CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 7 August 1913, Page 23

CATHOLIC FEDERATION

FLEETING OF THE DOMINION ' _ ; COUNCIL . V - (From our Wellington correspondent.) , ; - The following is a full report of the proceedings : at the first meeting of the Dominion Council of the NewZealand Catholic Federation, held at : St. Patrick's Hall, Wellington, on July ;; 27 and 28: , . \ i; , ;; :. Present: Rev. Father Coffey, Adm. (Dunedin), Rev; Father Edge, Messrs. Casey and 5 McLaughlin (Auckland), Messrs. Girling-Butcher, Hoskins (secretary), and Callaghan i (Wellington), Hay ward (Christchurch), Shiel (Dunedin), and Poppelwell (Gore). \ On the motion of Mr. Hayward, seconded by Rev. , Father Coffey, Mr. Girling-Butcher (chairman of the provisional Executive) was elected chairman of the meeting.' _ : - ' ■,\ - -'- " u The report and statement of accounts submitted by the provisional Executive were read and adopted His Grace Coadjutor-Archbishop O'Shea (Wellington) then addressed the meeting. He apologised for . the absence of his Grace Archbishop Redwood, . who was unfortunately compelled to be away in Wanganui. In Archbishop Redwood's absence, and on behalf "of ; Wellington, he gave the delegates from Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin a very hearty welcome,*; and hoped that their stay in Wellington; would be a very pleasant one, as well as a very beneficial one as re--: garded the work they had on hand. He assured the meeting that it was a very great pleasure, indeed, to him to see assembled there, from all parts of the Dominion, the representatives of the Diocesan Councils, about to establish the work of Catholic Federation. For some time past the provisional Executive, which went out of office that day, had been working -very strenuously, as might be judged from ■ the report juso read, and he thought they had done very creditable work. They had labored under the disadvantage of having to provide a scheme of organisation for the whole country though they had not had the opportunity of discussing with the representatives of the .. different parts of the Dominion the various points of that scheme. However, he thought they had done a great deal of good work, and it now remained for the present meeting to amend in whatever way they deemed it necessary the constitution drafted by the provisional Executive, and make of it something that. would» suit ... the whole of the Dominion, and be for the benefit of the whole Catholic people of New Zealand. He admitted that they in Wellington did not believe for a:. moment that they possessed the monopoly of wisdom or brains. On the contrary, he was sure that the delegates from other centres would be able to suggest points of very material help towards a satisfactory scheme of Catholic Federation. In the past, they as a body had been a minority in this country; they had labored under serious disabilities, but he believed that if the Catholic people were united, as he hoped the Federation would unite them, these disabilities would be removed. They. had a voting strength of 80,000, and surely in a total voting strength in the Dominion of half a million that 80,000 could do something. If they worked together they would become a grand Catholic Federation in this country, so that when the leaders spoke their voice would be the unanimous expression of opinion of the Catholic people. That would, he felt. sure, go a long way towards getting righted those wrongs under which they were suffering, and it would mean that the Catholic body would be respected. He prayed that God would bless their labors for the Catholic people, and trusted that the result would be a strong united Catholic Church in the Dominion. . (Applause;) v > Apologies for absence, were received from Very Rev. Dean Hyland (Rangiora), Very Rev. Dean" Holley (Wanganui) and Very Rev. Chancellor Price (Christchurch). - ; -..-. ■; : . -■-

The chairman explained ; that * though, an agenda paper had been "drawn up, no order or business had been fixed, as several ; remits had been received only the previous day. It remained for the delegates -to decide as to the procedure. Personally he thought they should take the points of the constitution seriatim, and if any delegate had a remit to ; move on any particular point it could be discussed when they were dealing with that matter, and the amendment, if carried, coulu be inserted as part of the constitution. - 'f Eev. Father Coffey submitted that it would be as well for future meetings at which they expected representatives of the Federation from other parts of the \ Dominion, to be arranged for some other day than Sunday. It was, he pointed out, almost impossible for many priests to be present on that day* Indeed, had it not been for the importance of the present meeting he would not have been able to attend. Of course he recognised that the Federation was primarily a laymen's movement, and while he quite agreed that they should have the first say in the matter, if any of the dioceses chose to elect a priest on the executive it was very necessary that they should attend, and that was almost an impossibility if the meetings were held on Sunday. It was very inconvenient for a clergyman to get away on that day, as it was liable to upset the work of the i parish. Continuing, he wished to move the resolution suggested by the chairman that the meeting take the constitution drawn up by the provisional Executive, and ask the secretary to draw their attention to any remit which he had received upon any question as they reached it. This was seconded by Father Edge and carried. _ CONSTITUTION. Clause 1: The name of the organisation shall be The New Zealand Catholic Federation.'—Carried. Clause 2: The objects of the Federation shall be: (a) The expression of a consolidated Catholic opinion on social , and public questions affecting Catholic interests., (b) The promotion and extension of Catholic l education, : , (c) The dissemination of Catholic literature, (d) The mutual support and advancement of Catholic societies.-—Carried., Mr. Poppelwell submitted that it would be as well to add a general clause as follows: (e) ' The promotion and control, of such other matters of Catholic interest in the Dominion as might from time to time arise.'