ALL SAINTS’ CHILDREN’S HOME.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2698, 21 February 1924, Page 2

ALL SAINTS’ CHILDREN’S HOME.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF SEASIDE

COTTAGE.

The official opening of the All Saints’ seaside cottage at the Foxton seaside resort took place yesterday afternoon in beautiful weather and before a large and representatve gathering. Prior to the opening ceremony the visitors and officials of All Saints’ Home made an inspection of the building and expressed both surprise and pleasure at the compactness and comfortable accommodation provided. The building replaces the one destroyed by fire some months ago which was erected as an adjunct of the Palmerston North Home to provide temporary accommodation at the seaside during the summer months for the little ones in the parent institution. The new building consists of six rooms and a large living room. The bedrooms are furnished with fixed bunks and are all well lighted and ventilated throughout.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr and Mrs Monrad, Mr and Mrs Hugh Akers, Messrs S. Lancaster, Lewis, Holben and Colonel Pringle, all of whom have been and are, actively associated with the home.

Among those present were: The Revs. McDonald and Boothroyd, Messrs H. Akers, Skerman, Wm. R. Bock, F. Robinson, Hollings and other local people. The visitors were received by the Revs. Blackburn and Walton and the matron, Mrs Murdoch. The Rev. Mr Blackburn in opening the proceedings, referred to the destruction of the former building, The splendid response made by local and district people in the reerection of the home had been fully justified and he paid a tribute to those who had been actively interested in this connection, making special mention of Mr Holben. He said a local committee had been set up as a house committee with representation on the Palmerston N. committee, who would be responsible for the actual administration of the home. He paid a tribute to the builders and to the Foxton publice for their assistance and said the home would be a splendid asset to the children.

Mr Skerman, treasurer, congratulated all concened upon the completion of such a splendid home, where he felt sure the children would be healthy and happy. The Rev. W. H. Walton, in formally declaring the home open, said it marked an era in local social welfare work. He paid a tribute to the late matron, Mrs Spencely, who was one of the first to agitate for a seaside home for the children. Owing to her agitation a meetin was convened in Foxton and the matter taken up enthusiastically by a small committee, among whom was the late Mr Walter Bock, who in conjunction with Mr W. Barber, gave the land and the original home was established. He was pleased to say that they had with them that afternoon, Mr Wm. R. Bock, brother of the late Mr Walter Bock, who with other beneficiaries of the late Mr Walter Bock’s estate, had gentrously donated the sum of £200 for the home (applause). The administration of the home would not fail upon the All Saints’ (Palmerston North parish) but the neighbouring parishes of Foxton, Shannon and Levin would co-operate. The establishment of the home and the care of helpless children was a truly Christian work, commendable to all professing christians. He thanked all who had assisted with gifts in furnishing the home. He then formally declared the home open. The Rev. Mr Blackburn then offered up a prayer commending the home and its inmates to the care of their Heavenly Father. Mrs Lionel Abraham expressed gratefulness for what had been accomplished and spoke of the necessity for such a home in the district and referred to the work done in connection with the Palmerston N. Home. Mrs Abraham also referred to several distressing cases which had been attended to. In order to assist the matron, she suggested that the Foxton ladies might organise a sewing guild and visit the home periodically and so assist the matron in this connection. The home could also be used for taking temporary cases for which there was no accommodation in the Palmerston N. home. At the conclusion of the ceremony afternoon tea was partaken of. A large number of suitable gifts were brought by the visitors. The home will accommodate about 25 inmates. At present there are about half that number in residence.