THE CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 4 September 1913, Page 19

THE CATHOLIC FEDERATION

ONEHUNGA. (From an occasional correspondent.) • A very pleasant and eminently successful social function, under the auspices of the Onehunga branch of the Catholic Federation was held in the parish hall, Gnehunga, on August 15. There was a large attendance of members of the Federation, with Mr. B. McLaughlin (vice-president of the parish committee) presiding. Mr. F. G. J. Temm, diocesan secretary of the Federation, was also present. . -if After formally opening the proceedings, the chairman called upon the Very Rev. Dean Mahoney ) • to address the assembly. In prefacing his remarks, Dean Mahoney expressed the pleasure he felt at seeing such a large gathering of members of the Federation, which showed that they had the interest of the movement at heart. He explained that as the Federation existed, not only as an organisation prepared to defend Catholic interests, when the same were assailed, and to petition for our just rights and claims when necessary, but also for the purpose of promoting and advancing the social interests of its members, the Onehunga parish committee were determined that this important phase of its operations should not be overlooked. It was for this object that the social function was being held that evening. Although the first yet held by the Federation, in the parish, he hoped that there would be many more to follow. As a bazaar is being held in the parish shortly, it was decided that the gentlemen attending this conversazione, should bring some little present towards the bazaar, and that the ladies in turn would provide the refreshments. He thereupon thanked all the gentlemen who contributed towards the great table of presents ■at the door, and also expressed his gratitude to the ladies who came forward with the many baskets of 'good things/ which would no doubt be appreciated during the supper adjournment. In conclusion, he wished one and all a pleasant evening. The chairman then informed the gathering - that the committee had . decided that a general meeting of all the members v would I be called, and would take the form of a social evening, during which, a full report of the business which had been transacted at the recent meeting of the Dominion Council, would be submitted ' to them. Mr. McLaughlin delivered an address upon Federation matters, explaining in detail the business deliberated, upon at the Dominion Council meeting in Wellington, to which he had the honor of being elected.

During his address, which was listened to most attentively throughout, he showed how the various units in the organisation ' could enter upon ; the v duties which awaited, them, in the obtaining of a consolidated Catholic .-" opinion .on social and public questions affecting Catholic \ interests, the ; promoting! , and extension of •Catholic education, the dissemination, of Catholic litera- -- ture, and the mutual support and advancement of . Catholic societies., He concluded by exhorting all present to always take an active interest in the Federation, which, he said, had come to stay, and which would eventually prove to be a power in the land. ■> A very excellent musical programme was gone • through, and was much appreciated by the audience. The following contributed songs—Misses Ruby Leahy, B. Barry, J. Zainey, J. Visco, Mrs. 'Goodwin, and Mr. E. Houston. Mr. A. J. Martin gave It recitation. Miss L. Leahy acted as accompanist. . "'..-, During the evening, the chairman expressed ■'.:his pleasure at seeing the diocesan secretary (Mr. F. G. J. . Temm) present, and, on behalf of the parish committee, extended a hearty welcome to him, and in-doing? so said that if there was. any one these that evening who could say anything on Federation matters it, was the gentleman who has filled the important office of secretary for the diocese since the inception of the Federation. He then called upon Mr. Temm to address the meeting. In responding to the request, Mr. Temm said he thought the meeting, after hearing the able address on the Federation from the chairman, did not desire any; more Federation * speeches that evening, but thought that the items on the programme still to be rendered would be more appreciated. He endorsed the remarks of the chairman, and emphasised the importance and necessity of organisation, and showed how and why Catholics should federate, and said that union, combination, federation, amalgamation—call it by whatever name you likemeant strength. It is the age of combination. In nations, in finance, in commerce, in every walk of life, you see amalgamation. We, therefore, want to combine and federate for strength and . influence. He thought, however, that he had a duty to perform, and that was, on behalf of the executive of the Diocesan Council, to congratulate the Very Rev. Dean Mahoney, together with the members of his progressive parish committee, on the condition of the Onehunga branch of the Federation. He considered that in the Onehunga parish there was one of the most progressive branches of the Federation in the diocese, and the parish committee was to be commended for its attention to the social wants of the members; not' only -.were the members of the committee interested and enthusiastic, but they were supported by the individual members of the branch, as evidenced by 'the. attendance, interest, zeal, and enthusiasm shown that evening. He hoped that this would only be the forerunner of many similar social functions, and that other -parish ; committees would follow suit, and cater for the social requirements of the general body of members, thereby helping to promote that goodfellowship that should exist in every community. He was grateful for the invitation extended to him, and expressed pleasure at }. being present. - ',. The Very Rev. Dean Mahoney then moved that a ■ hearty vote of thanks be accorded Mr.- McLaughlin for ! his able address, and to Mr. Temm ,for his attendance i and very interesting and encouraging remarks. . This ; was carried by acclamation. "-'_-. ,* . At the conclusion of the musical items', supper j was served by the ladies. i:,- u •