HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1376, 13 July 1878, Page 3

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

The Board met at the Armagh street Depot yesterday at 11 a.m. Present—The Mayor of Christchurch, the Mayor of Sydenham, Mr Montgomery, Mr Brown, and Dr. Turnbull.

A number of the recipients came before the Board, and their cases were thoroughly investigated, in every instance the allowance which had been previously granted were ordered to be confirmed. The Board then adjourned to the Council Chamber. It was resolved that the Mayor of Christchurch be appointed chairman of the Board. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

The following report was then read : Charitable Aid Office, Christchurch, July 12th, 1878

Sir, —I have the honor to report that, in compliance with instructions from the Board, I have made further inquiries into the cases receiving relief in the city of Christchurch, the borough of Sydenham, and the Selwyn County, and submit herewith my remarks in each ca=e. I deem it my duty to lay before the Board some statistics relating to the causes of distress and the position which this question of charitable relief bears to the introduction of immigrants. I give this information the more readily because I find there is an impression abroad that the large number of cases of charitable aid in this district is principally owing to the introduction of immigrants. Only recently I noticed in one of the local papers a statement to the effect " that the Government have from time to time imported a large number of people who ought never to have been brought to the colony. In consequence of their great age, or infirmity, or intemperance, or incapacity for hard work, many of these are now thrown upou us to support." I find that the total number of immigrants introduced into the Provincial District of Canterbury since the passing of the Immigration and Public Works Act (12th September, 1870), has been 23,449 souls, equal 19,681 statute adults. The following return gives the number introduced each year since the passing of the Act, and also the proportion of that number which are receiving relief, together with the cause : No. of immigrants No. receiviutrodu- ing relief, ced. Year Causes of Distress. m . • — m 5 °"2 3 £ r? 1 v< * yj en 1870 451 389 3 11 741 case desertion, 2 widows 1871 654 575 1872 1114 936 2 9 6 1 case illnesß, 1 case desertion 1873 2332 1908 5 20 144 1 case illness, 4 cases widows 1874 9370 7638 10 45 304 1 ca«e illness, 1 desertion, 1 husband in gaol, 7 widows 1875 3825 3248 1 2 141 widow 1876 2595 2228 4 14 94 2 desertion, 1 illness (not Govt, immigrant), 1 widow 1877 2026 1794 1878 to 30 June 1082 965 Totl. 23449 19681 25 102 69 \ __ Out of the 94 cases therefoie ( 335 souls) that were receiving relief in the city of Christchurch, borough of Sydenham, and Selwyn county, on the 30th June last, only 24 of the cases (representing 98 souls) were Government immigrants that have arrived since the passing of the Immigration and Public Works Act Of the cases in the other bo ough3 and counties I am certain that the majority arrived in the colony previous to the passing of the Act, but I will cause the exact information to be prepared. Of the 15 men employed in the Government Domam, at wages ranging from 3s to 4s per day, three only were Government immigrants to this district since 1870.

Of the 2t inmates of the Sclwyn Home, two only were Government immigrants since 1870. Returns showing full particulars of these cases are laid on the table.

One very important matter to which I wish to call the attention of the Board is to the building known as the Selwyn Home. This is in a most dilapidated condition, and prone altogether beyond repair. 1 brought this subject under the notice of the Government, and I received a reply to the effect, under date June 13th, that tho Government were unable to take any action in the matter, a 3 after tho 30th instant institutions of this kind will become a local charge. I hardly suppose anything can be done at present, but I trust at no distant date step 3 will be taken to erect a suitable building. Another matter to which I desire to call attention is the care and maintenance of destitute children farmed out, or what is known as the boarding-out system. In addition to the number before mentioned as receiving charitable aid there are at present thirty-two children placed out at a weekly cost of £9 18s. I am convinced that the sy tern is a good one under diligent and proper supervision. If the Board wish it I will arrange that the persons who have charge of children shall bring them to the office at a certain tiruo for inspection. I generally seo them myself every four weeks, and sometimes more frequently. T am pleased to state that several of the ladies of Christchurch take a deep interest in the welfare of these little ones; but, in order to make the Bystera thoroughly successful, I would that tho JJoajd should endsavour to

obtain the assistance of ladies in forming somo dtfinife plan for inspection and supervision. I have received a letter from the Borough Council of Kaiapoi agreeing to take over the administration of charitable aid, in terms of letter from the Hon. Colonial Secretary, dated Bth June.

The Boron gh Council of Akaroa have also arranged to tnke over the distribution of charitable uid in the borough, pending legislation. The chairman of the Ashburton County Council h .s informed me tint the Council lnd before it th<3 question of charitable aid, and decided to request its member in the Assembly to support legislation indicated by the Christchurch conference, held in March last. I lay before the Board further applications for assistance.

I have tho honor to be, sir, Your most obedient servant, (Signed) J. E. March. His Worship the Mayor of Christchurch, Chairman of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Boird. The Board decided to pay a visit of inspection to the Selwyn Home. With respect to children boarded out, Mr March was requested to report on each case. After transacting a large amount of routine work, the Board adjourned till 7 p.m. on Saturday, to meet at the Christchurch Hospital. _^^_^___^_____^__^^__