THE CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 20 March 1913, Page 26

THE CATHOLIC FEDERATION

OHAKUNB. On Sunday, February 23, a meeting was convened by Rev. Father Maillard for the purpose of establishing a branch of the Catholic Federation in Ohakune. The draft constitution was read and explained by Mr. E. J. Barry, and a proposal that a branch be formed was put and carried. The following committee was appointed:—Messrs. Kiely, Dwyer, Delaney, Leydon, Morton, Dunn, P. Barry, Kelly, Goldfinch, Fletcher, Kennedy, E. J. Barry, and Mrs. Dunn. At a meeting held subsequently the following officers were appointed:President, Rev. Father Maillard (ex officio); vice-presidents, Messrs. Kiely and Delaney; secretary, Mr. E. J. Barry; treasurer, Mr. J. Dwyer. WESTPORT. (From , our own correspondents March 9. On Sunday, March 2, a large meeting of parishioners was held in St. Canice’s Club rooms for the purpose of forming a branch of the Catholic Federation. The Yen. Archpriest Walshe, who presided, outlined the aims and objects of the Federation, and dwelt on the importance and need for such an organisation. Mr. F. Calnon referred to the necessity that existed for an organisation that would assist in promoting Catholic societies, and touched on the many benefits to be derived from membership of the Hibernian Society. Mr, A. Galbraith ably supported the proposal. As a convert he had no hesitation in saying that a Catholic defence society such as the Federation was urgently needed. Mr. D. Dennehy referred to the numerous disadvantages under which Catholics labored, especially in educational matters. There was important work for the Federation in this direction. A motion that a branch, of the Catholic Federation be established was then put to the meeting and carried unanimously. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Yen. Archpriest Walshe; vicepresidents, Mrs. Sontgen arid Mr. F. O’Gorman; secretary, Mr. J. Matthews; treasurer, Mr. M. Fennell ; representatives of Catholic societies Children of Mary, Misses M. Carey and T. Doyle; Altar Society, Misses Riedy and A. McCarthy; St. Vincent de Paul Society (ladies’ guild), Mrs. Sontgen and Mrs. Boniface; St. Vincent de Paul Society (men’s branch), Messrs. P. Niven and A. M. Kirby; H.A.C.B. Society, Messrs. F. Calnon and G. Organ; St. Canice’s Club, Messrs. J. Matthews and F. O’Gorman. ASHBURTON. (From our own correspondent.) March 12. In response to an invitation from Very Rev. Dean O’Donnell, a large number of parishioners met in the church on Sunday afternoon last for the purpose of considering the question of the fbrmation of a branch of the New Zealand Catholic Federation in Ashburton. The objects of the Federation were fully explained by the Dean. In the course of his remarks he briefly referred to the good work done by the Federation in America and latterly in Victoria, arid in concluding urged the formation of a branch in Ashburton. On the motion of Mr. H. P. Madden, seconded by Mr. John Carney, it was decided that a branch of the New Zealand Catholic Federation be started in Ashburton. The motion was carried unanimously. The election of a committee was held over until the different societies have selected their representatives. A large number of the parishioners have been enrolled, and the roll number gives every promise of being a big one.

TIMARU. (From our own correspondent.) March 17. The following officers were appointed at the first committee meeting of the Catholic Federation, held in the Brown Street Hall under the presidency of Very Rev. Dean Tubman; President, Very Rev. Dean Tubman; vice-presidents, Rev. Father Smyth and Mr. P. Kane; treasurer, Mr. T. Quinn; secretary, Mr. T. Knight; delegates to diocesan conference, Rev. Father Smyth and Mr. T. Knight. As a result of the committee’s endeavours during two successive Sundays over 450 members have now been enrolled.

HASTINGS. (From our own correspondent.) After Mass on Sunday, March 9, a meeting was held in St. Patrick’s Hall for the purpose of forming a branch of the Catholic Federation. The Very Rev. Father Keogh was elected president, and Mr. E. R. B. Daniels secretary. About sixty members joined, and a strong committee wa,s formed, including representatives of all the Catholic societies in the parish. It is estimated that when the work of enrolling is completed, the membership should be well over 1000 strong.