N.Z. CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 14 August 1919, Page 34

N.Z. CATHOLIC FEDERATION

CHRISTCHURCH DIOCESAN COUNCIL. The sixth annual meeting of the Christchurch Diocesan Council was" opened on Tuesday, July 15, in the Catholic Club Rooms, High Street, ■> Christchurch. The Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., presided,. and the following delegates and officers were present:Akaroa and Little River, Rev. P. Seward; Addington, Mr. E.O'Rourkej Darfield, Rev. J. Hanrahan, Messrs. Hanley, ■- McHugh, and Morrison; Cathedral, Rev. J. A. Kennedy, D.D., Adm., Messrs. J. R. Hay ward and T. Cahill; Hawarden, Rev. J. P. O'Connor; Lincoln, Rev. D. Leen, Mrs. J. A. Henley,'and Mr. J. Cunneen; Morven, Mr. J. Tangney; Rangiora, Very Rev. Dean Hyland, Messrs. S.J. Ryan and J. Catherwood; St. Mary's, Christchurch North, Miss M. M. Callaghan and Mr. F. Holley; St. Andrew's, Rev. F. Bartley, S.M. ; Timaru, Mr. J. P. Leigh ; Tcmuka, Rev. F. Kerley, S.M.; Makikihi and Waimate, Rev. W. J. Peoples, S.M.; Mr. W. Hayward, diocesan treasurer; and Mr. F. J. Doolan, diocesan secretary. The Very Rev. C. Graham, S.M., Rev. Brother Justin, and a number of the laity were also present. The president read the following telegram from his Lordship Bishop, Brodie, then at Auckland:"Regret absence Federation annual meeting. Congratulate you on success of movement during your presidency, and wish continued usefulness in future Federation activities. Convey my gratitude to outgoing executive, and best wishes to new president and executive." Tho Very Rev. President welcomed tho delegates to the meeting, and. hoped their deliberations would bo beneficial to the spread and stability of -the Federation. Ho reviewed the work of the year, and dwelt at length on the founding of Federation scholarships. In referring to tho attacks on our schools and the penalising of the children attending them, he said that several bodies were foremost in advocating such actions, but they could not bo considered as representative of public opinion throughout tho Dominion; at the samo time, wo could not afford to ignore this system of persecution, and our organisation should always be on tho alert to defeat the efforts of these would-be reformers. He referred to several questions requiring the early attention of tho new executive, and in conclusion introduced the Rev. F. Bartley, S.M., M.A., of Timaru, and late chaplain to the Forces, to tho meeting. 'Father Bartley gave a brief but interesting address regarding his experiences as chaplain, and depicted the quiet heroism, devotion to religion, and splendid example of our soldiers, in the many trying ordeals through which they passed during the great war, now happily ended. Tho Catholic soldiers were (ho said) the only body of men that did not require compulsory church parades, and whether on leave or in camp they seldom missed an opportunity of hearing Holy Mass and receiving the Sacraments, so much so that commanding officers commented on their earnestness and were ever willing to offer encouragement by making special arrangements for them. As to the value of religious teaching and training, he gave numerous instances of the assistance rendered by the Catholic soldier to his less fortunate comrade. One touching instance related being that of the unfortunate "digger" who had been fatally wounded, and when advised to pray denied any knowledge of prayer, but was most anxious to repeat the prayer, of his Catholic mate, and died with that prayer on his lips. Ho then referred to the equality of all men in tho army, no matter their religious or political opinions, the great sacrifice they were all making covered all these things. He compared that spirit with the condition of affairs in this Dominion, where it . appeared that to be a Catholic was a crime/ and that preferential treatment of a persecuting nature was to bo tho reward of thoso who had assented, without reservation, to leave homo and all that it holds dear, to fight for the Empire. If this was the treatment to be meted out to us (continued the speaker) he would advice the formation of a real live Federation, not composed of a few thousand members, but an organisation composed of every man, woman, and child in the Dominion ; and it should bo made plain to those who were careless about joining, that they were doing the cause more harm than the known enemy, because we, as a body, would only be feared and respected when it was understood that wo were absolutely .united and spoke and acted on behalf of the : whole Catholic community. After referring to our educational disabilities, and to the splendid work accomplished through the Field Service Fund, which, ho said, alone justified tho existence of tho Federation, ho concluded by urging all to work with one object in view, and that was to make the Federation thoroughly representative of tho Catholics of New Zealand. A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the speaker for. his interesting and instructive address. Diocesan Executive Report. —The report read by the secretary dealt with the increase of membership, Federation scholarship proposals, executive officers' visits to parishes, and other matters of diocesan interest' In moving its adoption Father Kerley congratulated tho council on the healthy condition of its finances/and considered the large amount handled for tho welfare of the Catholic community was proof positivo for : tho - necessity ; of the Federation, and for its active support by ono and all. .y„ ,