— Carried. Explanation of Objects. It was .agreed that the first paragraph stand as printed. In regard to the second paragraph, 'lt is not a political party organisation, and does not seek to influence the political views of its members, nor to touch politic? except where politics touch religion,' Mr. Casey (Auckland) said-that this question had been discussed in Auckland, and Bishop Cleary had expressed the opinion that. if this paragraph, were interpreted as it had been it would do the Federation an immense amount of harm. It was his intention to make a protest against, the interpretation which had been placed upon it by . the provisional Executive. He desired to obtain a ruling .from the Dominion Council as to how far this paragraph was going to limit the members of the Federation, as to politics. . Taking the liberal interpretation of the words, he submitted that there was nothing in them to debar any member of the Federation from takings part in politics. Under the circumstances he would take the responsibility of withdrawing the remit from Auckland on. the subject, but he would like the Council to give an official opinion of its ideas, or an explanation of its action in connection with this paragraph. . The chairman admitted that perhaps the circular letter which was sent to the various committees on this point was , rather, more drastic than was intended, and it had subsequently been left to the Dominion Executive. It was now left to the various Diocesan Councils to interpret the clause in the way they thought best. The circular had been withdrawn in consequence of a general expression of opinion that it went too far. It was quite obvious that they did not desire to make the Federation a political association,

and it must be left to the discretion of" each Diocesan Council as to what action . it should take in the matter. Rev. Father Edge pointed out that if this rule was retained office-bearers of the Federation who might also be members of public bodies, should resign their public positions or leave the Federation that was the -only reason why < the Auckland branch looked for the 'abolition, of this clause and sent its remit. He would like it to be made clear that office-bearers and members of the Federation might become members of any public body. _ ';.y Mr. Callaghan desired to make a definite statement that this clause 2 by no means debarred any member of Parliament or a public body from becoming a member of the Federation, or of a committee or of that Executive. He had opposed the interpretation of this clause when it had come under his notice, and he had been told that Auckland approved of the circular on the point, but he was very pleased to hear that that was not so. He moved that ' Clause 2 in no way debars members of Parliament or local bodies, or even candidates, from taking part in the Federation or acting on any of its committees.' Mr. Hay ward . seconded the motion. This point (he said) had been discussed by the Diocesan Council in Christchurch, and it was one of the matters which he had been instructed to bring up that day. The Diocesan Council in Christchurch held that a man capable of filling a public position should not be debarred in any way from becoming a member or. officer of the Federation. Rev. Father Coffey said that this matter had also been brought up in Dunedin, where there were members of Borough Councils who considered, from the report which went out, that they could not become members of the Federation. He thought the Dunedin remit on this point should be worked in in connection with this clause, that while this Council hopes that it will have no occasion to take an active part in politics, it is of opinion that all branches of the Federation should be given a free hand to take such a part should it be deemed necessary for the safeguarding of Catholic interests.' There should, he contended, be a distinct clause to the effect that we consider that every Catholic may hold office or be a member of the Federation whether he holds a political appointment or not. He would move that the words 'not to touch politics' be struck out, and that a clause be inserted before Clause 2 that 'every Catholic man and woman in the Dominion is entitled to be a member of the Federation.' Mr. Poppelwell drew attention to the words in the clause to the effect that the Federation does not seek to influence the political views of its members.' This, he contended, was an absurdity, and the words should be struck out. Clause 2 was accordingly amended by deleting the above words. >' On the. motion of Mr. Callaghan, seconded by Mr. Hayward, it was agreed that 'Clause 2 in no way debars any member of Parliament or of any public body from becoming a member of the Federation, or holding any office of the Federation, or any of its committees.'— Carried. (This was to be regarded as an explanation by the Executive, and not to be part of the constitution.) It was agreed without discussion that the remaining portion of the clause stand, as printed. 3. Qualification for Membership. All Catholics, male and female, shall be eligible for membership in the Federation. & Mr. Poppelwell raised the point as to at what particular age members of the Federation should be entitled to exercise the vote. On the motion of Mr. Poppelwell, seconded by Mr. Shiel, it was decided that the following words be inserted at the end of Clause 3 : 'but only the members over 16 years of age shall be entitled to vote on Federation matters.' Clause 4—Subscriptions. After a short discussion on clause 4 it was decided, on the motion of Mr. Casey, seconded by Mr. McLaughlin, to defer the consideration of this clause so as to

