N.Z. CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 30 October 1919, Page 39

N.Z. CATHOLIC FEDERATION

ANNUAL MEETING OF DOMINION COUNCIL. I (From our own correspondent.) - The Dominion Council of the New Zealand Catholic Federation held its annual meeting in the head office, Wellington, on Wednesday, October 15. Mr. D. L. Poppehvell, who represented Dunedin, presided, the other delegates present being the Very Rev. J. A. O'Connell, S.M., Major Hatpin, and Mr. Luxford, representing the Wellington? archdiocese; the Very Rev. Dr. Kennedy and Messrs. F. J. Doolah and S. Ryan, Christchurch; Mr. E. Sandys, Dunedin; Rev. Father. Colgan and Mr. Coleman, Auckland; Mr. P. D. Hoskins . (treasurer) and Miss A. Grirling-Butchef (secretary). Very Rev. Dean' Holley, S.M. (Provincial), Rev. Fathers S. Mahony, S.M., and Hurley, S.M., and Mr. W. F. Johnson were also present. Very Rev. Dean Holley recited the opening prayers. Apologies were received from his Graco Archbishop Redwood and.. Grace Archbishop O'Shea. A satisfactory report of membership and "progress generally was received. It showed that the branches (established in every parish in the Dominion) were taking an-active part in the social work of the Church. A considerable number of scholarships had been established, and arrangements, made for examinations therefor. This practical work of assisting in secondary education had, it was stated, appealed most convincingly to the general body of members. The report of the Dominion Executive disclosed a large amount of work attended to. The Field Service Fund had continued its useful operations on behalf of soldiers in hospitals and sanatoria, and the several chaplains to these institutions had expressed gratitude i for the assistance given. Referring to the need for Catholics to fulfil their duties as citizens, to ensure that their names are placed upon the electoral rolls, and to exercise the franchise in the interests of good government, the report said:—"While it is stressed at all times that the Federation is not a political party organisation, it has to be remembered that important matters affecting the Catholic body as a whole are brought before Parliament from time to time, notably in regard to education, and it is of the utmost importance that our people should return •to Parliament men who will recognise the rights of minorities, and the principles of justice and fair play." ;"iAr remit was unanimously adopted calling upon the Government to provide a stricter censorship of picture films and advertisements, etc., in connection therewith, it being recognised that many of the films now shown are not desirable. ' ■-; : .'■ : . ; : - A remit from a Diocesan Council, suggesting that any balance remaining in the Field Service Fund after the military hospitals cease operations, should bo divided,,. pro rata of. contributions, amongst the four Diocesan Councils for the purpose of providing scholarships for the dependents of soldiers (the provision of scholarships from such funds being permitted by ..the Government) was not agreed to,, in view of the; fact that assistance will be required by the chaplains for the benefit of invalid soldiers for some considerable time to come. "-.'•' |j. The Dominion Executive was empowered to arrange for special committees to be set up in the centres, to deal with the question'of assisting boys leaving school, in matters of education and employment. _.,,'' $ :;-■ An invitation was received from his Grace Archbishop .Mannix to send a representative to attend the forthcoming Australasian Irish Race Convention. It was resolved that'the Very Rev. J. A. O'Connell represent .the Federation thereat. t'■■-■ ' .•-*-.- ! \ J ';{ § - The executive was directed to endeavor to make more satisfactory .arrangements for the welfare of indigent and orphan children likely to become a charge on-the ] State. The present boarding-out system was considered most unsatisfactory. ... ■. / ' ' W : ■;■ The Very Rev. J. A. O'Connell was elected president of the Federation for the ensuing year, and the Very Rev. Dean Cahill (Auckland), Messrs. F. .J.' Doolan (Christchurch) and D. L. Popoelwell - (Gore) were t elected A vicepresidents.