DUNEDIN FEMALE REFUGE.

Evening Star, Issue 4172, 11 July 1876, Page 2

DUNEDIN FEMALE REFUGE.

The annual meeting in connection with the above institution was held last evening in the hall of the Wesleyan Church. Mr T. Dick occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance of ladies and gentleman. Mr E. B. Cargill, on behalf of the hon. secretary, read the report of the committee for the year ending 31st May, 1876. It showed receipts from the public in subscriptions and donations amounting to LlB2 17s 6d ; from Government a subsidy of LSO; from work and washing done in the' Institution, L 260 12s 7d. The total income of the Institution last year amouated to L5lB Os Bd, while the expenditure amounted to L 469 Os 10d,. showing a balance in hand of L4B 19s 10&

The year commenced with 10 inmates in the house, and during the twelve months 27 women had further been admitted. The ages of those admitted range from 13 to 36. Three who had been in the institution during the previous year, but had quitted it, were re-admitted. Of the 37 women who enjoyed the shelter of the Refuge, 31 were Protestants and six Catholics; 20 could read and write, nine read a little, and eight not at all ; 18 were natives of Scotland, 10 of England, six of Ireland, and three were born in Australia. Twenty-six had left the institution, of whom four or five are now giving satisfactory evidence of reformation, and supporting themselves honestly. The committee felt they had some cause of thankfulness in the proof that their labors during the past year had been a blessing to some of the poor fallen ones they have sought to rescue. In coniirmation of this, mention was made of several inmates of the Refuge, who have, since leaving, gone into service and given great satisfaction to their employers. Mrs Snowdon, who had been matron for nearly three years, had gone home to Scotland, and her place is at present filled by a candidate on probation. The committee heartily thanked several ladies and gentlemen for gifts of clothing, fuel, etc A length discussion ensued, in which the chairman, Archdeacon Edwards, Drs Stuart and Copland, Mr E. B. Cargill, and others took part. Great pleasure was expressed »t

the satisfactory state of the Refuge as evinced by the report.' On the motion of Bishop Nevtll the com* mittee of ladies " who had so very energetically and with such denial to themselves during the past year conducted the work of the Dunedm Female Refuge," were re-ap-pointed.

Mr E. B. Cargill moved, and Dr Stuart seconded, " That a hearty yote of thanks be passed to the President and the other ladies of the committee for their valuable services during the past year."—Carried unanimously. After further conversation on matters affecting the institution the meeting dispersed.