enable the meeting to take the discussion on all matters of finance later. - - Clause s—Organisation. - Mr. Poppelwell moved that the words ' local committees' be struck out since they had no representation oh parish committees. Mr. McLaughlin seconded. Mr. ward objected: he thought they should not cut out local committees; they should be allowed to come in if they wanted to do so. On being put to the meeting the motion was lost, consequently the words remain as part of the constitution. Clause 6 —Parish Committees. (a) ■•'-' The Parish Committee shall consist of the parish priest (ex officio), two representatives of each Catholic society in the parish, elected or appointed ,by and from each respective society; six representatives of the general body of parishioners, appointed by the parish priest; and the representatives of local committees (if any).' Rev. Father Coffey said that Dunedin had sent a remit to the effect that the six representatives of the parish should be elected by the parishioners and not appointed by the parish priest. He said there were two solid objections to the parish priest's appointments. The first was that it would be putting the parish priest in an invidious position. He calls a meeting of the parishioners, and tells them that they are called together for the purpose of establishing a branch of the Federation. . Then the parish priest would nominate six of them on the committee, and then he would have to tell them that they had no say in the election of the committee. A great many of the parishioners might think that they ought to have been elected and the result is that they have a grievance, and discuss the foolishness of the priest's action —so that he is put in an invidious position. The clause had apparently been introduced for the purpose of keeping out persons who may not work for the interests of the Federation, but, he maintained, it did not attain that object in the proper manner. He maintained that the x priest could have other means of keeping out undesirable members, without nominating six members from his parish on the committee. There was another and still stronger objection to the 'nomination of six members on the committee by the parish priest. The Federation was supposed to represent the Catholic laity of New Zealand. They might require to form a deputation to a Minister in regard to some matter which might crop up, and they might wish to "claim that they represented the Catholic laity. But the Minister could say ' No, you do not represent the parishioners: you are the nominees of the parish priest.' Therefore, he thought that they should allow the whole of the committee to be elected, so many by the societies and so many by the parishioners; that was his opinion. He would move that the words ' appointed by the parish priest' be struck out and the following words inserted in lieu thereof: ' elected by them (i.e., the parishioners) at a general meeting called for the purpose.' Rev. Father Edge said that he had allowed the parishioners to elect their own representatives, and had then appointed those whom they elected. He had afterwards found that that had been done in other cases, though he was not aware that it was to be done at the time. He had considered that he had not a sufficient knowledge of the parishioners to appoint them. He also pointed out that power would be given to parts of the parish which .was denied to the whole parish, which was not right. Mr. Callaghan explained that the Wellington members were determined not to have the clause as printed. The matter came up in a remit from Napier, and he called it an undemocratic proposal, and was surprised that it should have been put into the New Zealand constitution. He contended that there was nothing so likely to cause disunity and discord than the right of the parish priest to appoint his nominees on the committee. The laymen paid their subscriptions and they should have the right to say who should be on the committee. He quite agreed with Father Coffey on the

matter, and he hoped the ' clause;would be altered . in the direction suggested by him. ' After further discussion Edge moved as an amendment, and Mr. Casey seconded That clause (a) stand as printed, with the additional words "Provided always that the parish priest may leave to the general body of parishioners the election of the six representatives aforesaid".' On being put to the ' meeting this amendment was lost. ' : Rev.-Father Coffey's motion was then put and carried. •■ , ' Clause (b) —Mr. Poppelwell, moved that this clause be struck out. He could hardly imagine a parish where there was no society. There should be no necessity for six representatives. Carried. Clause (c) —'In parishes where there is more than one church, the Parish Committee shall arrange for the formation of local committees (one for each extra church) to act in conjunction with it, each such local committee to elect two representatives on the parish committee.' . ■ Y-£ On the motion of Father Coffey, seconded by Mr. Callaghan, it was decided to insert after the word 'one' in the third line of the printed clause the words 'not to exceed six-members,' and to strike out the words in the same line 'to act in conjunction with it.' Clause (d) — The following societies shall be entitled to representation on the Parish Committee: Hibernian Australian Catholic Benefit Society (men's and women's branches), St. Vincent de Paul Society (men's and women's branches), Catholic Club, Sacred Heart Society (men's and women's branches), Children of Mary, Christian Doctrine Society, Altar Society, Confraternity of the Holy Family, Newman Society, and such other approved Catholic societies as may be established in the parish.' ; - ■ ... _ Mr. Poppelwell raised the point as to whether a football club confined to Catholics came under ' Catholic societies' in the last line of the printed clause. The chairman ruled that a sporting club such as a football club could not be called''an approved Catholic society.' The Catholic societies referred to were generally literary clubs. Mr. Poppelwell said that these clubs represented one of the energies of the Catholic Church, and should be entitled to representation. He submitted that the clause should read ' such other Catholic societies approved" by the parish priest.' To get over the difficulty Father Coffey moved, and Mr. Poppelwell seconded, that the words ' or clubs' be inserted after the word ' societies' in the seventh line of the clause.