CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 4 July 1918, Page 21

CATHOLIC FEDERATION

CHRISTCHURCII CATHEDRAL BRANCH. (From our own correspondent.) The annual meeting of the Cathedral branch of the Catholic Federation was held in the Hibernian Hall on Sunday afternoon, June 23, Mr. J. R. Hayward (vice-president of the Christchurch Diocesan Council) presiding. Dean Regnault, S.M. (president of the Diocesan Council), and Father Long were in attendance, as were also Mr. F. J. Doolan (secretary) and Mr. W. Hay ward (treasurer). Father Long tendered an apology for the non-attendance of his Lordship the Bishop. Mr. W. Hallins, secretary of the parish committee, read the annual report and balance sheet, showing a credit balance of £6 9s 4d, which were received and adopted. The chairman, referring to the report, said that the Parish Committee had been working quietly yet satisfactorily, and he eulogised the labors of the secretary (Mr. W. Hallins), who had shown himself a really live official, his services in ever}' contingency having been generously given and his duties attended to most faithfully in every detail. Father Long, "in supplementing Mr. ward's remarks, assured those present that there was no lack

of interest on the part of the Cathedral branch of the Federation, and emphasised the truth that at no time was the need for organisation more evident than at present, order to dispel the illusions existing in and around Christchurch regarding the aims and objects of the-Federation, which of late had been so grossly misrepresented. ; Dean Regnault in his address congratulated the Cathedral Parish Committee most heartily on the zeal, enthusiasm, and vigor that had been put into the year's work. If, said the Dean, the Catholics of the Dominion do not stand shoulder to shoulder and join up in the ranks of the Federation it is due to the fact that they do not realise fully the ideals of the organisation. It is out for the moral, social, and material betterment of the people of this Dominion is nonpolitical, and seeks neither privileges nor preferences, either in public or private employment. It recognises no party in politics except when Catholic rights are being trampled on, and the religious principles of other denominations have never been assailed either in writing or in words by the Federation, or, for that matter, by the Catholic Church. It extends the hand of welcome to the Liberal and Conservative alike, so long as in a broadminded way they are out for the common weal and to' Labor especially it will, following the example of the Divine Founder of the Church Whose disciples were workmen, always be found extending its unswerving support in upholding the dignity of Labor, and consequently the welfare of the masses. Members of the Federation are debarred from belonging to secret societies, continued the speaker, and as a result positions not only in the State, but also on the battlefield, at present are not secured by hidden influences, but in many instances merits in these directions have not only been made difficult to Catholics, but absolutely, denied them. With regard to organisation, we had but to consider that in New Zealand there were eight paid organisers out to bring every pressure in their power to bear against us, whereas we as Catholics had only one. This should clearly show how needful it was for us to be thoroughly united. We court fair criticism, but resent calumny': yet calumniators of the Church'were capturing school committees, were trying to influence public bodies, and had practically taken possession of the newly-formed Teachers' Institute in order to prevent us as Catholics holding our conscientious claims, and even of maintaining the liberties which we have paid for and partially secured from the Government. As showing what organisation is capable of Dean Regnault cited Portugal and France as examples. In the former country, principally Catholic, a handful of a secret body took possession of the country and ruled it, with the result that the majority were subjected to persecution, exile, and confiscation, and the law was extended to such a "Christian" degree that the people were even forbidden to contribute to the support of the clergy. Had the Portuguese as a people been united this state of government would have been impossible. As to France, he knew the country as a native, and he maintained that in spite of the fact that the Government of France was atheistic, and in the hands of the organised few, the country itself was Catholic at heart. Had the Catholics of France been united they would not have had to submit to the oppression, confiscations, and tyranny that have formed the platform of people whose only aim could have been the stamping out of Catholicity. If there are to-day m the world one thousand millions of people who have not heard the words of the Gospel it is not the fault of the French, who have been ever ready with men, money, and prayers for the extension of the Word of Truth. Of the 65,000 missionaries laboring throughout the world France can lay claim to 45,000. Yet, sad to relate, Catholic France has gone down before the few whose secret organisations and influences have robbed the people of their most cherished rights. Ownerhip of their schools have .-denied them, their u-ch property has been ruthlessly. confiscated, and associations such as our Trades and Labor Councils

have been denied them jj for even membership. The return of the| exiled religious' and nuns at the outbreak of this lamentable war, in order .'to fight for and nurse for the nation, was welcomed ' heartily by those who had been the cause of their hardships. .VV v :;./.;' Catholics of ' New Zealand must learn'-' a lesson from history we must remember , that millions of soldiers, acting as individuals, are practically useless in battle, whereas a smaller number properly organised, are capable of great achievement. ' ;>.V;.-;'"- *.,ui v" v In .conclusion, the speaker urged upon all the support of the Federation officers and'the Hierarchy of New Zealand by linking up and filling the places of those who are at the front fighting the Empire's battles, and assist in the uplifting of the Catholic body and the removing of the ills that beset society. Mr. F. J. Doolan said it gave him much pleasure to address the meeting and endorse Dean Begnault's timely sentiments in urging all to join up in the ranks of the Federation. He pointed out the fact that the cause of Catholic education was most dear to the Federation. Money, time, and labor beyond all reckoning had been lavished by the Catholics of the Dominion, to say nothing of the sacrifices of the clergy, the Brothers, and Sisters, for conscience' sake. Organisations were now afoot to harass us and to frustrate our endeavors: and for us to sit still is not playing the game. We had to remember that the Canterbury Educational Institute had this year decided in favor of the closing down of denominational schools, thus leaving as the only medium of education the State system, which is a violation of Christian and conscientious rights. The teachers' institute has affirmed the principle that 'all grants" be withdrawn; and everyone knows that Mr. Hanan, Minister of Education, only wants a backing and will be ready to carry out these designs. Me was, he said in conclusion, glad to be able to report an increase of at least 1000 in the membership of the Federation in this diocese, and congratulated St. Mary's Branch on occupying the senior position in this regard. Mr. W. Hayward referred to the work that had been carried out by the Federation and of its far-reaching effects. He reminded his hearers that these works were but the stepping stones to greater things, and that when members took into consideration the fact that the subscription was only Is per year they must know that thousands must rally to the standard of the Federation in order to make it effective. He had no doubt that Proportional Representation would become the deciding factor in election contests in the future, and if Catholics were not united to defend their own rights—not to attack the rights of others—their power for good even under that system would be bereft of weight. On the motion of the chairman a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the speakers, to which each suitably replied.