MT. MAGDALA HOME

Hokitika Guardian, 20 April 1926, Page 2

MT. MAGDALA HOME

NEW CONVENT. [by TELEQBAPH —PER I’IIF.SS ASSOCIATION CHRISTCHURCH. April 19. Another step in the history of the Alt. Magda la. Home was made yesterday when the recently erected convent was opened. A very large gathering assembled in the grounds. The precincts of the home were decorated with flags and bunting, and a large platform was erected for the official party. Those on the dais included:—His Grace. Archbishop O’Shea. Bishops Brodie and Whyte (Dunedin), Alonsignor ALcKonna, Sir George Clifford, the Mayor of Christchurch (ATr .7. K. Archer) and .Mrs Archer, the Mayor of Lyttelton (Air F. S. Sutton), the Mayor of Ricearton (Afr if. S. S. Kyle, ALP.). Hon D. Ruddo, the Town Clerk of Christchurch (Air J. S. Neville) and Airs Neville, representative clergy and members of Parliament. At the close of the ceremony Bishop Brodie informed a reporter that tlio i collection taken on the grounds had realised (.“3.340. The contract price was £29,700. The Afayor said that the Home could be brought within greater Christchurch, it would add to Christchurch one of the finest group of buildings in the district in which was conducted a noble, work by very noble women. The sisters were women who would have made their mark anywhere in the world. He was very interested to hear that all denominations had assisted in the work, and that religious differences had been sunk at the place of Christian service. The industrial aspect interested, him particularly, and the conditions under which the women in the home worked. It, would lie a very good thing, ho said, if some of the employers of Christchurch could come out and get a few wrinkles. A very distinguished visitor from London, who was out here as representative of Dr Barnardo’s Homes, had gone over the institution and lie had said that lie could make no suggestions for improvement. Air Kvle, M.P.. said lie was proud to have the homo as an integral part of his constituency. The idea of helping the suffering and the needy was a very high one, and ho had been over the home and had found nothing hut love and good fellowship. fiir George Clifford said the buildings expressed better than anything elsto could a monument and a testimony to the work of the nuns. Air George .Maxwell had left £2009 for the foundation of the institution and the Rev. Father Ginnity had not rested until he saw the ideal accomplished. Now that litle acorn had grown into a great and mighty tree.