FEDERATED CATHOLIC CLUBS

New Zealand Tablet, 22 April 1915, Page 26

FEDERATED CATHOLIC CLUBS

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE. (From a correspondent.) The fourteenth annual conference of the Federated Catholic Clubs of New Zealand was held in Timaru on Easter Saturday. The proceedings were opened at 10 a.m. by Very Rev. Dean Tubman with a short prayer. Mr. J. L. Leydon (president) occupied the chair, and in the course of his presidential address, he congratulated the delegates on their attendance. After briefly reviewing the position of the Federation, ho wished the conference every success. The Very Rev. Dean Tubman, on behalf of the local clergy and the Catholics of Timaru generally, cordially welcomed the delegates. He appreciated the object of the Catholic clubs, which was to weld together Catholic men. He was of the opinion that if men met to improve themselves socially, physically, and intellectually and nothing more, it was perhaps not worth the trouble. The further object to be desired was the spiritual advancement of the members, so as to enable them to worthily defend the doctrines of the Church, and to foster a sincere spirit of Catholicity. Mr. Temm (St. Benedict’s, Auckland) considered it the first duty of the conference to record its thanks for the kind words of welcome expressed by the Very Rev. Dean Tubman. He hoped all would take them seriously to heart, and that at the termination of the conference much would have been done to uplift Catholic club life in New Zealand. The. members of the local club should be envied in having a man of the capacity of the Dean as their spiritual director. lie moved that the conference place on record its grateful appreciation of the kind interest taken in it by the Dean. This was carried by acclamation, and the Dean suitably replied. The following was the representation of the various clubs:Rotorua, Mr. B. Sheehan; Timaru, Messrs. M. J. O’Brien and J. M. Dunne; Ashburton, Mr. J. G. Venning; Westport, Rev. Father Murphy; St. Anne’s (Wellington South), Mr. T. H. Forster; Wellington, Messrs. M. O’Kane and G. Leydon ; Otahuhu, Mr. T. Quinn; St. Benedict’s (Auckland), Messrs. F. G. J. Temm and J. G. Foy; Marist Brothers’ Old Boys’ (Auckland), Rev. Father Forde; Greymouth, Rev. Brother Egbert; Waimate, Mr. M. J. Leonard; Karangahake, Mr. M. J. Doyle; Christchurch, Messrs. W. J: Dobbs and P. J. Nelson; Federal Executive, Messrs. J. L. Leydon and G. Dee. The minutes of the conferences of 1914 and 1913 were read and confirmed. Mr. M. J. Doyle moved—‘That this conference of the Federated Catholic Clubs of New Zealand’express their deep sorrow at the decease of his Lordship Bishop Grimes, of the Christchurch diocese, and record their