Girls Hostel Report.— W. Hayward read the report, which r stated that there, was at present 23 permanent boarders in the 'hostel, . and that 250 visitors v had stayed for. varying periods. The hostel was self-supporting, but owing to the many calls on our people during the past year nothing had been done to reduce the capital. A general discussion ensued as to the best means to adopt, and it was finally decided— “ That the parish committees be invited to assist by means of collections, concerts, garden fetes etc., to provide annually a donation for the reduction of the capital invested in the hostel.” After presenting reports from the various branches Mr. F. J. Doolan moved “That this meeting of Christchurch Diocesan Council desires to place on record its warm appreciation of the Rev. Father Le Petit’s services to the Federation in the parish of Fairlie, and deeply regrets to hear of his serious illness, and prays that it may please Almighty God to restore him speedily to normal health.” He referred to the Fairlie parish as one of the best organised in the diocese. The motion was unanimously carried. Mr. Leigh moved a resolution of sympathy with the relatives of the late Mr. R. F. Batchelor, of St. Andrews, who had on several occasions represented that district at the council meetings. The motion carried, all present standing. Federation Scholarship Examinations.—A report was submitted on the result of a conference of the heads of Catholic secondary schools on the question of a uniform examination for all scholarships. A number of questions were asked relating to the proposals and recent correspondence from the general secretary was read. After considerable discussion during which an amendment that the matter bo referred back to the Dominion Executive for further consideration was defeated, it was finally resolved on the further amendment of Father Kerley, seconded by Father Seward, that this council supports the proposal (b) of the report.

Remits. —A remit suggesting that any surplus not required for the purposes of the Field Service Fund should bo used for the founding of scholarships for the benefit of children of members of the Expeditionary Force was very fully discussed, and it was finally resolved on the motion of Rev. Father O'Connor, seconded by Rev. Dr. Kennedy, “That the fund should be retained entirely for soldiers’ needs, and . that grants be requested for the benefit of soldiers at Hanmer, Timarn, and Christchurch Hospitals.” Miss M. M. Callaghan, representing St. Mary’s Committee, moved:— “That a special committee be set up in each of the larger towns for the purpose of furthering the interests of Catholic boys.”

In moving the motion Miss Callaghan pointed out the necessity of keeping in touch with our boys as they leave school, and when they come into the larger centres to earn their livelihood. Such a committee would be in touch with employers, and could place boys in positions with better prospects of future success; the committee might also consider the question of opening hostels for boys, or failing that arrange for accommodation for those requiring it, and in various ways assist and direct our youth.

The Very Rev. chairman, Rev. Dr. Kennedy, Father Bartley, and Mr. W. Hayward warmly supported the motion, which was carried. It was resolved that the foregoing remit be forwarded for the consideration of the Dominion Council, and that Miss Callaghan be asked to supply a copy of her proposals for the information of the delegates. Several other remits were moved and adopted, and an amount of general business was transacted. It was resolved, on the motion of Rev. Father Kerley, and seconded by Rev. Father Bartley, that the next meeting of the council bo held in South Canterbury. Mr. W. Hayward moved a hearty vote of thanks and appreciation of the services of the retiring president, the Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., during his two years of office, commenting on tho great progress made, and of the excellent feeling that at present pervades the diocese in Federation matters. Rev. Dr. Kennedy, Father Bartley, Mr. E. O’Rourke, and the secretary endorsed the remarks of the mover, and the motion was carried unanimously. The Dean expressed his deep appreciation of tho vote, and thanked all those associated with him during his term of office, for the consideration extended to him, and tor the spontaneous assistance rendered to him at all times. He would (ho said) always take a very deep and active interest in the Federation movement. (Applause.) The election of officers resulted as follows; —President, Rev. J A Kennedy, D.D., Adm.; vice-presidents, Messrs. J E Doolan and J. R. Hayward; treasurer, Mr. W. Hayward; secretary, Mr F. J. Doolan; committee—Very Rev Deans Regnault, S.M., and Hyland, - Very Rev C. Graham, S.M., M.A., Messrs. T. Cahill, P. h. Ryan, P. J. Considin© Dr I/nuAmnri. and Mr. F. Holley; delegates to Dominion Council—Rev. Dr. Kennedy, Messrs. S. J. Ryan and F. J. Doolan; representative on Dominion Executive, Mr. F. J. Doolan.