—Carried. •■ ' ; *: Clause 7—Diocesan Councils. Diocesan Councils shall consist of two representatives elected or appointed by each Parish Committee in the respective diocese. Rev. Father Coffey said he thought the clergy should have direct representation on the Diocesan Councils. They were ex officio members of the Parish Committees, but not on any other association in connection with the Federation. He thought they should give the Rector of each parish the right to sit on the Diocesan Council, with two lay representatives. He accordingly moved That the Diocesan Councils shall consist of the Bishop of the diocese, the parish priest of each parish, or his representative, and two laymen elected or appointed by each parish committee in the respective dioceses.' Mr. Casey moved, and Mr. McLaughlin seconded, that the following further words be added to the clause and one representative of one non-parochial society.' Mr. Callaghan objected to this amendment; such a society had representation already on the Parish Committee. On being put to the meeting Mr. Casey's motion was lost, and that moved by Rev. Father Coffey carried. Considerable; further discussion took place regarding the constitution of the Diocesan Councils (Clause 8) and the Dominion Executive (Clause 13), and it was ultimately decided, on the motion of Rev. Father Coffey, to refer these matters to a special committee consisting of Messrs. Hayward, Casey, Poppelwell, and

Callaghan, to draw up rules in substitution of the above rules, and report to the meeting subsequently. Clause 9 (a) Representatives on all Parish Committees, } local committees, Diocesan Councils, Dominion Executive, and Dominion Council, shall' be elected or appointed annually, and -must all be members of the Federation.' It was ; decided to strike out the words f or appointed' in the above clause. Clause 9 (b) It was decided that this clause stand as printed. --;■■■- '-■•'■■:'■ .■•■- -?-■ \ r -: ""' y [ ::r :y : ''/ „ " : . Clause 9 (c) 'A deputy may, from time to time, if properly authorised in that behalf, attend meetings and act generally in the place of any representative of the ; general body of parishioners, a society, local committee, Parish Committee, or Diocesan Council, who is, I 'for valid reason, prevented from attending or acting * ' - personally.' ;;!,; On the motion of Mr. Casey, seconded by Mr. Poppelwell, it was decided to strike out the words 'the general body of parishioners, a society, local committee, Parish Committee, or Dioceson Council ' and insert in lieu thereof the words ' any body or committee under the Federation.' , ~ /' On the motion of Mr. Casey, seconded by Mr. Poppelwell, Rule 10Annual Conferencewas deleted, and the following rule substituted therefor: r - - Annual Meetings. . Rule 10 (a) 'The annual meeting of parishioners ■in the first week in June of each year to receive reports and balance-sheet, and for the election of officers, and the transaction of general business.' (b) The annual meeting of the Diocesan Councils shall be held during the first week in July,, and the annual meeting of the Dominion Council shall be held during the first week in August in each year.' Mr. Poppelwell reported on behalf of the special committee appointed to deal with Clauses 8 and 13. The committee had gone into the matter carefully, and had drafted rules which he thought would commend themselves to members/ Clause 8 had been recast. The clauses were as follow The Dominion Council and Executive. ••■ -.''] ' The Dominion Council shall consist of the Archbishops and -Bishops of the Dominion ex officio, and three representatives elected by each Diocesan Council, -and shall meet half-yearly in Wellington, in the months of August and February. The Dominion Council at its annual meeting shall elect a president and three vicepresidents, and a secretary and treasurer (neither of whom need necessarily be a Diocesan Council representative, but both of whom shall hold office respectively at the pleasure of the Dominion Council.).' Dominion Executive.—' The Dominion Council at its annual meeting shall elect a Dominion Executive, consisting of the members of the Dominion Council resident in Wellington, together with seven other members, all of whom shall be residents of Wellington. The Dominion Executive shall select one of their number to be chairman thereof. The general control of the Federation shall be vested in the Dominion Council, which body shall be empowered to initiate all work coming within the scope of the aims and objects of the Federation as set forth in the constitution, and whose decision in all matters pertaining thereto shall be final: Provided always that during such time as the Dominion Council is not in session, the powers of such Council shall be vested in the Dominion Executive, who shall be responsible to the Dominion Council, and shall report to each half-yearly meeting of that body: Provided further that the Dominion Executive shall have no power to make any alteration in the constitution.' Mr. Poppelwell explained that the effect of these rules, if adopted, would be that there would be three diocesan representatives from Wellington, who with the Archbishops, the secretary and treasurer, and the seven other members, would give an executive of fourteen in the aggregate, to manage the work of the Council when that Council was not in session. Of course.they would be under the instructions of the Council. While this

