PROPOSED HOSTEL FOR CATHOLIC WOMEN, AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Tablet, 23 December 1915, Page 26

PROPOSED HOSTEL FOR CATHOLIC WOMEN, AUCKLAND.

AN APPEAL.

For some considerable time past the need of a. home or hostel for Catholic girls arriving at, or em-' ployed in the City of Auckland, has been acutely felt, and the Catholic Immigration Committee has arrived at the conclusion that, the establishment of such an institution at the earliest moment is a matter of paramount importance. At the present time many Catholic women and girls are staying at non-Catholic homes, where there is a total absence of that. Catholic atmosphere and environment so necessary for the preservation of the faith. Consequently, the good work of this devoted band of women who comprise the Immigration Committee is undone for the want of a hostel under Catholic auspices. These facts were represented to the Auckland Diocesan Council of the Catholic Federation, and, after a conference between representatives of both bodies, it was decided to enlist the sympathy of those who (have the interests of their fellow-Catholics at heart. Accordingly, a public meeting of Catholics residing in the city and suburbs was held, whereat the project was considered from every aspect, and a resolution affirming the desirability of establishing an institution for the above purpose was carried almost unanimously. At the 'subsequent meeting the following executive ■was elected; —Patron, Right Rev. Dr. Cleary (Bishop of Auckland) ; president, Right Rev. Mgr. Gillan, Y.G. ; working vice-presidents— P. J. Nerheny, .1. J. O’Brien, P. Darby, and M. J. Sheahan ; lion, secretary, Mr. G. Hanson ; assistant hon. secretary, Miss A. V. Lorrigan; hon. treasurer, Mr. W. P. Rodgers; assistant hon. treasurer, Mrs. W. Delaney; all parish priests are ex-officio honorary vice-presidents. Two sub-committees—-finance and social functions were also appointed. It was further decided to make an appeal throughout the diocese for voluntary contributions, and, if necessary, to .supplement the amount raised in this manner by other means later on. Already a generous and encouraging response has been made in the city, and it is hoped that our Catholic people, especially those in affluent circumstances, in the country parishes will likewise rise to the occasion. The object of this appeal is one that should compel the sympathy of every Catholic parent, because those who contribute towards the establishment of this hostel are probably helping to provide a future home for their daughters in the event of their having to live away from the parental roof; and surely, in such a circumstance, what a comforting assurance to a Catholic parent. , Similar institutions have recently been established in' Wellington and Christchurch, and are proving a great success. In connection with the hostel, it is proposed to establish an employment bureau, whereby Catholic girls ill be found situations; also clubs and guilds for the promotion of social and intellectual intercourse. All subscriptions should, if possible, be forwarded either to the hon. treasurer or hon. secretary, care P.O. Box 453, by the 18th inst. ; but subscriptions may be

forwarded’after'that date, and will be duly acknowledged. ’ r Remember ! He gives twice who gives soon. Commending the cause to your kind charity. Yours faithfully, ■ . On behalf of the Provisional Committee, G. H. Gillan, V.G., President __ G. Hanson, Hon. Secretary A. V. Lorrigan, Assistant Hon. Secretary W. P. Rodgers, Hon. Treasurer W. Delaney, Assistant Hon. Treasurer. Auckland, December 13.