. The motion was carried unanimously. Mr. Sheahan (diocesan treasurer) read the financial statement far the past year;

;. ; Mr. Kennelly - (Cambridge) moved the adoption Jof the 4 balance' sheet, and hoped? next year would show better results.—Motion agreed to. ' Immigration Committee's -Report. i-~ Mr. Temm, on behalf of Miss Lorrigan . (secretary of "the Catholic Immigration Committee) read the committee's report, which was as follows:- j This branch of the Federation is still doing -very good work. Boats are not arriving so frequently during the .war, still, nearly every month ■ two or three - men or. girls come on to Auckland via Wellington, and are met and -welcomed by our members. The t new arrivals always wear the distinguishing colors of the C.I.C. (given them by the immigration branch in Wellington), and seem very pleased and relieved to meet friends. here in a strange land. After seeing to their luggage, the ladies, in accordance with one of the rules of the society, present them to their president (Monsignor Gillan), who shows them every hospitality, which, as one may well understand, is very consoling and encouraging in their loneliness. Temporary homes are then found for them with Catholics, if possible, and after ■ allowing them a few days' rest, everything is done to find them suitable situations, preferably -with Catholics, and on nearly every occasion we have been successful in finding them employment. Not only are the immigrants catered for in this respect, but many Catholic girls and men of this district have been helped and encouraged in many ways, and situations and homes have been found for them. I might mention that men and girls of other denominations, have also been assisted in this way. On the whole we are of opinion that our work has been fairly satisfactory, considering the difficulties under which we have to labor. The necessity for a hostel or club in which to receive these good people becomes more pronounced every day, and until something is done for their comfort in this respect, our work will still be very much hampered. Mr. Fox (Tauranga) moved that the report be adopted, and expressed pleasure at the good work being done by that committee. Mr. Temm, in speaking to the motion, drew • the council's attention to the suggestion that a Catholic hostel should be established in Auckland.—Motion carried. It was moved by Mr. Temm—' That the incoming committee be instructed to consider the desirability of establishing a Catholic hostel for Catholic women and girls arriving in Auckland, on similar lines to the one already established by the Christchurch Diocesan Council.' This ' was seconded by Mr. Fitzgerald, and carried. Report of Literature Committee. Rev. Father Doyle (president of the literature committee) submitted the following report: The committee was established on the 18th of November, 1914, and its objects are:—(l) The furtherance and. dissemination of Catholic literature ; (2) the suppression of objectionable literature ; (3) the correction of inaccurate statements appearing in the daiiy press in reference to the Church or any department of her activities; (4) attending to Catholic interests in public libraries. (1) In regard to the first object of the committee's existence—viz., the furtherance of ..Catholic literature, it may be pointed out that the Catholic reference library has been established at the Federation offices in High street. At present the library does not number more than 50 volumes, consequently the committee will be pleased to receive further offerings of reference volumes from the Auckland clergy and laity. As time and opportunity permit, it is the intention of the committee to make a complete list or catalogue of all books by Catholic authors, as.well as those bearing on Catholic matter's, to be found in'the public library. Efforts are also being made to have a larger number of recent Catholic books placed on the library shelves. It is hoped, too, that very soon several Catholic newspapers will find their way into the ! public reading room. .-.:.' (2) Touching the suppression of - objectionable

