SLEPT IN DOMAIN

Hokitika Guardian, 10 April 1929, Page 5

SLEPT IN DOMAIN

REV. JASPER CALDER’S

EXPERIENCE

AUCKLAND, April 8. For experience, the Rev. Jasper Caldcr, City Missioner, spent Saturday night under the stars in the Auckland Domain, as so many of the “down and

out ” men he has assisted in years past

! have done. Dressed in old tweeds and carrying a light topcoat, the missioner left his warm study at II o’clock on Saturday night and set out briskly for the Domain where he had determined to sleep. For an hour lie strolled about the grounds, nodding to Severn? men and occasionally speaking. Like him, they were walking aimlessly over the damp grass in search of shelter. Unfamiliar without his clerical garb, no one recognised him. Midnight 'found him on the cricket ground near the score-hoard, and here it was he decided to rest. Wrapping his overcoat around him he lay on the grass, as wet as if rain had fallen on

it, and patiently watched the numerous passers-by. An hour and a half later the whole Domain was plunged into darkness when the arc lights were switched off. Fitful sleep came to him and until three o’clock he was fairly warm, in spite of the dampness, hut then the atmosphere became sharp and biting, and he could not sleep, and

had to move his limbs to prevent) cramp. On the same ground at least six other men were sprawled, some with coats to rest upon and some sleeping in threadbare suits. With the rattling of the cans as the first milkman passed on his round, the missioner arose and began his stiff but welcome walk home, and as he walked homeless men stirred in the shadow of the wet trees. ? ; i:

Asked why he had slept in the Domain, Mr Calder said that within a month he hoped to get into operation a night shelter for the unemployed, penniless, and friendless men in the city. It must be big enough for at least 100 men, to whom he would give hot drinks and a little food and shelter for the night. In the winter months there were dozens of men who needed such help, and it was his ambition to help them get it. Lack of sufficient

tonev only would hinder him in gain-

ing his objective within a month. Previously he could only imagine v hat a night in the open in a city park was like, hut now he knew it was miserable.