CHILDREN’S REST HOME

Evening Star, Issue 21746, 14 June 1934, Page 2

CHILDREN’S REST HOME

SOCIETY'S ANNUAL MEETING FINE WORK ACCOMPLISHED The annual mooting of the Children's Rest Home Society was held in the Council Chamber yseterday . afternoon, Bishop Fitchett presiding over a fair attendance. Bishop Fitchett remarked that, by the constitution of the home, the Bishop of Dunedin became chairman, and so he would now occupy that position, as he hoped to occupy any position that fell to the lot of the Bishop of Dunedin, to the best of his ability. Ho woulfl fry to take a lively interest in the welfare of the homo. * REPORT ADOPTED. Mr R. Duncan, who moved the adoption of the annual report ami balancesheet, said lie could see that the society was facing difficult times, for it had added responsibilities and a reduced income. Greater funds were necessary if greater efforts were to be made. He could see that they had come out of the year very creditably, however, and had undertaken a great deal of valuable work. The opening of the new and beautiful home was a big benefit to the city and the people it was serving. The work they were doing brought light to those working for the welfare of the home as well as to those who benefited from it. The motion was seconded pro forma by the Rev. Percy Paris, and the report and balance-sheet were adopted without discussion. WELCOME TO BISHOIL The Rev. Mr Paris (president of the Council of Christian Congregations) welcomed Bishop Fitchett to his position as president of the home and also to his position as Bishop of Dunedin. (Applause.) He said he wished to congratulate the bishop on his election and consecration to that high office in the Church of God. He thought it was a beautiful sign that the first public duty undertaken by tbe bishop after his consecration and enthronement should have been to preside over a meeting of the Children’s Rest Home Society. Bishop Fitchett acknowledged the remarks with appreciation. APPEAL FOR HELP. Mr F. G. Gumming made an appeal to all people who were able to help the society to do, so. He said be knew from his own experience that the home was carrying out very valuable work and was well worthy of all the support that could be given it. Mr Gumming concluded by paying a warm tribute to tbe energy, sincerity, and enthusiasm of the manager (Mr S. Dunkley). ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following committee was elected: —Miss Agnes Hill Jack, Mrs E. Wood, Nurse Holford, Messrs W. R. Brinsley, Alex. Goodltfy, F. W. Knight, W. E. Earnshaw, R. W. S. Botting, S. Dunkley, and L. W. Green. Air C. Russell Smith was re-elected honorary auditor. MANAGER’S REPORT. The report of the manager (Mr Puukley) read: — “ I wish to place on record the committee’s appreciation of our late president, the Rt. Rev. Isaac Richards for his nine years’ faithful service as president. • 1 also, on behalf of the C.H.R. Committee and myself, thank our present chairman, the Rt. Rev, W. A. R. Fitchett for accepting the presidency of the society, and wish him every happiness and success in his high office of Bishop of the Diocaae of Dunedin. “ The committee s annual report and balance-sheet discloses the fact that the need for this work of providing a temporary home for children of sick mothers is one that is ever increasing. Last year twenty-eight more children were oared for than the previous year. Also last year will ever be remembered as the realisation of our aims of fifteen years ago, which was to have a suitable building which we now own. This is due to the generosity of the late Mr and Mrs Hill Jack, who were good enough to leave us the property in Roslyn whereon the Children’s Rest Home is now situated. This proves that our faith in God and the public of Dunedin and surrounding districts has been well founded. The homes, although functioning at present, are not completed according to plans. An addition on part of the building that is yet to be built will enable us to take care of the children which we now board out, as the home is always lull. But we still have the courage to go forward with the same faith and determination until we reach our goal, which is the completion of the building, for which we require £2,500. “ This is an undenominational work. Therefore it is the pleasure and responsibility of the whole community, tn all sincerity, I ask those who < can do so to put something in their will at once, so that this much needed work will always be provided for. The mayor (the Rev. E. T. Cox) on the day of the official opening of the homes, accepted the responsibility on behalf of the citizens that the homes would never bo closed. There is still £450 owing on the new building. We have to sell to the council when they require it, 13ft off the Highgate frontage of 200 ft. It was thought that the City Council would buy this land last year, which would have left the building free of debt, but, owing to lack of funds, the purchase price was not forthcoming. Further application was made this year with the same result, the reason given being that the council has not sufficient funds, as they have to provide for unemployment, etc. Most of the children we take care of arc children of the unemployed. Therefore, we are doing our part when it is mostly needed; that is, in caring for the children when their mothers are in the hospital, sanitorium, or maternity home. No other organisation is able to do this. 1 go further than that. The .superintendent of child welfare admits that neither the Government nor any other public body can take the children under the same circumstances. So I maintain that, if sincere, the City Council should find some way to purchase now the property aforementioned. The sum agreed upon by the City Council and my committee was £450, just enough to wipe off the debt of the building and save us from paying interest to the bank, as this sum was taken into consideration when the building was in progress. Let me state that this sum is not in excess of the value of the property. It is only at the same rate as was paid to other private owners. “ The new home is fulfilling its purpose very satisfactorily under the capable guidance of our matron* Sister Dynes, and her efficient staff'. The matron is admired by mothers and loved by children which, in itself, is a great recommendation. I would also like to point out to our subscribers how deeply we are indebted to J)r

Borne, our honorary physician. The care and attention he gives to the children in the home and those we have to board out he calls it a ‘ labour of love.’ May he long he spared to help us. “ I should also like to thank Mr Pitt (manager of the Empire Theatre) and Mr Hamer (manager of St. James) and all managers of theatres who allow our children to see the pictures free whenever convenient; also the Otago Motor Club and Commercial Travellers’ and Warehousemen’s Association for similar treats, as well as the Dunedin Operatic Society and Orphans’ Club. “ The end of our financial year is December 31. Last year was the most difficult ever experienced. I think that the ever increasing demand made upon us had a lot to do with it. We finished the year with only £9 Is lid short of requirements, which speaks volumes for the generosity of our subscribers and the high esteem in which the work is hold by every section of the community. Then again, wo take care of children who arc semi-orphans until they are old enough to bo admitted into the church orphanages. “At the present time we. are in difficulties. At our last monthly meeting we had an overdraft in the bank of £79 —on maintenance account, which is the most we ever had, and there are so many cases of distress that we appeal to everyone to help us as far as their means will allow. Money donations, groceries of all kinds, secondhand clothing, boots and shoes, especially for children, will always be welcome. Many of the children come to us with only the clothes they stand in, and very poor clothes at that. “ in conclusion 1 thank my committee for all their whole-hearted support, and the subscribers for their generosity in the years past. 1 also wish to thank the secretary and treasurer (Mr R. Crooks), the honorary auditor (Mr C. Russell Smith), and the Press.” Acting and elaborating on a suggestion made by Mr Paris, the meeting decided to send a deputation to wait on the Finance Committee of the City Council, urging the sale of the strip of land referred to in the report. Messrs Paris, Dunkley, and Cimiming were appointed the deputation.