proposal would have the effect of preserving intact ■ the representation of the Diocesan Councils, it*would enable the affairs of the Federation to be managed in Wellington during such period as the Dominion Council , was not in : session. He moved formally that these clauses be adopted ; and form part of the constitution. . Mr. Callaghan seconded the motion, which was carried. ".' The chairman in declaring the motion carried, remarked that the rules just read would be substituted for Rule 8 and 13 (a) and (b). * Clause 11 Parish Committees. *• ' The parish priest, or such other priest as may be, from time to time, nominated by 'him, shall be the president of the Parish Committee. ■■ Two vice-presidents and a secretary -and a treasurer, shall -be; elected' or appointed by and from the Parish Committee. Meetings of the Parish Committee shall be held at least monthly.' -- ' . _ . Rev. Father Coffey suggested the substitution of 'person' for 'priest.' That would give him the right to act if he wished to do so. , , * v .. Mr. Hay ward desired to alter the clause a . little further. While he quite agreed with Father Coffey's proposed alteration, he would suggest that the words -' elected by the committee ' be substituted for 'nominated by him for this reason, that if the parish priest did not wish to act himself he could leave it to the committee to elect their own president. ' "■'■ - Mr. Callaghan agreed with Father Coffey's amendment; the parish priest should have the right to put someone else in that position if he so desired. He would most likely know the most suitable man for the position. Rev. Father Coffey added to his motion the deletion of the words 'from time to time,' and the substitution of the word ' quarterly ' for ' monthly.'—Carried. It' was decided to defer the consideration of Clause (b) as same dealt with the question of finance. Clause 12 (a) —Diocesan Councils. ' The Diocesan Council shall elect a president, two vice-presidents, a secretary, and a treasurer, and shall have control of the work of the Federation within- the diocese. Meetings of the Diocesan Council shall be held at least once a quarter. ' Mr. Casey moved that ' The Diocesan Council shall consist of the Bishop ex officio, as president, or such other member as may be nominated by him, two vicepresidents, a secretary, and a treasurer.' The motion was seconded by Mr. McLaughlin. • Mr. Hay ward objected. He did not think the Bishop would wish to be forced to nominate anyone to act as president. As Rev. Father Coffey had said, the parish priest would prefer to leave the nomination of the six members to the Parish Committee, so also he (Mr. Hay ward) thought the Bishop would prefer not to have to nominate the president of the .Diocesan Council. He moved accordingly that the words 'who shall be the Bishop of the diocese if he shall so act' be added after the word president in the printed clause. He also moved that the word ' half-yearly ' be substituted for the words 'once a quarter' at the end of the clause. Rev. Father Coffey seconded the amendment. Mr. Casey's motion, on being put to the meeting was lost, and Mr. Hayward's carried. Clause 12 (b) As this clause dealt with a question of finance, consideration of same was deferred. Clause 12 (c) Mr. Poppelwell moved that the following new clause be substituted for this clause: 'No motion, having for its object the repeal or alteration- of any rule, or the promulgation of any new. rule, shall be considered at any meeting until at least one month's notice of the intention to propose such repeal, alteration or new rule, shall be given to the secretary of the Diocesan Council, who shall forthwith transmit a copy to each delegate.'— , On the motion of Mr. Poppelwell, seconded by Mr. Hayward, the word 'Council' was substituted for the word 'Executive' in the first line of the clause. •♦•' Clause 14. The Dominion Executive, Diocesan Councils, and Parish Committees shall respectively frame by-laws (consistent with the rules, regulations,

and constitution of the federation) for carrying : on the business - pertaining to each.' V - ..-'■ This clause was passed as . printed with the substitution of the word ' Council ' for Executive '.in the first line, and the insertion of the words Dominion Executive' immediately thereafter. Clause 15. ' The Dominion - Council shall \ have power to make, from time to time (either at the suggestion of the Diocesan Councils or on its own initiative), such changes in the constitution,' rules, and regulations of the Federation, as it may think fit.' ' ; On the motion of Mr. Casey, seconded by Mr. Callaghan, it was decided to insert the word ' only ' at the- beginning of the clause, also to add the following at the end of the clause: ' Provided that two months' notice of such intended change shall be given to the Diocesan Councils.' ; ? ~ . ' .__ '-> At it was now 10.30 p.m. the Council decided to adjourn until 2 p.m. on the following day. On resuming on the afternoon of the following day the chairman explained that he had overlooked on the previous day that the provisional Executive had been allowed to be present to explain matters in connection with the report of their period of office, but not to propose any motion or to vote. They were simply there as members of the provisional Executive. FINANCES. - _ In connection with the sub-committee set up to go into 'the matter of finance, the chairman stated that he and Mr. Callaghan * had met and conferred: he submitted the following statement: They estimated the receipts and expenditure on the present indicated strength of the Federation — 12,500 at Bd—would net to the Council the sum of £416 as the total revenue. Expenditure.. Literature, pamphlets, monthly bulletins, etc. ...£ 75 Printing, stationery, postage telephone, etc. ... 75 Expenses of Dominion Council meetings ... ... 100 Office rent ... ' ... ... ... ... ... 50 Sundry expenses ... ... ... ... ... 20 ._' •; . £320 Leaving a balance for salaries, etc., of ... ... £96 If the strength can be maintained at 20,0.00, the revenue of the Dominion Council would be £666, leaving a better balance, from which a proper salary could be paid to a secretary, who could devote the whole of his time to the business of the Federation. Travelling expenses to two Dominion Council meetings annually: - Dunedin—3 delegates at £6 per meeting ... £36 Christchurch —3 delegates at £4 per meeting 24 Auckland delegates at £6 per meeting ... 36 • - " , £96

