N.Z. CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 12 September 1918, Page 22

N.Z. CATHOLIC FEDERATION

GREYMOUTH BRANCH. Acting upon the invitation of the Greymouth branch of the Catholic Federation, Mr. J. E. Doolan, of Christchurch, gave a course of lectures here on Sunday last (writes a correspondent). In the morning, at the conclusion of each Mass, Mr. Doolan gave short addresses on the aims and objects of the Federation and its achievements up to the present time. In the evening, at the Hibernian. Hall, he delivered a lecture to a large audience. Father Aubry, S.M., pastor of the district, introducing Mr. Doolan, paid a tribute to the good work done by the Federation. We had now in this district a membership of 700, and he hoped that next returns would show a decided increase. He had much pleasure in welcoming Mr. Doolan, a man who was never afraid to stand by the Federation, which we all looked to as a means of removing disabilities and shaping the destinies of this country. Mr. Doolan, who on rising was received with applause, thanked Father Aubry for his kind and encouraging remarks, and expressed pleasure at the creditable start made by the Federation in the Greymouth parish.' He commenced the evening's lecture with the great question of Catholic education. The speaker emphasised the fact that owing to the inability of Catholic children to avail themselves of the State system of education, the people, at great sacrifices to themselves, were compelled to provide and equip their own schools and teachers. Catholics were paying their share of rates and taxes to the Government, and by providing their own school system were saving the country something like £IOO,OOO a year. Surely it were only just to ask a pro rata portion of this money. Again and again they had appealed to the authorities, only to be "met with a refusal. It was only by federating and showing a strong front to those responsible for this continued injustice that we would get redress. The matter of scholarships the speaker regarded as an important factor in Catholic education. The Federation was at present launching a scheme for Catholic scholarships, which he was sure would be brought, to a successful issue. Mr. Doolan then went on to warn the people of enemies in our midst, Avhose object was the suppression of Catholic schools. The Federation was anxious that Catholics should be cognisant of and fully realise the fact that the schools are the mainstay of the Catholic religion. It remained for Catholics to be organised and ready; at no time were we so threatened with danger as at present, and we must meet it prepared or go under. After speaking on the Field Service Fund the lecturer concluded a very able address by encouraging those present to enrol, knowing the objects of the Federation and its benefits to the community. The rev. chairman thanked the speaker for his very interesting address; this was seconded by Mr. Daly, who complimented Mr. Donlan on the splendid work of the Federation, whose achievements had already justified its existence. The vote was carried by acclamation.