AUCKLAND DIOCESAN COUNCIL.

New Zealand Tablet, 31 July 1913, Page 36

AUCKLAND DIOCESAN COUNCIL.

(From our own correspondent.) ... A meeting of the Auckland Diocesan Council of the Catholic Federation was held in St. Benedict’s Catholic Clubrooms, on July 19 and 20. There were present, his Lordship the Bishop’s representative (Rev. Father Edge), and the following,delegatesMessrs. P. J. Nerheny and J. Grace (St. Patrick’s), E. R. Casey and J. O’Hara (St. Benedict’s), G. Little and A. Toye (Surrey Hills), D. Flynn and Jas. Shanaghan (Ponsonby), P. J. Walsh and W. Wright (Devonport), D. J. Murphy and 11. Skinner (Parnell), J. Duggan and W. Wright (Remuera), M. Kelly and G. D. Sexton (Ellerslie), E. J. Drumm and G. Thomas (Panmure), B. McLaughlin (Onehunga), J. C. Dromgool (proxy for Pukekohe), M. Black and H. McGuire (Tuakau), J. Lafferty (Hamilton), M. O’Brien and F. J. Kay (Te Awamutu), Cotter and Jones (Te Kuiti), M. McCrane (Taumarunui), A. G. Snelgar and J. Crosby (Paeroa and Waihi), J. P. Mullins and M. Mahoney (proxies for Gisborne). The president (Mr. J. J. Furlong), in his opening remarks, welcomed the delegates, and expressed pleasure at the number of parishes that were represented. When delegates travelled such distances, as did many of those present, it showed that they desired to take an active part ,in Federation matters, which augured well for the success of the movement. Apologies for absence were received from his Lordship Dr. Cleary, Mr. M. J. Sheahan, and Mr. Jas. Foy (Thames), owing to indisposition. The secretary placed before the meeting correspondence from various parishes in the diocese, which showed that the Federation was making steady progress. The chairman said that the principal business of the meeting was the consideration of the draft constitution, submitted by the provisional Dominion Executive. It was moved by Mr, F. G. J. Temm— ‘ That the first paragraph under “Explanation of Objects,” be altered to read: “The Federation is an organisation for the purpose of advancing the religious, civil, and social interests of Catholics throughout New Zealand, by every legitimate means,” and that paragraph 2 be deleted.’ It was pointed out, that in view of the official interpretation given upon paragraph 2 by the provisional Dominion Executive with reference to the Federation’s attitude towards politics ‘that members of the Federation must refrain from taking any active part in politics while an active member of the Federation, and that no member of any public body bo permitted to speak at any Federation meeting,’ etc., it was in the best interests of the Federation to have this paragraph deleted. The motion was seconded by Mr. McLaughlin (Onehunga), and was supported by Rev. Father Edge and Messrs Casey, Lafferty, Nerheny, O’Brien, and Snelgar. The motion was carried. With regard to Rule 6, clause (a), Mr. Temm moved that the following words be added ‘ provided always, that the parish priest may leave to the general body of parishioners the election of the .six representatives aforesaid.’ Mr. McLaughlin seconded the motion, which was carried. In connection with Rule 10, Mr. E. R. Casey moved, and Mr. A. Toye seconded, the following resolution, which was carried unanimously ‘ With the object of securing uniformity of administration throughout the Dominion, this council recommends the Dominion Executive to amend Rule 10 to provide that annual meetings of parishioners be held in January of each year to re-

•u If ceive reports and balance sheet and for election of « officers. That the annual meeting of diocesan councils 1 be held during February and the annual meeting of. L the Dominion Executive be held during the Easter | holidays in each year.’ ' | Among other amendments decided upon, was that I the diocesan councils and Dominion Executive should P include the Bishops of the respective dioceses or their ; duly appointed representatives. 4 Several alterations to the rules were passed for I submission to the, executive, amongst which was that 1 the presidency of the parish committees to be optional j for either the parish priest or a layman. It was moved by Mr. Lafferty, seconded by Mr. Snelgar, and carried —‘ That the Dominion Executive consider the advis- j ability of electing trustees for the Federation.’ . j Upon the question of .the expenses of delegates I being brought up, Mr. Lafferty moved and Mr. BlackJ seconded —‘That the expenses of delegates to the-Do-« minion Executive be paid.’ Carried. I It was decided that the delegates be instructed tol bring before the notice of . the Dominion Executive the! urgent need for committees to be formed for the purpose of meeting all Catholic immigrants arriving in the! Dominion, and assisting these people as much as possible. " I As several parish committees had written to the council stating that they had enrolled as many members; as it was possible for them to do, and having done this they were unable to find any other business to do, they , asked the council to give them a lead, so with this ' object in view, the officers of the council made arrange- 1 ments for the Rev. Father Edge, to deliver a lecture on Federation matters at the close of other business. | In response to this request, the Rev. Father Edge delivered a very interesting, instruc.ive, and educational address to the delegates assembled which was much appreciated. The Rev. Father clearly showed " that there was plenty of work for every parish committee, and, in dealing with the aims and objects of the Federation, showed how each unit in the Federation could take an active part in obtaining a consolidated Catholic opinion on social and civil questions affecting Catholic interests, etc., etc. The conference passed a very hearty vote of thanks to Father Edge for his able address. P The meeting terminated with votes of thanks to the president (Mr. Furlong), for-the able manner in which he conducted proceedings, and to the secretary! (Mr. Temm), for the manner in which he has carried, out his duties. I The following motion was also carried— ‘ That the, delegates of the Auckland Diocesan Council to the Dominion Executive be instructed to vote on the constitution and rules, in accordance with the various , resolutions carried at the meeting of the Auckland Diocesan Council, held-on July 19 and 20, 1913, and that on all other matters which may be brought up, discretionary power be given to them under the direction of the senior delegate.’