AN APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC

Hokitika Guardian, 5 October 1929, Page 3

AN APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC

WORK OF ST. SAVIOUR’S HOMES. GO VERNOR-GENERAL AND BISHOP SPEAK. CHRISTCHURCH* Oct. 3. An appeal for people not to neglect the duties of parenthood was made by Bishop West-Watson in his speech at tlio opening of the St. Saviour’s Market yesterday afternoon. It was a matter for deep regret he said, that there seemed a growing tendency Tor the home life to become less secure. The lot off those who had to care for the little ones in the various St. Saviour’s Homes would be much lighter if they had only to care for children who were realty orphans. He hoped the day would come again when the home and the sanctity of marriage * were once again regarded in their true light. It was the spirit which would bear any hardship for the sake of the children which would be of the greatest benefit to the nation.

St Saviour’s Homes and the people who were looking after them were engaged in a work which was making a real and invaluable contribution to the happiness of the national life, said the Bishop. The Church of England whose congregation comprised two-fifths o ,r the population of the Dominion, had a great trust imposed 911 it. They could not pretend that they were doing all that they would, like, to do but even so the various homes were doing good work. There ; were 900 children in the homes, who were being cared for at , a cost of £34.000 a year. In Christchur. h alone there were 200 children in the three homes of the Guild. He appealed therefor to the generosity of the public to support the market and with it the homes.

“We-have noted with regret the approaching end of your Excellency’s term of office,” said the Bishop addressing the Governor-General. Sir Charles Fergusson. “We are all deeply sorry that it if? coming so soon now. We shall never forget the way it which you and Lady Fergusson have supported all charitable objects.” He then called on his Excellency to open the market.

G 0 VERNOR-GENER AL’ S ADDRESS.

“I must first explain why I am here and not her Excellency,” said Sir Charles, who said that Lady Alice Fergusson was engaged as president off the annual conference of the Mothers’ Union. “ I offered to take charge of that,” he said, “and I felt quite capable of doing so, but my offer was turned down and I was sent down here.”'. , 0 y He appealed to those ‘ present to support the work of the St Saviour’s Homes, VFhese homes which supplied a great need in the community cost about £12,000 a year to run. The balance sheet of 1928 may* have seemed alarming, but he could assure those present that any faults in the -administration were things of the past. This year a great effort was being made to recover. The income had been increased by £2OOO and the expenditure decreased by £IOOO. One economy suggested had been the abandoning of the Shirley School. He hoped, however, that this would not be done. .The school cost only £4OO a year to run, and was ,of great benefit to the children -of the homes. He appealed to the people to give generously to the homqs that the deficit of £7OOO might be wiped off.

“We have been told in the North Island that it was unsafe to visit Christchurch It was like falling amongst thieves. Wherever the visitor went he was dunned by collectors for St Saviour’s Orphanages.” said IS,ir Charles. He again appealed to the people that this state of affiairs might be ended. ’ * * .

Archbishop Julius also appealed on behalf of the homes.

Following the opening the Governor-: General, the Mayor (the Rev, J. IC. Archer), and Mrs Archer, and the others of the official party made a round of the stalls which were already very busy.