ORPHANAGE SCANDAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1649, 16 January 1906, Page 2

ORPHANAGE SCANDAL.

GOOD-NATURED MATRON. (Per Pres 3 Association.) Christchurch, last night. At tho Waltham Orphanage enquiry Dr Upbam stated that tho children were well looked after, and seldom suffered from anything but children’s ailments. The matron waß a good-natured and kindhearted woman, but her language was a little masculine. Tho children had tho cheapest food because tho secretary praotically “ ran ’’ the Orphsnßge, and tho matron was brought to book if she tried to increase the expenditure. His experience was that the secretary was practically the Board. Most rigid economy was praotieed , by tbo Board, which continually challenged all expenditure. He considered - the matron had dono wonders to keep the children as fat and as healthy as they were under the circumstances. The Board refused to pay for medical attention on two ohlldren who were boarded cut, and he had to pay it himself. This was a specimen of their economy. The matron was practically the slave of the Board. Mr Friedlander, the chairman, continuing his evidence, said he did not consider .Mrs Carpenter Bn ideal matron. There had been a good deal of haggling between lady members of the Board. Mrs Wells had made the most complaints. |The progressive ideas of lady members had not always been concurred iu by the members of the Board. He did not think there should be a dietary scale for orphanages. Such a Ecale would bs all right in a large institution, but in a small one suoh .as -air 5 * orphanage a matron was supposed to be a foster mother to the children, and should have a free band in Bottling their clothes and food.

DIFFERENCE OF OPINION. (Per Press Asaooiatioii.) Christchurch, last night. At the Waltham Orphanage enquiry this afternoon evidence was given effect that the children were well oared for BDd given good foods. The greoa dresses referred to were not groteeqae, nor calculated to cause ridicule. J. Board, ex chairman of the Charitable Aid Board, said he nover beard any complaints concerning tbo matron of the Orphanage. Ho favored the cottage home system instead of large institutions. Tho enquiry continues to morrow.