■>. Mr. Shiel was of the opinion that every Catholic in the Dominion should be netted. His Grace Archbishop O'Shea had stated that there were 80,000 voters in the Dominion. = If all these became members of the Federation a .larger income would result. If not, the subscription must be increased. He said that practically nothing had > been done to enrol members,, and instanced Dunedin, where no efforts whatever had been made.. : -" - Rev. Father Coffey said this was not so, every effort had been made, even to a house to house canvass over most of the town. . : ' ,_: . . ■ ■ • Z Mr. Poppelwell said that people in the south knew practically nothing about the Federation. He suggested that the Dominion Executive should appeal to the parishes by means of circulars. -- After further discussion Mr. Poppelwell moved, and Mr. Casey seconded, that the report be received.— Carried. . ... . ' ■ "/ Mr. Casey suggested the postponement of " consideration of the motion : on the order paper to be moved by Christchurch, re the distribution of contributions to be paid to Parish Committees, Diocesan Councils, and the Dominion Council. He thought that the Dominion Executive should go into the matter ; ? of finance and report in .six months. --."■', Mr. Hayward considered that there should be a fairer distribution of the amount. He opposed the postponement suggested by Mr. Casey .He contended 1 that the figures submitted proved that on the revenue quoted the Diocesan Councils should be granted another Id per member. He suggested that the Dominion Council should receive 6d, the Diocesan Councils 3d, and the Parish Committees 3d out of each Is. Should the Dominion Council find the revenue insufficient to pay expenses, he thought wealthy Catholics would come to the assistance of the Federation. Mr. Callaghan thought there should be no difficulty in raising the membership to 30,000. He agreed with Mr. Casey that consideration of the distribution should be left over. ." , "' Mr. Hayward did not agree with the proposal for Diocesan Councils to pay delegates' expenses, as suggested by Mr. Casey;. that body should be granted another Id per member.. - , Rev. Father Edge said there was another matter to consider, and that, was the question of the payment of a salary to the secretary. ' J - Mr. Callaghan, in reply, said that in connection with the payment of a salary to the secretary, if a revenue from 20,000 members could be depended upon payment of salary to the secretary could be made at the rate of £25.0 per annum. Rev. Father Edge said that if the Catholic population of New Zealand was 120,000; there should be no difficulty in obtaining 20,000 members. Mr. Callaghan suggested that the proportion remain as stated in the constitution. I. - V Rev. Father Coffey moved, and Mr. McLaughlin seconded, ' That the subscription for adults over 16 be Is, and that life members be charged a subscription of

£3 3s, and that after Ist January next the subscription for each child under 16 be 6d. The annual subscriptions' for adults and children ■ : to be collected on enrolment, and .thereafter on the first of January in each year.- ~ . ■- , . _" ;-:-: In connection with this motion Mr. ward thought. the allocation shouid be reconsidered. 'lie said the Diocesan Council of Christchurch could not .finance that body at 2d a member. v; ,■_ : Rev. Father Coffey said the rules could be amended later oh after some experience of the working of the Federation had been obtained.—-Carried. v ~'; Rev. Father Edge moved, and Mr. McLaughlin seconded, that another clause (c) be inserted in Rule 11, that The Parish Committee shall forward to the Diocesan Council 10 per cent, of the net proceeds of socials',.lectures, etc., held under the auspices of the N.Z. Catholic Federation, and also 10 per cent, of .any bequests made to such committee.'' This evoked considerable discussion, and finally Rev. Father Coffey moved, and Mr Poppelwell seconded, that ' Parish Committees may retain all sums raised by them other than by subscriptions/ ,On the amendment being put it was carried, and the motion lost. •Mr. Hayward then moved that seven-tenths be the amount forwarded to the Dominion Council for next year's subscription by Diocesan Councils. The chairman seconded this pro forma in order to allow of discussion. Rev. Father Edge suggested that matters remain as at present. Rev. Father Coffey supported Rev. Father Edge. After discussion, the motion was eventually carried. - ■ •• Mr. Poppelwell moved, . and Mr. Callaghan seconded, ' That the Diocesan Councils retain all sums raised by them other than by.subscriptions.'—Carried. Rev. Father Edge then brought forward a remit from. Auckland, and moved that power be given in the constitution for imposing a levy of Is per head to pay for circulating literature. This was seconded by Mr. Casey. Mr. Hayward spoke to the motion, and said that the Federation -was under a deep debt of latitude to Dr. Cleary, and suggested that the Dominion Executive be requested to send out circulars to leading Catholics requesting donations for this purpose. ' The motion was lost. Mr. Poppelwell moved, and Mr. Callaghan seconded, ' That the matter be referred to the Dominion Executive for favorable consideration, and to take such steps as it deemed advisable.'—Carried. Rev. Father Edge brought up another motion in connection with finance, and said there was a little misunderstanding re his expenses as an organiser. He was absent five Sundays, and had to pay more than what he had received for a locum tenens He had no wish to ask for his present expenses, but in future he would expect payment of any expenses incurred while doing organising work. Mr. Hayward suggested that the Auckland Diocesan Council should bear the expenses in connection with Father Edge's work of organising. "Mr. Casey moved, and Rev. Father Coffey seconded, ' That delegates to the Dominion Council be paid by the Dominion Council their travelling expenses when acting 'as delegates at the rate of 10s per day, and locomotion expenses.—Carried. Mr. Casey moved, and Rev. Father Edge seconded, That all meetings of Parish Committees should be open to any financial member of the Federation without the power of voting or actively taking part in the proceedings.. Messrs. Poppelwell and Shiel objected to this. The former said there were many matters of a confidential nature which perhaps the enemy would only be too glad to take advantage of. The motion was lost. In connection with Wellington's remit for the Council to consider the desirability of inaugurating a system of. transfer when a member moved from one parish to another, this matter, on the motion of Mr. Callaghan, seconded by Mr. Poppelwell, was referred to the Dominion Executive for. necessary action.