profound appreciation of the great work he . has don© for the Church since, the diocese was founded;’ ' - This motion was carried in silence, all standing. ' The annual report and balance sheet, ’ which disclosed on the whole a very satisfactory position, were read and adopted. Mention' was made in the report regarding the loss suffered by clubs owing to some of their prominent members proceeding to the front. Mr. J. G. Foy, on behalf of St. Benedict’s Club, moved‘ That the headquarters of the Federation be shifted from Wellington to Auckland.’ This was seconded by Mr. F. G. J. Temm. During the course of the lengthy discussion on this motion the chairman gave a ruling that the subjects for the shield competition were separate from the business of- the conference in so far as the rule (9) regarding notice to clubs was concerned. The motion was defeated by 17 votes to 5. Mr. Foy moved, and it was seconded by Mr. Temm‘ That in years to come or in future years, a shooting competition be included in the syllabus of competitions for the shield contest.’ After some discussion, the motion was lost, the conference being of opinion that it was a desirable subject, but it did not see its way clear to adopt the proposal. Mr. Dee moved, and it was seconded by Mr. O’Kane, on behalf of the federal executive—‘That there be no limit to the number of vice-presidents on the federal executive.’ The motion was defeated by 10 votes to 8. A motion, moved by Mr. O’Kano on behalf of the federal executive, and seconded by Mr. Foy—‘ That for the purpose of providing prizes for competitions and assisting the finances of the Federation a biennial art union be held,’ was carried unanimously. Mr. M. O’Kane, business manager, reported fully on the republication of the Catholic Magazine. He stated that it would probably be published in June next. Mr. O’Kane was accorded a hearty vote of thanks by acclamation for the good work done by him, and the time so freely given in the discharge of his duties as business manager. Club reports were received from Wellington, Timaru, Westport, St. Benedict’s (Auckland), Marist Brothers’ Old Boys’ (Auckland), Karangahake, St. Anne’s (Wellington South). They showed, taking into consideration the state of affairs generally, that satisfactory progress was being made. The desirability of the co-operation of- Catholic clubs with the Catholic Federation, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Seamen’s Conference, the 1T.A.C.8. Society, and boys’ clubs, in extending the membership and participating in the work of these societies, was affirmed. The secretary was asked to write to the branches of the 11.A.C.8. Society with a view to the local Catholic club and the Hibernian Society interchanging monthly visits during the winter period. This, it was contended, would result in increased membership of both societies, as also in benefit to members socially and otherwise. Catholic Social Guild. A matter of great importance to the laity of New Zealand was dealt with at the conferencenamely, the question of the federal executive taking over the Social Guild study scheme in tliis Dominion, and also taking over the control of the examinations in connection therewith. The lion, secretary read correspondence between the editor of the N.Z. Tablet and the executive, and also the questions submitted to candidates at the 1914 examinations. It was brought clearly and concisely before the conference what were the objects of this excellent course of study, and the fact that every person entitled to vote should take up this matter, considering the questions of vital importance which the study embraced. The executive was empowered by the unanimous vote of the conference to take over the scheme from the editor of the Tablet, hold the examinations, circularise all affiliated clubs to this effect, and give them all information on the subject. To give the move-

ment a start under the; executive control, fifteen delegates promised to take up the scheme. > Election of Officers. . The election of officers resulted in the re-election of the previous executive. The names are as follow : President-general, his Grace Archbishop Redwood; president, Mr. J. L. / Leydon; vice-president, Mr. G. Dee; hon. secretary, Mr. T. H. Forster; hon. treasurer, Mr. E. 13. L. Reade ; executive-Messrs. J. Fagan, M. O’Kane, and F. Galvin. On the motion of Mr. Temm, seconded by Father Forde, it was decided that the time for transmission by the executive to clubs of the subject for the debate for the shield be altered to at least six weeks before the holding of the conference. It was decided to hold the next conference at Wellington. Several of the members pointed out the absolute necessity of affiliated clubs keeping in touch with the clergy. It was stated with regret that some clubs were inclined to depend too much on the support of the laity. A case was cited where the local clergy had gone to considerable inconvenience and expense in fitting up a clubroom, but, although the members had at first responded, they had eventually considered themselves and not the parish priest the owners. In one or two of the smaller towns the progress of Catholic clubs had been retarded by the tendency of Catholic young men to disregard the consideration due to their priests. The conference closed with hearty votes of thanks to Dean Tubman for his kindness in placing the room at the disposal of the delegates, to Mr. J. L. Leydon, for the manner in which he had carried, out the duties of president, and to Mr. T. 11. Forster for his services as secretary, which were fully appreciated by the members. A telegram conveying his best wishes for the success of the conference was received from his Grace Archbishop O’Shea, and letters were received from the local branch of the Catholic Federation and the Timaru Celtic Club, wishing the conference every success, and extending a sincere welcome to the delegates. Sunday’s Programme. On Easter Sunday the delegates and the members of the Timaru club, approached the Holy Table, and were afterwards entertained at breakfast, over which Mr. Dunne presided. The chairman expressed, on behalf of the local club, their thanks for having the conference in Timaru, and, after a few brief remarks, he proposed the toast of the ‘ Pope and King.’ The next toast was that of the ‘ Federated Catholic Clubs.’ Brother Egbert, in an appropriate speech, dealt with the aims and objects of Catholic clubs. They should be a recruiting ground for young men who later in life intended to enter public life. In such societies the perusal of a good Catholic paper and the encouragement of good reading would enable the members to refute the objections raised by anti-Catholic controversialists. Catholic clubs should encourage the practice of their religious duties by members, as the graces of the Sacraments would militate against gambling and other vices. Brother Egbert complimented the executive on their efforts to raise Catholic club life during the past, year, and expressed a. wish that the clubs would increase in numbers. Mr. Leydon, on behalf of the executive, responded, and thanked Brother Egbert for his remarks. The federal executive was composed of men whose efforts were discouraged at times, but who were nevertheless sincere. He assured his hearers that the incoming executive would do all in their power to further the work of clubs in all branches. In short, they expected nothing but compliments at the next conference. Mr. J. G. Venning proposed the toast of the 1 Catholic Federation,’ and sketched the work which was being done and had been done by the Federation, making special reference to the defeat of the Bible-in-schools proposals. He pointed out that the Federation was essentially a laymen’s organisation, and should be zealously supported by every Catholic. Mr. Temm (secretary to the diocesan executive of the Federation at Auckland) thanked Mr. Venning for

