ANGLICAN BOYS' HOMES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 183, 23 April 1918, Page 2

ANGLICAN BOYS' HOMES

A YEAR'S RECORD OP WORK,

The annual, meeting of (he Anglican Boys ■ Home Society (Wellington Diocese) v.'a.? held in the Diocesan Offices,. Mulgrave Street, last night. His lordship the Bislioi) of Wellington presided. A

Ihe report of tho year's work presented at the meeting stated Hint it, was very gratifying to bo able to report that tho long-desired extension of the society's work was now practically accomplished. The purchase of a cottage adjoining tho original homo hnd been completed, and the executive should bo in a position to accommodate ,it least ten additional boys. This increase in the number of boys to bo provided for had made the purchase of more land an imperative necessity in order that the boys might receive instruction in vegetablo growing, horticulture, management of fowls, beekeeping. etc., and that the younger ones might find room for recreation. It was expected almost immediately to complete tho purchase of a suitable piece, which would ultimately bo available for the building of an up-to-dato home, when a return to normal conditions made such a work practicable. In tho meantime even tho moderate extension undertaken would involve not only a large outlay of capital, but also greatly increased cost of maintenance, and while members and friends were thanked for the support that had made a forward movement possible, the fact was emphasised, that a much larger assured inconio was urgently needed. As the purchase of the land mentioned would more than absorb the available capital shown in the statement of accounts, the exeeutivo hoped that members of the society and other friends would make every effort to increase the number of annual subscribers. The securing of additional members was the work of all well-wishers of the society and should not bo left entirely to a few. Tho number, of boys in the homo at the present timo was sixteen. During tho year three were admitted and two were discharged, both of whom went back to thoir parents. Tho boys had again a most enjoyable time in camp at l'aremata. during tho Christmas holidays, the oxpenses of which were defrayod by friends, to whom tho sincere thanks of tho executive wero due. The very successful management of tho home by Mrs. Heseltino continued to be a. source of the keenest satisfaction to tho executive, which hoped by the early appointment of a now necessary assistant-matron not only to lighten Mi's. HeSeltine's present labours, but also to enable her to act lor tho. society in other capacities. It had l>een decided, when the new laud was available, to offer Mr. Heseltine, whoso services wore much appreciated by the executive, tho position of instructor in horticulture, beekeeping, etc. The thanks of tho society ware due to the honorary physician, tho honorary dentist, and the honorary solicitors of the society for their services during the year; to the Macartljy Trustees for a grnnt of .£SO; to the vicars, churchwardens, and Sunday school supwiutendents of such parishes as had srnt donations and offertories; and to. all those who by gifts in kind or money, or by labour, had helped in tho endeavour to-make God-fearing anil useful citizens of .the boys under the society's c*irc.

Tlio balance-sheet showed receipts amounting to .£llO3 25., and expenditure totalling ifilOSl 18s. Gd., leaving a balance in the bank of ,£SO Is. Id.

The report and balance-sheet ivni'e adopted, with but little discussion, Mr. Henderson outlining what hail been done in connection with tho purchaso of the cottage adjoining tlio home, which was now in occupancy by a number of boys. It was anticipated that all vacancies would bo very quickly filled.

Mr. 'Marchnnt added that it was proposed to establish a workshop, where tho i)oyfl would bo taught carpentering and other vork of a similar nature.

Thf following officers were elected:— Prcsidenl, Mr. ,1. W. Marchant; vicepresidents, Rcr. A. L. Hanscll, Rev. W. Fancourt, Mr. Lees, Rev. ,1. .If. Sykes; non-ollie.inl members, Mrs. Anson, 'Mrs. Perry. Miss A- Robinson, Rev. W. H. "Walton, Mr. G. G. Bridges, Mr. J. W, A. Marchant; for the Iluitt, Miss StuartForbes and Mr. W. C. Cuff wero proposed; hon. treasurer, Miss Mildred Marchant; ho'i. secretary, Mr. M. 11. Bnllachey; hon. auditor, Mr. G. F. .Tudd. Tho Right Bpv. the Bishop of Wellington is patron and Mre. Heseltino matron of the home. Totes of thanks to the honorary physicians, D r . Ileclor and Dr. Macdonald, to Mr. Rishworth for his denial services, gratuitously given in all cases, and to His Lordship for presiding wero passed.