literature, the committee has hot been idle during the year, as it has been successful in having removed from a;. prominent Auckland ; bookstall i a certain infamous and immoral American;publication. -' Other > objectionable reading: matter has been brought under the notice of the authorities with satisfactory., results. ; ; Negotiations have been, opened up with the English Catholic Truth Society with the object of securing from its able secretary due information of the publication of objectionable books in England, so that steps may be taken to prevent the reception of such books iuto our. libraries on arrival here. With the same object in view % the committee intends opening, up communication with the Australian and American Catholic Truth Societies. Before closing this report, the president desires to place on record his appreciation of the good work done in the interests of the committee by Monsignor Brodie, Messrs. Temm and O'Malley, and Misses Jacobsen and Boylan, and Mrs. Goulter" (Miss Callan). The committee's thanks are due to the Auckland clergy. for the donation of books to the reference library. Delegates' Reports. Reports from delegates showed that many of the branches were in a flourishing condition, while others indicated that matters had been rather quiet for the first year. One or two reports suggested another visit of the organiser to the Auckland diocese was necessary. Remits From Parish Committees. Mr. T. Foley (St. Benedict's) moved—' That the Auckland Diocesan Council is of opinion that, while the Federation must ever be kept from being a political organisation in the party political sense, and recognising that among the objects of our organisation is the desire to assist and promote any movement for the general good of the people of the Dominion, the Federation should officially endorse the principle of Proportional Representation, which is a democratic reform, and should command the sympathy of all minorities in this Dominion.', Mr. Temm seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr. F. G. J. Temm, on behalf of the. diocesan executive, moved—' That the local district of Karangahake in the parish of Paeroa, be constituted a separate branch, with a parish committee with direct representation on the Diocesan Council.'—Motion agreed to. Mr. A. A. Rose moved—'That this Diocesan Council desires to again place on record its sincere appreciation of the good work of the N.Z. Tablet in upholding the rights and liberties of Catholics in this Dominion, and for its assistance and support of the Catholic Federation.' Mr. P. J. Nerheny seconded, and made reference to the great, work the Catholic paper was doing. Motion agreed to. Mr. McLaughlin lOnehunga) moved—' That re remit from Christchurch, carried at the last meeting of the Dominion Council as follows—" That this council desires to define it as a general principle, that no Catholic holding a public position identify himself with any movement or function, organised or controlled by an anti-Catholic society"—the Auckland Diocesan Council regrets that this motion was carried by the Dominion Council, and desires that steps be taken to have it rescinded, as in our opinion it will not be to the best interests of the Catholic Federation.' Mr. O'Connell (Otahuhu) seconded, and the following speakers spoke in support—Messrs. Hanson, Nerheny, Tooman, and Temm. The motion was carried. Mr. G. Hanson (Thames) moved—'That the Minister of Education be asked to grant free passes on the railway to. all Catholic children to enable them to. attend the "most convenient" Catholic school and not the "nearest" as stated in the regulations.' He stated the Thames branch had obtained free passes on the-railway for children living at Hikutaia : and district who were, previous to .representations, not allowed to attend Thames Convent School as it is not the 'nearest' as required by regulations. • • MY. Temm"seconded the remit, which was carried.

- : V ". v ;; - - General Business. ; ■'■■■■ '■ ~. -■ ■" '■'"■-; ,'■..:: ~„•;. Mr. M. J. Sheahan moved the following resolutions:—■ '. .'. - : . - .■' "-':.. ■'.',.:', ... ".-;- '■'■' .f .-'.-.. . : ■ . (a) That this. annual meeting of the Auckland Diocesan Council of the New Zealand Catholic Federation learns with deep regret and concern of the serious ijlne'ss of our Bishop, the Right Rev. Dr. Cleary, and prays fervently that Almighty God may grant him a speedy restoration to health and strength to carry on the great work in which he has been always so conspicuous.' (b) ' That this meeting also desires to place on record its warm appreciation and hearty approval of the valiant fight urged on behalf of the Catholics of this Dominion on the. Bible-in-schools question by his Lordship Bishop Cleary, particularly at a time when his health was grievously impaired.', (c) That this meeting also pledges itself to loyally and generously support his Lordship in any work undertaken in the defence of holy faith, and will deem it a pleasure to co-operate in any way by which it might assist his Lordship, and show its appreciation of his work.' These resolutions were seconded by Mr. T. Darby (Ponsonby), who spoke in highly eulogistic terms of Bishop Cleary's work in connection with the Bible-in-schools campaign, and were carried with acclamation. The secretary (Mr. Temm) placed before the meeting .correspondence wherein was outlined a proposal, which, if adopted by the Federation, would'result in very considerable material benefits to the Federation. Very Rev. Chancellor Holbrook, Right Rev. Mgr. Brodie, Right Rev. Mgr. Gillan, and Messrs.- Nerheny and Fitzgerald spoke on the matter, and it was finally resolved that it be left in the hands of the incoming executive to report to the council at its next halfyearly meeting. "----■■- Election of Officers. ■ The president (Mr. McLaughlin) stated that he was of the opinion that the honor which attached to the occupation of the presidential chair was one which should ' go round,' and that therefore "he would not on the present occasion be a candidate for that office. The election of officers resulted as "follows: President, Mr. A. A. Rose; vice-presidents, Messrs. Fitzgerald and Hanson; secretary, Mr. P. E. Dromgool: treasurer, Mr. F. G. J. Temm. Right Rev. Mgr. Gillan proposed, and Right Rev. Mgr. Brodie seconded, a vote of thanks to the past executive, special mention being made of the services rendered by Mr. McLaughlin as president of- the council .< "Mr. T. Darby (Ponsonby) proposed, and Mr. Fitzgerald seconded, a special vote of thanks to the retiring secretary (Mr. Temm)-in the following terms —'That this meeting of the Auckland Diocesan Council of the