In regard to Wellington's remit as to the.number to form a quorum for*' the Dominion Council, Rev. Father Coffey moved, ; and -Mr./Hayward seconded, That five form a quorum at a Dominion Council meeting.'—Carried. * -■ ' The next matter brought up was the question of defining the executive for a Diocesan Council. Mr. Casey suggested that this was a matter for consideration of Diocesan Councils. This evoked some discussion, and eventually Mr. Poppelwell moved, and Mr. Hayward seconded, 'That a Diocesan Council may elect an executive as it may think fit.'—Carried. The next matter discussed was the question of School Journals. Mr. Hayward moved, and Mr. Poppelwell seconded, that the Minister of Education be written to and requested to issue the Journals free to Catholic schools, The mover said that he had learned on good authority that the Journals were so promiscuously distributed to State schools that many copies found their way to the waste paper basket, while Catholic children were charged Id per copy. : ■ », Rev. Father Edge questioned whether the Journal was a suitable book for schools to take the place of readers.—Carried. A general discussion then took place on educational matters. Rev. Father Coffey detailed his experience with the Otago Education Board. He said he found that body always willing to help him as far as possible. He also stated that any Catholic child, with a sixth standard certificate, on a letter from him would receive free tuition at the Technical School, if he also certified that such tuition would be of benefit to the child. Even those who did not pass the sixth standard would be accepted by the Technical School Board on a certificate that the tuition would benefit the child and that the parents could not afford to pay for the tuition. , -'■. '■■'• The question of scholarships was also mentioned, and it was suggested that a deputation should interview the Minister and bring before him such matters as scholarships, School Journals, and swimming classes. In connection with the attitude of certain boards towards scholarships in Catholic secondary schools, Mr. Poppelwell said that he was personally of opinion that the Education Boards could not be forced by legal proceedings to declare a Catholic secondary school to be a place where scholarships could be held. Rev. Father Coffev then at some length detailed his interview with the Minister of Education, who suggested that they should fight this matter out. Mr. Hayward suggested that thev should wait upon the Minister as a deputation on Tuesday. Rev. Father Edge submitted that this and the matter of Bible-in-Schools were subjects which should only be raised by the Hierarchy. Mr. Poppelwell suggested that the matter be left to the Dominion Executive. Legal advice, he thought, should be obtained from an eminent counsel, and if found unfavorable the Minister should then be deputationised.This motion was left over. This concluded the afternoon's proceedings of the Council, which adjourned till 7.30 p.m. Upon resuming at 7.30 p.m. the education discussion was continued. Rev. Father Coffey proposed that the Executive, with Dr. Kennedy, meet the Bishops who were to meet in Wellington in a fortnight, and consult with them on the matter as to what course of action should be taken. This was seconded by Mr. Hayward, and carried. , Rev. Father Coffey moved that,, the Dominion Executive take counsel's opinion on the scholarship question prior to meeting the Bishops in consultation thereon. This was seconded by Mr. Callaghan, and carried. The next subject discussed was that of immigration. The chairman moved ' That all Diocesan Councils be advised to enlist the aid of ladies' auxiliaries of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in forming Catholic immigration sub-committees, to meet and care for Catholic immigrants. This was seconded by Mr. Hayward, and carried. ■ The chairman stated in regard, to the other remits the matters were now in the hands of the provisional Dominion Executive.