his gratifying words. He said that all should stand shoulder to shoulder, and defend their rights as Catholics. One of the principles of the Catholic Federation was the support and advancement of Catholic clubs, and for this reason, if for no other, all club members should join the ranks of the Federation. - ' Mr. Quinn proposed the toast of ‘ The clergy.’ He said E© was highly honored in being entrusted with the proposing of this toast. The clergy were looked up to as their guides in spiritual affairs. Their pastors had always taken a kindly interest in Catholic clubs. Rev. Father Murphy, in responding, welcomed the delegates, and thanked Mr. Quinn for his appreciative remarks. The indifference of some priests towards Catholic clubs was due to members losing interest in the Church, and. thinking they knew more than their pastors. He emphasised the necessity of the members combating the propagation of bad literature, and urged upon all the duty of co-operating with the clergy. . ’ Rev. Father Forde also responded to the toast. He said he had much pleasure in being present at the conference, and expressed his appreciation of the way in which the business had been conducted. The spirit of unity and devotion to their priests was eminently to be desired. There was sometimes a want of understanding on the part of club members. This should not be. Ho counselled members to keep in touch with the priests, for this would conduce to the spiritual and material success of the clubs. Mr. Doyle dealt with the toast of ‘ The visitors * in a very pleasant manner. He hoped all would have a good time, and that the delegates should enjoy themselves. Mr. Dee responded, and referred to his visit a few months previously, when he had been received with every courtesy. He felt sure that the local club was doing its best to make the stay of the delegates in Timaru as pleasant as possible. He would be only too pleased to reciprocate the kindness shown, should any of the members of the Timaru club visit Wellington; Messrs. Dobbs (Christchurch), Leydon (Wellington), and Foy (Auckland) supported Mr. Dee’s remarks, and added their appreciation. of the Timaru club’s kindness. Mr. T. H. Forster proposed the toast of 'The ladies.’ He referred to their sterling qualities, and to their excellent work in connection with the Belgian fund. He complimented the Timaru Club in having such a fine number of ladies amongst them, and thanked the ladies who had provided the very excellent breakfast. Mr. Foy, on behalf of the ladies, thanked Mr. Forster for his kind remarks. Mr. O’Kane proposed the toast of ‘ The press.’ He emphasised the fact that the press was powerful in shaping the destinies of mankind. He considered that the day would not be far distant when there would be what ho called a ‘ federation of the press,’ embracing the press of every civilised country. Mr. M. J. Doyle ( Timaru Herald) suitably replied. Mr. Dec, in proposing the toast of ‘ The chairman,’ paid a tribute to the admirable manner in which he carried out- his duty. Mr. Dunne replied, and remarked it had been a. most pleasant task. He referred to the deliberations of the conference which had been most successful, and had been carried on with a spirit of great friendliness by the delegates. Songs were contributed by Messrs. G. Leydon, M. J. Schaab, and T. 11. Forster. Messrs. J. Ardagh and M. J. Doyle acted as accompanists. Mr. M. O’Kane gave an elocutionary item. On Sunday afternoon, all the delegates left Timaru in five motor cars, through arrangements made by the Timaru club, for a drive to Wannate and back—a distance of about fifty miles. The run was a most enjoyable one, and the visitors were most interested in the beautiful country through which they -passed. On arrival at Waimate, the delegates were shown round by Rev. Father Aubry, and’inspected the church and clubrooms. Mr. O’Brien (president of St, Patrick’s Club) cordially welcomed the delegates.

