DIOCESAN COUNCIL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2673, 20 January 1916, Page 7

DIOCESAN COUNCIL

B.Z. CATHOLIC FEDERATION. The sixth half-yearly meeting of the Diocesan Council was held yesterday at St. Patrick's Hail, Boulcott Street, Mr. J. Duggan in tie chair, and the following representatives being present:— Blenheim, Rev. Father Fay and Miss Keating; Dannevirke, Rev. Father Bo"we and Mr- J. Gildea; Feilding, Rev. Father O'Dwyeif and Mr. J. I'. Kavan&gh; Hastings, Rev. Father G. Mahoney; Hawera, Mr. E. Gallagher; Eltham, Mr.'E. Kilbride; Kaikoura, Mr. J. Duggan; Marion, Rev. Father Doolaghty; Masterton, Right Rev. Mgr. M'Kenna, Mr. E. O'Leary; Ekotalmna, Mr. Jas. Dwyer, Mr. O'Dounell; Haiiina, Mrs. A. Fouhy; Now Plymouth, Rev. Fathers Moore and Kelly; Napier j Major Halpin; Otaki, Rer. Father Maillard; Levin, Mr. and Mts. M'Leavey; Pahiatua,'Rev; Father T. M'Kenna, Mr. E. Finch; Palmerston, R-ev. Father Forrestal, Mr. P. P. Power; Wanganui, Very Rev. Dean Holley, Rev. Father S. Mahoney,_Mr. W. M. Luxford; St. Anne's, Ven. Archdeacon Devoy, Miss A. Segrief, Mr. T.- J. M'Cosker; St. uerard's, Mr. J. A. Corry; St. Mary's, Very Rev, Father O'Connell, Major Elalpin, Mr. H. M'Keown; St.. Joseph's, Mr. W. Gamble, Miss A.'" Wheeler; Thorndon, Mr. R. Sievers, Mr. M. fi'alsh; Woodville, Mr. J. M. Hogan, ill". P. Martin; Wairoa, Mr. F. J. O'Driscoll; Catholic Immigration Committee, Mrs. Cornish. His Grace Archbishop O'Shea and the chairman of the council, tho Roy. Father Hurley, wrote regretting that official business prevent--3d their attendance, and wished the souncil a successful meeting. The Very Rev. Father Roche also expressed regret that he was unable to attend. Tho chairman welcomed the delgates, and stated that the Federation in the Archdiocese had made g&at progress during the past tenn, the membership showing au increase of 951 over the number en-rolled-for the previous period. - He was exceedingly gratified to find that the financial position of the council was bo good, and paid a tribute to the work of tho secretary, Mr. W. F. Johnson. Tho report and statement of accounts were adopted. The latter showed that the Archdiocese had passed all previous records in the way of contributions to the Dominion Council, and that of the total amount subscribed to the Trentham Building Fund, the Wellington Council ■ bad contributed more than half. The report of the Immigration Committee was read and adopted; also the leport of the Women's Hostel Board. Satisfaction was expressed at the fact that the hostel was recognised by the Immigration Department, nud that it .was so much appreciated by tile young women for whoso' benefit it was inst£ I<tited. Resolutions were carried providing for nomination and election of officers of the Dominion Council, recommending quarterly meetings of branches,' that the work of organising bo undorjtaken by diocesan councils, and other matters. The arrangements for tho convenience of Roman Catholic soldiers ■at Featherston Camp were approved and 'satisfaction was expressed that a •permanent, building would bo erected. The question of chaplains to the reinforcements was considered, and it was agreed that the Defcnce Department were doing all that it could reasonably be asked to do. The Rev. Father Segrief spoke with reference to the requirements of the men at tho front, .and paid a high tribute to the work of -the Roman Catholic chaplains with tho forces at Gallipoli. He stated that the personal bravery and self-sacrificing •labour of the Rev. Fathers M'Menamin and Dore were the admiration of all at the front. He spoke interestingly of the work on the hospital ship, and of Hie patience and bravery of the Now 'Zealand soldiers.

His Excellency the Apostolic Delegate visited the council in the afternoon,-at-tended by Archbishop Redwood, Bisliop iVerdon, Bishop Cleary, Very I lev. Dean Kcgnault, and members of the clergy. His Excellency was pleased to see that the Federation was so firmly established in the Archdiocese, and that it was doing such great work for the Church, under the direction of the Hierarchy, ' and as a sign of his approval of the work, ho was pleased to impart the Apostolic Benediction to tho members >ef the council. An interesting paper -by Mrs. M. C. Goultor,. on "The Federaition and Politics." was read.