Considerable discussion took place on ■ the -remit from Christchurch ' that in instances such ..as- that at Timaru, where, in carrying out the work of the Federation with : regard to objectionable plays legal expenses were threatened; the Dominion should indemnify such parishjauthority or committee.' A ; , It was' decided that a resolution be drafted by Mr. Poppelwell, and submitted later. i Rev. Father Coffey moved, and Mr. Hay ward seconded, That no publication purporting to be issued under the auspices or with the authority of the Federation be issued unless such publication has been first submitted to and approved by the Dominion Council.'— Carried. ,;-It was : decided that both the Dominion. Council and Diocesan '■'; Council be empowered to appoint honorary legal advisers. •'*."' It .was also decided that no member of the Federation, or any other person whatsoever, shall have any authority to bind the Federation, or any body thereunder, without direct authority in writing from the Federation, or such body respectively; nor shall the Federation, or any body thereunder, be in any way responsible for any act, matter, or thing, purporting to be done on its behalf, unless such authority shall have;? previously been given in writing; no body under the Federation shall have any power to act on behalf of or bind the Federation, or any other body, unless specially authorised in writing so to do by the Dominion Council, or Executive, or such lesser body respectively. Rev. Father Coffey moved, and Mr. Callaghan seconded ' That it be a recommendation to the Diocesan Councils to set up Catholic literature committees of four or more members, to submit lists of suitable books for adoption in public libraries, such lists to be interchanged through the secretary of the Dominion Council, and transmitted to the respective Parish Committees, with a request that they make application at the local public library, and that such diocesan literature sub-committees suggest similarly what books are considered objectionable as unfit to be read by general subscribers.—Carried. . •- Rev. Father Coffey suggested that the Dominion Executive be recommended to consider the best means of publishing and circulating, say monthly, an account of Federation matters. Carried. - Mr. Hayward moved, and Father Coffey seconded, that it be a recommendation to the Dominion Executive that a bonus of £2O be handed to Mr. Hoskins, provisional secretary, as some recognition of his services.. Election of Officers. The next matter dealt with was the appointment of the officers of the Dominion Council: Messrs. Hayward and McLaughlin as president, and duly elected by acclamation. On the motion of Mr. Callaghan, seconded bv Rev. Father Edge, Mr. Poppelwell (Otago), Mr. Hayward (Christchurch), and Mr. McLaughlin (Auckland) were elected vice-presidents. Rev. Father Hurley was elected Dominion treasurer; on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr. Hayward. In connection with the office of secretary, Mr Poppelwell moved, and Mr. Callaghan seconded, ' That the question of the, appointment and remuneration of a paid secretary be left to the Dominion Executive '— Carried. .The following gentlemen were duly elected as members of the Dominion Executive- —Messrs T J McCosker, P D Hoskins, A. H. Casey, F. K. ReeVes] M. O'Kane, D. S. Columb, J. E. Ward. ™$ n £f motion of Mr Poppelwell, seconded by Rev. father Edge, a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded the provisional Dominion Executive for the excellent work which they had done since the inauguration of the Federation,and under such trying circumstances.— Carried. . . A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the proceedings.

HYDE. .„ Immediately after Mass on Sunday, July 13, the congregation assembled in the : church for the purpose of forming a branch of the Catholic Federation. After the objects of 'the' Federation had been explained' by Rev. Father Lynch, a ; local committee -was 1 elected, consisting of --the following : —Rev. Father Lynch (president), Messrs. P. Kinney and H. McAuley (vicepresidents), Mr. M. -Prehdergast .(secretary) -, Mr. T. Dowling (treasurer), Messrs. O. c Laverty, P. : Kinney, jun., W. Hally, M. Kinney, •P. Mcßride, J. E. , Carvalho, P. Cushnan,; J. Gill, Mesdames Kinney, Lynch, and Carvalho (Altar Society),' Misses McAuley, E. A. Kinney, and Katie Kinney (Christian Doctrine). It was decided to hold meetings monthly. About 40 members are already enrolled/ ; :-/V' CHRISTCHURCH. J; The ordinary monthly meeting of St. Mary's branch of the Catholic Federation was held on Sunday, July 27, when an interesting discussion on several important, questions eventuated. The secretary was empowered to act in the formation of sub-committees at Hornby and Papanui. Decisions were arrived at on several subjects sent out by the Diocesan Council for consideration. On the Bible-in-Schools question the following resolution was carried:—'That the Bible-in-Schools measure as promulgated by a certain section of the community is against the natural right "and conscience of the Catholics of New Zealand, "and that the League's scheme will also violate the natural right and conscience of many non-Catholics of New Zealand; that Catholics as taxpayers in common with others pay an education tax. They also provide their own schools for the education of Catholic children, and they resent having to pay for a mangled and emasculated Bible being read in the public schools of New Zealand that the scheme of Government religious instruction that is proposed by the Bible-in-Schools League is admittedly suited for only a section of four religious denominations in this Dominion, and that it is admittedly unsuited to the remaining forty or fifty denominations; that the 'League's scheme is notoriously unjust, and the rights and consciences of a minority will be outraged, which is against all true democracy. x WANGANUI. A meeting of the parish committee of the Catholic Federation was held in St. Joseph's Hall on Thursday, July 24, Very Rev. Dean Holley occupying the chair. The routine business of the parish committee was gone through and a quantity of correspondence read and received, after which it was resolved that.a meeting of those who canvassed for signatures to the petition to Parliament against the Bible-in-Schools League's proposals be called for the purpose of undertaking a house-to-house visitation amongst Catholics for. Federation enrolments. Very Rev. Dean Holley, being unable to attend the first meeting of the Dominion Council, of which he is a member, then conferred with the committee on the matter of remits to the Executive, the following remits being the outcome:—(l) That the Dominion Executive be requested to consider the advisability of agitating for an amendment of the law, so that Catholic children obtaining Education Board Scholarships shall have the absolute right to take them out at a Catholic secondary educational institution without having to obtain the approval of an Education Board'; (2) 'That the Dominion Executive be- urged to consider the need at the present time of proceeding with the proposed lectures on proportional representation;' : MIDDLEMARCH. On ( Sunday, July 27, a branch of the Catholic Federation was inaugurated at Middlemarch. After the aims and objects of the Federation were explained by Rev. Father Lynch, the following were appointed a committee:—President, Rev. Father Lynch; vicepresidents, Messrs. E. O'Connell and M. Moynihan; treasurer, Mr. M. McGrath; secretary, Mr. John O'Connell. About 40 members were enrolled.