Federated Catholic Clubs of New Zealand

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 14, 12 April 1923, Page 26

Federated Catholic Clubs of New Zealand

(From our Wellington correspondent.) The 18th annual conference and challenge shield competitions took place at Wellington on Easter Saturday and Sunday.’ ’ The conference was held at the A1.8.0.8.A. rooms, and the following clubs were'represented: Ashburton: (Mr.. A. B. Costelloe); St. Francis’s,'’ Island Bay (Messrs. J. Coleman and A. B. Scanlon); St. Vincent’s; Newtown (Mr. G. Burton); Alarist Brothers’. Old Boys’ Association (Messrs. S. Hoskins, and R. D. - Hickey). The president (Mr. AI, O’Kane), after’ extending a; welcome to

the various representatives spoke of the advantages offered to our young men in literary arid debating societies under Catholic control, and the danger of associating with those of a secular nature.. As there were now only six out of 28 clubs affiliated, there was work ahead for the incoming executive to establish new societies in the various parishes. With a view .to widening the influence of the Federation the following remit was unanimously carried:“That Hibernian and other approved Catholic societies be allowed to affiliate with the N.Z. Federation of Catholic Clubs.” The effect of this remit will be that a larger number of teams will contest the challenge shield next year, and thus add greater interest to the event. It was decided that during he coming year the benefits of the organisation be advertised in the various parishes, ‘and this duty was delegated to Messrs. O’Kane and Coleman. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows: —President General, his Grace Archbishop Redwood; president, Mr. S. Hoskins; vice-president, Mr, M. O’Kane; treasurer, Mr. G. Black; secretary, Mr. J. Coleman; auditors, Messrs. F. J. O’Driscol and J. Hannifen; committee— A. Scanlon, G. Burton, and A. Costelloe. The interest attending the shield competition was fully maintained, the Marist Old Boys’ Association winning by two points. The following were the winners of each event: Debate, J. Coleman (St. Francis’s) ; elocution, J. Coleman (St. Francis’s); oratory, S. Hoskins (Marist); essay competition, G. Black (Marist); religious competition, A. J. Scanlon (St. Francis’s); billiards, G. Davis (Marist); tennis, A. J. Costello (Marist)'; total scores,; Marist 39 points, St. Francis’s 37 points. Mr. J. A. Scott acted as judge for the literary events. A vote of thanks to the Tablet* concluded the proceedings.