THE WAR AND BOYS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2477, 2 June 1915, Page 2

THE WAR AND BOYS

CARING FOR ORPHANS.

The annual meeting of the Wellington Presbyterian Orphanage and Social Servicc Association was held last evening in St. John's Schoolroom, and was presided over by tho Rev. Dr. Gibb. The annual report stated, inter alia, that despjte many other appeals to the charitably-minded public, the sixth year has been a successful one. "Forty-six children have been cared for, 42 being housed at present; of these 24 are boys and 18 girls. Six were admitted and four left, S3 having passed through our hands since the inception of the institution. "The Juvenile Court is constantly attended, and a number of lads are thereby influenced for good. The extent of this work may be gleaned from tlie fact that during the last few years tie average yearly number of delinquents for theft is 100. Juvenile appearances at Court for criminal acts are more frequent in Wellington than in any other of the large centres in New Zealand, which, however, does not necessarily mean that the Wellington boy is more vicious than elsewhere, but it nevertheless calls for serious consideration." TTie balance-sheet showed that receipts during the year came to £1939 16s. Id., making a total revenue of £3891 18_s. 7d., while the expenditure was £3278 17s. Id. ' In moving the adoption of the report snd balance-sheet, Dr. Gibb referred to the fact that about six jears ago the committee began with a capital of £30. To-day they had a site, building, and furniture, worth £6500, on which there only remained a debt of £1000. . For the future the committee aimed at wiping out the debt of £1000, also to extend their work in two important directions. One of the departments specially in charge of Mr. Mills was the care of boys who had either appeared before the Magistrate in the Juvenile Courts or were saved from appearing by his intervention. It was very difficult to keep an eyo on these boys until they were sent to the country, and another building speoially for this work was needed. Another thing that was needed was a mission hall in Tory Street, or some place where through Mr. Mills they might get into touch with the large class of people who could not be got to enter a church or any ' church organisation. Dr. Gibb paid a very hearty tribute to the work of Mr. and Mrs. Mills, and to the Ladies' Auxiliary, also to the various congregations and ministers. , Mr. Hannay, treasurer of the association, briefly touched upon the finances. Mr. Mills spoke of the orphanage work, and more particularly of the outside work among the boys who were so likely to fall into criminal ways. He touched upon the fact that in the course of his work he had come across more defiance, more bitterness, more unrest this year than ever before, and he held that it was largely owiii£ to the war. It had affected young and old, but particularly the young, and the number of juvenile delinquents had increased threefold. The only Teason for it, so far as be could see, was the spirit of defiance and bitterness that war had brought into existence. It was a serious thin", and while it affected children now it would also affect them in the generations to come. A musical programme was contributed by the children of the orphanage, and also by some outside performers. Hearty votes of thanks.were passed to various bodies and speakers who had assisted with the work.