THE ORPHANAGE BAZAAR

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 32, 2 November 1920, Page 10

THE ORPHANAGE BAZAAR

Sir-In reference lo the opening of Hie above bazaar it was stated in your columns that the sisters hud three 'hundred children lo look lifter. Are these nil Catholic children, as the writer would like- to know? I'm not a P.P.A. nor a member of any political pest association, but a true born Protestant, and I would like to know if this orphanage is open to any denomination. —I am. etc.. J. SI'DONALD.

TOii being consulted Archbishop O'Shen gaid that children were received into tlie orphanage irrespective of class or creed. No 'homeless, child of whatever denomination is ever refused admission. Apart from orphans, any mother who ia sick or who is unable from any other cause to attend to her children can place them inuio orphanage for as long as slio likes. .No money is demanded, but those who are able are expccted to contribute towards the support of their children. .His Grace also referred to tho,following tribute to the work of this orphanage, which tells its own story:—"No one has ever yet accused me of partiality towards the Roman Catholic Church or its institutions," said Mr. A. H. Truebridge, superintendent; of the Ohiro Home and of charitable aid in Wellington, "if anything, I think it likely I. am inclined to be tho other way round. But I think it only right that you should know that I have never had a child refused food and shelter at St. Joseph's Orphanage—the question of tho child's religion is not raised as is donn in o'lher institutions—l find difficulties in the way when seeking admission for ■urgent cases into homes conducted by other religious bodies. I do not know how wo should .get along if wo 'had not St. Joseph's Orphanage 10 fall back upon when other churches failed us in providing for such; cases." Jlr. George Pethcrick, a. member of tho Protestant Alliance Friendly F/icicty, the Loyal Orange Institution, and chairman of the Wellington Charitable Aid Committee of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, remarked, in endorsing Mr. Truebridge's statement: "I think it is, only right tn say that we—that is, the members of the committee—are really under an obligation to the nuns nl (he Upper Hutt, because when we are at our wits* end, so to speak, to place children who are thrown on our hands, in homes of their own religion, Sister Mary Ambrose just tells us lo send them along to her until we can find a home for them. And we do so, knowing fhey wilt he well looked after, and that, their different religions will not be interfered with. She is a very fine woman-a very fine woman m- < eod-nnd she and the athev sisters are doing excellent work-most excellent to i 1 ' s my "P'liion." Mr H Bkck. another member of the Hosnitai iind. Charitable Aid Board, said:—"Tt is to be regretted 'hat other denominations are not prepared to take elinrce of their own. little folks. We are fortunate in having the convent p«ople to fall backon when their own churches don't take them. I think the sisters are doin<* a very fine work indeed."!