CATHOLIC FEDERATION

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 245, 10 July 1919, Page 6

CATHOLIC FEDERATION

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Wellington Diocesan Council was held at the federation Chambers, Willis Street,_ 'a large and representative iUti?iul«uico ot dsiogntes from' all parts of the archdioccsc being present. ' The proceedings commenced with Mass at tho Basilica, Hill Street, when the Very Kev. father O'Coimell, S.M., ot Waiiganui, delivered an eloquent discourse on the necessity tor observing Christian principles in public and social affairs. The council assembled at 10 a.m., wheu tho Kev. father llurley, ci.M., 1 resident, extended a sincere welcome to the delegates, and expressed the hope that the day's proceedings would be productive of good to the federation and to the church. His Grace Archbishop Redwood said that it was very gratifying lo see such n large attendance, considering the. condilions attendant tin travelling from dis« taut parts of the archdiocese. He stressed the necessity for a well-informed and well-instructed laity, and related what had been done iu Loudon by the Catholic Evidence Guild, whose members went into the parks and squares of the metropolis, and expounded Catholic doctrines anil principles lo the people under the banner of the Crucifix. At first tho speakers were met with derision and opposition of all kinds, but gradually that passed away, and now the meetings ol tho league were the best attended and the most orderly of all, and many were being instructed in the true faith. He urged the members to persovere in the work they hud taken iu hand, and wished the council every blessing and success. 111 tho course of its report, the executive said:

Tho luembership of tlio federation in the archdiocese continues 10. increase, the returns showing a substantial increase over lust year's totals. - - During the year two new committees have been tormed in the vicinity of Wellington, kit every prospect of success. The report of the executive with reference to federation scholarships has been submitted to parish committees for consideration. Briefly slated, it provides two scholarships of the annual value of i! 10 each, with a boarding allowance of «E-40 where necessary, tenable at St. Patrick's College or other approved secondary school within the archdiocese; and the bursaries are open to all Catholic boys in the archdiocese. 'J lie educational test will be the junior liationnl scholarship e.Mmination, -with a special examination in Christian doctrine. >■ The executive is pleased to note that the Dominion executive lias been authorised to draw up a statement of Catholic claims with reference to the education question; and trusts that when the policy of the federation is made known it will meet with general approval. Other religious organisationssuch us the Anglican and Presbyterian Churches—arc beginning to realise the necessity for religion in education; and the executive feels sure that if the proposals put forward by tho Dominion executive are just and reasonable, tlicy will meet with support from outsido tho Catholic Church.

The field Servico fund, in common with all other war relief hinds, has been closed by order of tho Government; and ir is gratifying to know that a substantial Ixilance remained 011 hand when thu contributions were stopped. No doubt money will still be required by the chaplains in connection with the demobilisation of the troop?', and at tho military hospitals here iu .New Zealand; but a uneful sum should remain after all claims 010 met, and the executive has a proposal to place before tho ebuncil concerning its allocation. The Catholic Women's Hostel, a valuable adjunct to Ihe Catholic life of the eity, continues to be appreciated, and is always fully occupied. Proposals for mibstautial additions havo been approved by ihe Hostel Board, and at the rcqueiit of that body an appeal was issued by the executive of the lluilding fund. It is satisfactory to nolo that the board luin received sufficient encouragement to warrant it in proceeding ut onco willi the work. The board has been reconslituled during ihe year, giving larger representation to the contributors responsible for the liability. 'J he council is now represented by two members instead of three. In this connection it should bu noted that lust session of Parliament the Government made a grant of .£llOO to th& '/.W.C.A. Hostel, on the ground that it provided accommodation for yuiing women employed in . tho 'Public Htrvice. As the Catholic Women's Hostel porfornis a similar service—ll largo proportion of its residents'being so employed—it is dillicult to t.eo a reason for differentiation in this respecl. The mailer has been brought under the notice of the Government, and I'uLure developuicnls will be awaited with interest.

In conclusion, Ihe executii-e trusts Unit Catholics in Ihe archdioce.v. will ronlinne lo give the I'cderati.m its loyal support. "This is 1111 age of organisation, and ils advantages may be, perceived in every sphere of activity— cominereial, indusIrial, and political. The Catholic federation stands as the expression of Catholic opinion on social and public questions, and for the promotion-of Catholic interests. While one single disability remains upon the. shoulders cf the Catholic people of this Dominion, there is need for the federation; and it should bo unnecessary to plead with anyone holding dear the Catholic Faith to unite in the common bond of unity in defeuce of Catholic principles. "The federation has a great, record of useful work in the past, and it can do very much more with the undivided support of those in whose interests it was established." . Tho council passed tho scholarship scheme, which provided two ichol.uships, open to all Catholic scholars in the archdiocese, with a boarding allowance where necessary. Attention was called to some of the pictures being exhibited in the country districts, and the matter is to be placed before the Dominion Council.

Tiie treasurer's report, which disclosed a largo increase on last year's figures, «-n..- i'llepteil. as -ilso the report of the Catholic GiiiV Hostel Board. • The delegates lunched at the hostel. The next meeling of the council will be held at Hastings.