At 'the Waimate Clubrooms the billiard section of the shield - contest was decided. Mr. J. Ardagh (representing Christchurch club) being the winner, with Mr. T. H. Forster (St. Anne's, Wellington South) second. Points— 4; second, 2. Afternoon tea was provided by the ladies of the parish. At the same time votes of/ thanks were passed to the Rev. Father Aubry, the Timaru club, and the ladies for the hospitality extended to the visitors. This concluded tlie programme at Waimate, and all started for Timaru. immediately after devotions the parish hall was well filled by those interested to hear the literary section of the shield contest in elocutionary, debating, and religious questions. Mr. A. M. Paterson judged the first and second, and Brother Egbert the last-named subject.. In the elocutionary section, the winner proved to be Mr. Mi. O’Kane (Wellington), Mr. T. Quinn (Timaru), being second. Points—first, 6 ; second, 3. The subject for debate was—‘ Are New Zealanders justified in treating naturalised Germans as enemy subjects?’ Each team had to debate as drawn, either in the affirmative or negative. The result was as follows;—Messrs. P. J. Nelson and W. J. Dobbs (Christchurch), 1; Messrs. J. M. Dunne and M. J. Doyle (Timaru), 2. Pointsfirst, 7 ; second, 31,. The religious section consisted of twelve questions, which had been set by the spiritual director of the federated clubs’ executive (Very Rev. Father O’Connell, of Wellington). Each competitor had to draw one question, and answer it orally without notes, Hie reply to be completed in not more than five minutes. This contest resulted as follows:—Mr. M. J. Doyle (Timaru) —‘ What does the ‘‘Catholic Church think of Socialism?’ 1: and Mr. M. O’Kane (Wellington)— ‘Why does the Catholic Church condemn Freemasonry 2. Points —first, 7 : second, 31,. This concluded the competitions for the evening, and hearty votes of thanks were accorded to Mr. Paterson and Brother Egbert for judging the competitions, and to Mr. J. L. Leydon for presiding. The visitors were afterwards entertained at supper, this being in the hands of the ladies, who so kindly assisted in making the breakfast that morning so enjovable. The delegates then formed themselves into a glee club, and spent a very pleasant time, Mr. O’Kane presiding. Conclusion of the Business. On Monday morning the tennis contest was decided. The winner was Mr. F. McGrath (Timaru), 1 ; Mr. T. O’Connor (Christchurch) being second. Points • —first, 4 : second, 2. The points for the whole competitions were allocated as follow; —Timaru Club, 1 (171 points); Christchurch Club, 2 (13 points) ; Wellington Club, 3 (91points) . Mr. J. L. Leydon, after the tennis contest, presented the shield to the Timaru Club with a. few words of congratulation. Mr. Dunne accepted it on behalf of the winners, amidst applause. Three cheers were given for the winners, and a vote of thanks was passed to Mr. J. G. Yenning, who acted as referee for the tennis. The delegates departed from Timaru by the different expresses on Easter Monday, and were farewelled by as many members of the local club and those interested as could conveniently attend at the railway station. All left Timaru regretting that their stay was not longer, and taking with them the happiest recollections of their visit, and of the kindly hospitality extended to them.