New /Zealand- Catholic Federation ; desires to place on' record its appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the Federation by Mr. Temm in his capacity; of secretary to the Auckland Diocesan Council of the Federation from the time of its inception until the present time, and directs the diocesan executive to make to Mr. Temm a grant of ten guineas in recognition of such services, and as a slight return for the pecuniary sacrifices made by Mr. Temm in the service of the Federation.' Right Rev. Mgr. Brodie, Messrs Nerheny, McLaughlin, and others spoke on the motion, eulogising the services rendered by the late secretary. The motion was carried with acclamation. It was resolved that the election of delegates be left to the diocesan executive. The meeting was then declared closed. At the conclusion of the conference refreshments were dispensed to the assembled delegates by Mrs. Temm, assisted by Miss E. Temm; whose thoughtfulness was highly appreciated by all present WELLINGTON DIOCESAN COUNCIL. The first meeting of the newly-elected executive committee for the current year was held at St. Patrick's Hall, on Wednesday, August 4. The following members were present:—Rev. Father Hurley, Messrs. J. Duggan, M. Walsh, A. Cassie, R. Sievers, Major J. P. Halpin, and the secretary (Mr. W. F. Johnson). The secretary stated that at the annual meeting of the council, his Grace Archbishop Redwood was elected president, and the Rev. Father Hurley and Mr. J. Duggan vice-presidents, and that it would be necessary to elect one of the vice-presidents to be chairman of the council for the current year. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr. J. Duggan— That the .Rev. Father Hurley be chairman.' The Rev. Father Hurley then took the chair, and briefly thanked the committee for his election. St. Joseph's Parish Committee wrote suggesting the erection of a hall for Catholic purposes in the city. Mr. Cassie supported the proposal, and pointed out the need of such a building. After some discussion it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Cassie, that the parish committees of the Federation in the city, together with representatives from the Catholic Club, and the Marist Brothers' Old Boys' Association, be invited to confer with the executive committee with reference to the matter, and that the arrangements be left in the hands of the secretary. The Dominion Executive wrote stating that the head mistress of a girls' school in the city had used undue influence to induce a scholar to attend the State

school in preference to the convent school, and it was resolved that ? the matter be referred - to'St. Joseph's Committee for inquiry. • " St. Joseph's Parish Committee wrote stating that the Mount street Cemetery was in a sad state of negleet, and it asked that the executive should take steps to bring the matter under the 'notice of the proper authorities. It was resolved, on the motion of Messrs. Sievers and Duggan, that the letter be referred to St. Mary's Parish Committee, as the cemetery is situated within that parish. The Palmerston Parish Committee wrote with reference to the use of the Federation's marquee at the camps of the Trentham Regiment at Rangiotu. The secretary reported that at the camp at Awapuni the marquee had been left to take care of itself, and it was resolved, on ; the motion of the Rev. Father Hurley, ' that the secretary inquire from the Rev. Father Cronin, of Foxton, the chaplain of the camp, as to what facilities were provided by the authorities there for bis convenience. A deputation from the Catholic Immigration Committee, consisting of Misses Wheeler (secretary) and Flannery, waited on the executive with reference to the establishment of a Catholic women's hostel in the city. Miss Wheeler supplied the committee with all the information available as to the number of persons likely to avail themselves of such an institution, and its prospects of success, and, after the matter had been discussed at some length, it was resolved that a subcommittee, consisting of Mr. Duggan, Major Halpiu, Mr. Sievers, and the secretary be appointed to meet the committee of the C.I.C. on the afternoon of Sunday, August 22. Miss Wheeler undertook to communicate with the committee in Christchurch, asking for full information as to what had been done in that city. A letter was received from Mr. J. Corry, thanking the council for his election to the executive, and regretting that the state of his health required him to resign. It was decided to defer this matter until next meeting. A letter was received from £he head office, enclosing correspondence from Mr. E. J. Fitzgibbon, with reference to the attendance of an officer of the Federation at the juvenile court. Rev. Father Hurley stated that an arrangement had been entered into between the Magistrates and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, by which the former agreed to notify the representative of the society when cases, in which Catholic children were concerned, would come before the court, and it was resolved, on the motion of the Rev. Father Hurley, that the letters be referred to the St. Vincent de Paul Society for consideration.