Rotorua

New Zealand Tablet, 7 August 1913, Page 19

Rotorua

J (From an occasional correspondent.) • A meeting was held on the evening of July 24 in Sloane's .Hall,. Rotorua, for the purpose of taking steps to start a-" Catholic Club. There; was a representative attendance, among those present being the Very Rev. Dean Lightheart and Rev. Father Schoonhof. Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from several parishioners, all of whom expressed their approval of the proposal. Very Rev. Dean Lightheart was voted to the chair. - :, _ - After some preliminary remarks by Mr. D. Power, who explained the aims and objects of a Catholic Club, it was decided on the motion of Mr. J. Sullivan, seconded by Mr. T. J. Sloane, that a Catholic Club be started in Rotorua, and that it be named St. Michael's. The election of officers then took place, and resulted as follows: —Patrons, Very Rev. Dean Lightheart and Rev. Father Schoonhof; president, Mr. T. Fitzgerald; vice-president, Mr. J. Sullivan; secretary, Mr. Rowland Thompson treasurer, Very Rev. Dean Lightheart ; committee Messrs. O'Dwyer, Cann, Slade, Geany,- and Young, with power to add to their number. . At the conclusion of the election Dean Lightheart vacated the chair, which was taken by the president (Mr. T. Fitzgerald), who congratulated those ;present on the formation of the club, and suggested the ad-

visability of discussing ways and means. After some, remarks with regard to finances, it was decided, on the motion- of Mr. Slade, that a subscription be taken dp at the meeting for the purpose of , starting the club on a sound financial basis. This was readily responded to, and a sum of £lO 18s 6d was received. It was stated that many who could not attend , had intimated their intention of subscribing, so that the venture might not be hampered for want of funds. The secretary was instructed to write to St. Benedict’s -Club, Auckland, for, a copy of the rules and other information which might prove useful in the running of the club. It was decided to hold another meeting, on July 31. The proceedings terminated with votes of thanks to the patrons and the president.:: T" : V - i The two petitions which : were circulated here recently, were signed by a large number of persons, whilst the enrolment of members of the Catholic Federation was most succesful. , ? ;