ANGLICAN BOYS' HOMES SOCIETY

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3054, 16 April 1917, Page 2

ANGLICAN BOYS' HOMES SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT.: The annual report (the sixth) of the Anglican Boys' Homes Society states: — '"In the opinion, of the oxecutive a crisis in-the history of tho society has now been reached.' The hope was expressed in tho last annual report that a decided forward movement might be made during the year just ended. For various reasons this was found impossible, but it has now become imperative. The "society must either increase its accommodation, and that quickly, so as to improve the working conditions and provide for some extension of its work or it fiiust leduce the.number iiof boys now being cared for. As the latter alternative cannot possibly bo entertained,. and the extra accommodation cannot be satisfactorily provided on the present site, the society is faced with the immediate necessity of procuring a new site and buildings. Owing mainly to the generous bequest of the late Mr. Peter Smith, it has for this purpose a nucleus of somo £900, which will; bo increased by a further sum when matters connected with the bequest arc finally settled. This sum will need to bo at least doubled, if the society is to x mcet> in an at all satisfactory manner even the present pressing needs of the diocese. It is therefore earnestly hoped that members and. friends will do thoir utmost to.augment the funds during the next few months. - "The most urgent need is an assured 'income of adequate; amount, and this can bo secured, most readily, by increasing the society's membership, which at the present time ■ numbers abou? one hundred. In a diocese such as this it should be quite possible to .quadruple this number. An extension fund has also been established, for which special donations will.be thankfully received. "There are at present fifteen boys in the home. Two were discharged during the year, ono going to live with relatives; and tho other being transferred to Hiktirangi College, Clarevillo; while three were admitted. The health of the boys has been remarkably good, and their progress at school most satisfactory. The. only serious illness has bean a mild form of diphtheria, which, at time of'writing, has attacked two hoys, both of whom are progressing very favourably at the Wellington Hospital. ' "The executive desires to place on record its continued confidence in the matron, Mrs. . HeSeltine, whose able management and keen interest in the spiritual and physioal welfare of the boys have made the homo the undoubted success it now is. To Mr. Heseltine, too, the executive is indebted for tho labour he has expended on tho grounds, and for the Interest he has shown in the work of the sooiety and the welfare of the home;

"Besides those already mentioned tlio thanks of the society aro specially dus to Dr. Miraras, tlie honorary physician; to Mr..E. P. Kishworth, tho honorary dentist; to' Messrs, 1 Young and Tripe, the honorary solicitors of the society, for their legal services; to Nurso Cotillon for relioving the matron on several occasions; to those parishes and Sunday. Sohools whioh have sent Christmas, harvest thanksgiving, and other offerings ; and to the many friends who have sent presents in great variety. Such gifts lessen the cost of maintenance to an oxtont that the donors scarcely realise, or their number would bo greater than it is." . '■■