THE FEMALE REFUGE.

Evening Star, Issue 3524, 9 June 1874, Page 2

THE FEMALE REFUGE.

There was a numerous attendance at the first annual meeting of the promoters and subscribers to the above, which was held last evening, in the Wesleyan Church, Stuart street. Mr Bathgate, R. AI., presided ; and on the platform were the Revs, Dr Roseby, Dr Stuart, Messrs Stanford, and Rigg, and Messrs Torrance, Dick, and E. B, Cargill. The Chairman, in his opening address, expressed a warm and earnest desire for the success of the institution, which, though only a year in existence, had been attended by very salutary and beneficial results. He concluded by saying—“ Many of the unfortunates to whom we desire to offer shelter, are placed in the category more from excess of love than lust, and they are to be pitied sincerely rather than blamed, and every effort should be made on our part to rescue such from vice. It is a blot upon our social institutions, that while the betrayer almost escapes scot free, and is received into society, the unfortunate victim of betrayed affection is left to a miserable life, and for a relief induced—for there is no happiness in it—to drown their misery and sorrow by flying to intoxicating drink; and seeing such i> the case, we might do all in our power to save these unfortunates, and provide a shelter for them. In a young country like this, where female labor is so much required, it is a loss to society to allow them to lead such a life of misery, and find a premature grave. Every one we save is a positive gain to us, and for this reason we are bound to do what we can to support the institution whose claims have been brought before us this evening. It is not necessary that I should go into details ; I commend the claims of this institution to your joint support, and do not let it be confined altogether to getting up contributions, but let those who have time assist the excellent ladies who are taking such an active interest in it. ” r re P° rfc read b y Mr Torrance showed that L6OO had been expended upon the purchase of land, and a further sum on improvements to buildings. The Provincial Government had given a grant of L 350. L 624 8s had been contributed by the public. LlO9 4s lOd had been received for washing and work done by the inmates, for eighteen of whom there was accommodation. The total revenue for the twelve months was L 1,083 5s 6d, the expenditure being L 917 4s 7d. During the year twenty females had been admitted, two of whom had been sent to their parents, and one married. The best results were anticipated from those remaining. Mr Torrance dwelt upon the beneficial effect of the refuge. Several addresses having been delivered, the following resolutions were agreed to: —“That this meeting expressed its satisfaction at the success which has attended this institution since its foundation. That, while grateful for the success which has already attended the efforts to reclaim those for whom the refuge is intended, this meeting pledges itself to endeavor to extend its sphere of usefulness during the ensuing year. That the following ladies be the committee for the ensuing year:— Mesdames Neyill, Burrows, Stanford, Cook, Gow, Glasgow, Calvert, Coventry, J.' Little, T. Little, Simmonds, Dick, Jack, Coombes, Davis, Mercer, Johnston, Lambton, and M'Dougall, with power to add to their number : Eliza Cargill, hon. see.”