BOYCOTTING CATHOLICS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 8, 22 February 1923, Page 25

BOYCOTTING CATHOLICS.

TO TILH EDITOR. Sir, — must be a source of great satisfaction to most Catholics to observe the dignified attitude of the Church in looking over the heads of the P.P.A. rabble who have recently— not so much since the electionsbeen snarling and spitting at our Holy Faith. Catholics can well afford to ignore their lying platform attacks as given enough rope they will certainly hang themselves; indeed, there are already indications that Howard Elliott and Co, have “done their dash. But when active measures are taken against Catholics, it is surely up to Catholics to endeavor to combat it and it is for this reason that I would crave a little of your valuable space. I refer to the custom of boycotting Catholics and keeping them out of positions because of their religion. I am a qualified commercial accountant and am “one of the mugs” who wasted five years and lost the use of a limb in helping to make this fair country “safe for democracy” and “British fair play.” I am at present out of employment and a week or so ago applied for a position which I felt I was admirably suited for. The Directors of the Company evidently thought so too, and, in response to their wire I travelled a considerable distance to have an interview in Dunedin with one of the directors. This gentleman seemed to be satisfied and recommended —or said he would recommendme for the position. As an afterthought, however, he asked mo my religion. Feeling very much like a martyr, I told him. He promised to write me in the course of a day or two and let me know the decision. He did not even keep that promise and I had to write to the agent who introduced us, to find that I was not appointed. Fortunately, the great majority of Protestants are not afflicted with this sectarian fanaticism, but mine is by no means an isolated case, and unless we take measures to protect ourselves from these societies or brotherhoods, or whatever they call themselves, Catholics will certainly have to pay the price. Therefore, I would suggest, sir, that it is up to Catholic employers to give preference, where possible, to Catholic applicants for positions. Are such grievances outside the scope of the Federation? I am, etc.. Gore, 6/2/’23. - W. V. G.