FOR CHILDREN OF SICK MOTHERS

Evening Star, Issue 19805, 2 March 1928, Page 2

FOR CHILDREN OF SICK MOTHERS

WORK OF THE REST HOME Tho comm It te of the Children s Best Home reports that during the twelve months ended December 31, ID'27, seventy-two children were taken into the homo and ninety-seven were boarded out in private homes. Tims it is apparent that tho home gives relief to an ever-increasing number ot mothers and children at a lime when help is most essential. It is a matter of satisfaction to tho committee and all who take an interest in the home that its value is being recognised by kindred societies, for tho Karitano Hospital, Salvation Army, medical profession, public hospitals, maternity hospitals, tlio Health Department recommend mothers from time to time to put their children under its charge. Tho committee calls attention to tho fact that this institution provides a temporary home lor children of side mothers in poor circumstances. This work was commenced during the inlluenza epidemic of 1918 by Church of England members, who recognised the great need of such a home, and although the members of the present committee are all connected with the Anglican Church, children of all denominations are taken in and cared for. The work is increasing year by year. In addition to receiving children into the home, a large number are boarded out, and in some .ases arrangements have been made whereby children have been adopted by married people. That the health of tho children is good is due to the care that i* taken of them, and we are especially indebted to our honorary medical adviser, Dr W. H. Borne, who is generously unfailing in his attention whenever it is needed.

Owing to tho increase iu the work, it may T>e necessary in tho near future to give the manager some assistance, »a he i» feeling tho strain of the work and the responsibility that it entails. It ia also necessary to extend the accommodation at the home, for which the sura of £3,000 is required. Towaids this amount £I,OOO is m hand, thanks to five sympathetic subscribers who gave £IOO each, and two persons £SO each. An effort will be made shortly to raise the sum required. When £1,500 is in hand a start will be made with the necessary building. It was hoped to have attained this last year, but owing to the general financial stringency this was not accomplished. The committee wishes to place on record ita appreciation of the services of Messrs Cook, Lemon, and Cook, honorary solicitors, and Mr C. Russell Smith, honorary auditor. It also jriebes to thank all friends wfcp

assisted the home by gifts of clothing, material, goods, and money, especially Mr P. R. Sargood, Sir John Roberts, Messrs R. Hudson and Co., the managers of all the picture theatres, the Masonic lodges, the Commercial Travellers and Warehousemen’s Association, the Otago Rugby Football Union, the Dunedin Orphans’ Club, Dunedin Jockey Club, Mrs Beatson, Sir Benjamin Fuller, Mr John Fuller, and St. Matthew’s Sowing Guild. The audited statement of receipts and expenditure attached to the report shows a small credit balance on the year’s working. The institution is run efficiently and with economy, duo to the management of our capable matron, Nurse 1. Dynes, wbq gives to the little ones under her care the very best attention, our medical adviser being loud in praise of her efficient service. The very moderate amount for household expenses is due partly to the matron’s economy and partly to the fact that Mr Dnnkley is supported by business friends and others, who have sent in goods for tho home to tho value of about £2OO. A bazaar will bo held -in Juno to augment the funds of the home. The statement of receipts and payments for the year ended December 31, 1927, is as follows: To balance Union Bank, January 1, 1927, £3B 12s; maintenance of children, £575 7s 4d; picture theatres, £4O 2s; Otago Rugby Football Union, £23 9s 6d; commercial travellers (big day), £4O 12s 4d; Orphans' Club concert, £GO 2s; collections, £722 7s sd; total, £1,500 12s 7d. By wages, £317 'os lOd ; manager’s salary, £240; maintenance, home, £230 16s 8d; maintenance, children boarded out, £587 12s 6d; telephones, £25 17s 6d; bank charges and cheque book, £1; printing, £3 10s; insurance, £3 IGs 4d; office rent, £32 10s; rates, Dunedin City Corporation, £2l 15s 2d: balance at Union Bank, £36 13s 7d; total. £1,500 12s 7d.

Building Fund.—To balance Dunedin Savings Bank, January 1, .1927, £250; collection by manager, £670 17s; interest Dunedin Savings Bank, £4; dance, Wingatui, £36 8s; matinee, Princess Theatre, £3O 11s; total, £I,OOO.