The Roman Catholic Church in New Zealand.
It seems the Church of Rome is as busy in the Dominions and Colonies as at home. Through the interest of a young friend in New Zealand, cuttings from “The Poverty Bay Herald” were sent to us, in which columns are devoted to the tremendous reception given to the R.C. delegates who assembled at Auckland in connection with the Roman Catholic centenary celebrations. The “apostolic delegate,” Archbishop Panico, received a welcome in keeping with that given to crowned heads. Messages were interchanged between him and the Governor-General. The airmen were not to be outdone by those whose enthusiasm took them no higher than the ground, for we are told that they made a cross in the sky as they swooped over the vessel carrying the delegate. The Prime Minister who, we are informed, is a Roman Catholic, was present at the celebrations. All this display is the very atmosphere in which Roman Catholicism lives. The procession of the host, as it is called, was indulged in, and considerable idolatry was practised in the streets of Auckland before high heaven. There was a feeble protest from the Protestants—at least so the paper sent us would lead us to believe.
Agitation for the Opening of the Empire Exhibition on Sabbath.
At the time of writing this note there is a renewed agitation on foot for the opening of the Exhibition on the Sabbath. Ex-Treasurer Dollan, of course, is in full sympathy with the project, as one might naturally expect from a person of his religious persuasion. The Press, too, which generally act as publicity agents for the devil where the observance of the Sabbath is concerned, are lending such influence as they have in promoting the Sabbath opening. The consistent anti-Sabbatarianism of the Press generally is to be traced to the fact of the Sabbath work engaged in by so many pressmen. There are honourable exceptions, and it is well that it is so, but the lovers of the Sabbath need not be surprised at the attitude of the Press in this matter.
Not Yet Successful.
The anti-Sabbatarian agitators have not up to the present achieved success in their efforts to have the Exhibition opened. Ex-Treasurer Dollan, as the loud-speaker announcer of the agitators is hopeful, however, that the Exhibition will be opened on Sabbath. There is nothing that would cool the zeal of these agitators so effectively as that such a course would spell financial disaster. The friends of the Sabbath, however, take the high ground that such an act on the part of the Exhibition Executive is a direct infringement of the Fourth Commandment.
Empire Exhibition not to be opened on Sabbath.
Since the aforementioned Note was written the Council of Management confirmed the decision of the Administrative Committee that the Exhibition would not be opened on the Lord’s Day—at least as yet.
The Jesuits in Spain
Poor Spain is in a sea of troubles and in the hour of need she either turns to the deceptive teaching of the Church of Rome or the blankness of godlessness—two of the greatest enemies of her peace. True, there are a number who own no allegiance to either section but these are comparatively few. To add to her sorrows a decree has been published recalling the Jesuits to the territory in the hands of the Insurgents. This is bad news for Spain, at least that part of it which will come under their influence.