ROMAN CATHOLICS AND EDUCATION

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2874, 12 September 1916, Page 7

ROMAN CATHOLICS AND EDUCATION

—; * THE FEDERATION ACTIVE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Palmerston North, September 11. At a meeting of the Palmerston branch of the Roman Catholic Federation a- resolution was carried, "That this meeting of tho Palmerston branch expresses its unswerving loyalty to tho New Zealand Catholic Federation, and pledges itself to carry through tho spocial campaign for members to a successful issue, and undertakes by financial support and sincere- interest to forward the- claims of the Catholic body for educational justice."

MEETING AT WANGANUI. (By Telegraph—Special Correspondent.) Wangamii, September 11. At a meeting of the local branch of the New Zealand Catholic Federation, Mr. Duggan, a member of the Dominion Council, gave an address dealing with the recent replies of the Minister of Education to a deputation from the Hoinau Catholic Federation regarding Catholic educational claims. After detailing the replies given by the Hon. J. A. Hanan to tho recent deputation, Mr. Duggan said that'such medical and other privileges as were granted to all other children of tho Dominion should be immediately granted to Catholic children, as their admitted right'.- "It appears," he added, "as if the Government of New Zealand does not take tho same interest in'the health of the Catholic children as it does in tho health of the other children of the Dominion. Why is it that, the (Minister of Education treats Catholic children as outcasts ? : Our Catholic boys, because of their splendid physique and capable training in the Catholic schools, are to-day lighting fifche cause of Empire on the farflung/battle line, and the casualty lists present innumerable examples of thoir bravery, Captain Shout, V.G., being ono among, many. . . ." Mr. Duggan strongly stressed the fact that tho Federation was not a political body. Its function was.essentially of a social and moral nature. With current politics of the day the Federation had absolutely no concern, but when it came to defenco of tho principles of truth aud justico and liberty violated by tho attitude of the State towards Catholic claims, it was necessary to direct tho Federation's effort into those channels where redress could only be obtained under a democratic form of government. The answer to the Minister of Education aud those members of the National Government who backed his decision, would, he said, bo an overwhelming increase of membership in the Federation and an intensifying of their demand for justice, and with the happy return of peace the Federation, in the proper way and at a, chosen time, would tako steps confidently to submit their requests in the matter of Catholic 6ohools to tho good sense and fair play spirit of the New Zealand people.