THE CATHOLIC FEDERATION

New Zealand Tablet, 2 October 1913, Page 36

THE CATHOLIC FEDERATION

WELLINGTON. (From our own correspondent.) A meeting of the Catholic Immigration Committee of the N.Z. Catholic Federation was held at St. Mary's Boulcott street, on Friday, September 12. Six members were present, and the chair was occupied by the president (Mr. G. Girling-Butcher), who, referring to the resolution passed at a previous meeting, informed the C.I.C. that the Federation was already in communication with the St. Vincent de Paul Conference, London, with reference to immigrants. A discussion followed regarding " the low percentage of. Catholic immigrants and the form of application for would-be immigrants. On the motion of Mrs. Simon, seconded by Miss Wheeler, a resolution was passed requesting the Federation to ask a Member of Parliament to obtain

an immigrant application form, inquire whether any discrimination is shown as regards religion, and the reason for inquiring as, to the applicants' religion. Three new members were elected. The C.I.C. would gladly welcome more members,; and-i takes this opportunity of expressing gratitude to the St. Vincent de Paul Conference, Hobart, for their assistance in distributing our cards ■to immigrants coming to the Dominion. CHRISTCHURCH. (From our own correspondent.) ■ Under the auspices of the local branches of the Catholic Federation, a largely, attended meeting was held in the Marist Brothers' School on last Monday evening to form a Catholic Immigration Committee, on the lines of the organisation in Wellington. The Very Rev Dean Hills, S.M., V.G., presided, and the Rev. father Cooney (Lyttelton) and members of the Diocesan Council were present. At the invitation -of the council about twenty ladies attended, representing the two city confraternities of Diocesan Ladies of Charity and ladies resident in Lyttelton. After the Very Rev Dean Hills and the Rev. Father Cooney had fully explained the business for which all were assembled, the movement was left to the ladies themselves to discuss, it being pointed out that girl and women immigrants would claim. the committee's first attention. It was unanimously decided that all present constitute a Catholic Immigration Committee for Christchurch. Miss W. Mahar (Lyttelton) was elected corresponding secretary, and Miss L. Johnston (Lower Riccarton) minute secretary. It was then decided to adjourn pending further information from Wellington, after which a course of action would be planned. The Lyttelton ladies undertake all work at the port—boarding vessels, and directing the immigrants,— city members of the committee to meet them at the railway station here, provide temporary accommodation, and do all else required. Mr. W. Hayward, jun., president of . the Diocesan Council, expressed his intention to provide a special telephone for the use of the committee. m The Very Rev. Dean Hills expressed his great satisfaction at the good work undertaken, and the possibilities opened out in the interests of our co-religionists on arriving in a strange land. In view of the activity displayed by other denominations, our movement was not any too soon. The results would prove how much we might thank ourselves for the commencement made that evening in a work that would cheer our venerable Bishop, and have his cordial blessing. It had his (the speaker's) blessing also, and would have all the .assistance it was possible for him. to render it. The Rev. Father Cooney expressed his pleasure at the formation of a Catholic Immigration Committee, and the good-will and enthusiasm displayed at its inauguration. He also went fully into practical details, which showed that in the pastor of Lyttelton the committee will have the help and direction of one whose wide experience will prove invaluable. The. Cathedral parish committee also met at an earlier hour on the same evening, and transacted useful business. The secretary reported that nearly 300 additional names had been enrolled as the result of the renewed canvass up to date. * •" ■ AUCKLAND. (By telegraph, from our own correspondent.) £ A meeting of the Cathedral parish committee of the Catholic Federation was held at St. Patrick's Presbytery on Friday evening, Rev. Father Ormond presiding. The resignation of the secretary, Mr. J. Ford, was received with regret. Owing to increased business responsibility, Mr. Ford found it impossible to give to Federation matters as much time as was required. The members of the committee much appreciated the amount of time and labor given by Mr. Ford to Federation business. Mr. Robertson will take up the duties of secretary. The question of increasing the -membership was discussed, and plans were arranged for enrolling those who had not yet become members. - '!