NEW ZEALAND CATHOLIC FEDERATION

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2864, 31 August 1916, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND CATHOLIC FEDERATION

■ The annual meeting of the Dominion Council of the New Zealand Catholic Federation was held at St. Patrick's Hall yesterday. Mr. D l .-L. Poppelwell, Dominion president, occupied the chair.Addresses wore delivered by various members of the Hierarchy present, expressing their gratification at the progress mado by the federation throughout the Dominion, despite tho adverse conditions necessarily prevailing in consequence of the war, which has removed so many: of the younger men of tho Catholio faith from active membership. The excellent result of-tho federation's leadership of tlio movement by which legislation was (introduced providing for the censorship of picture films Was referred to, and tho many other activities carried on by tho Dominion Council for the spiritual and, temporal welfare of the people were warmly commended. j

Congratulations wre extended to Mr. D. L. Poppelwoll, and to Mr. J. Scott, editor of tho "N.Z. Tablet," upon tho high honour ■ conferred on tliem recently by His Holiness tho Pope. - .The results received from tho Dominion _ exccutivo, tho Auckland and Christchurch Diocesan Councils, were' carefuliy considered, and suitable action taken". Reports received from tho Diocesan Councils showed" a satisfactory and promising state of affairs as to membership, and tho work being carried out. . Tho report .of the executive showed that good work had been accomplished in connection with the caro of tho' Catholic soldiers in camp and' on service abroad. Tho federation's Field Service Fund was steadily, growing, but required additional support. Tho social scienco studies were being encouraged, and the relations between thh New Zealand and tho Australasian and British Federations continued to bo of 'tho most cordial and reciprocal nature:'.' Satisfactory arrangements wera arrived at for the distribution-of a sharo of the goods contributed by New Zealand for the relief of the poor of Great Britain and Belgium by tho Westminster Federation.

Tlic treasurer's report and balanceslieot disclosed a fairly prosperous condition of affairs. Lengthy consideration was given to tlie existing condition of Catholic educational matters) and it ivas decided tliafc tho council should interview tha Minister of Education on Thursday evening; A now scheme of organisation was docidcd upon, extended, powers being given to tho Diocesan Councils. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr. D. L. l'oppelwell; vice-presidents, Rev. Father CaRill .(Auckland), Very Rev. Dean Power (V/ellington), Very Rev. Dean ITyland (Christchurch); treasurer, Mr. P D. Hoskins; secretary and organiser, Mr. George Girling-Bufccher. Tho members elected to represent tho council on tho" Dominion executive were: Rev. P. J. Smyth, S.M., Adm., Messrs. liurke, M'Coskcr, and M'Gowan.