WELLINGTON LADIES’ CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5633, 19 April 1879, Page 3

WELLINGTON LADIES’ CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.

The following is the first annual report of the above association ... The association was formed m March, la ! 8, with the advice and assistance of Dr. bommerville, as an agency by which Christian women could materially help each other, and further the general welfare ef such cases as might come within their province to assist. Their preliminary meetings were held in different localities, none of which were found quite suitable ; and the use of a room at the Athenmum being’ offered by the courtesy of the Young Men’s Christian Association, it was gratefully accepted. < Much time was necessarily occupied at first in securing and organising the willing help of its members, the principles of the association being of such a character that its efficiency is peculiarly dependent upon the individual Christian efforts of its workers. The subscribers to the association now number 114, but at present a very small proportion is actively engaged in prosecuting its work ; but as your committee has now been able to organise several branches of its operations all requiring additional help, it is hoped that more ladies will assist in practically carrying out its designs. , . The work engaged in by the association has been visiting the hospital, gaol, families in distress, and female immigrants on arrival in the colony, holding Dorcas, prayer, and mothers' meetings, undertaking the charge of orphan children, and endeavoring to raise funds for a home for women, each of which objects will be noticed in order. Arrangements are made for visiting the hospital weekly by members of the association, and a note from Dr. Johnston gives them the pleasing intimation that their visits are always most welcome to the Members of the Evangelistic choir kindly give their services once a week in connection with the visiting staff, which are very appreciated by the inmates. Much kindly interest has also been manifested by the supply of flowers, which has been continued through the season. The matron of the hospital is invited to attend the committee meetings, that she may have the opportunity of, reporting any cases among the patients requiring particular attention.

The gaol is systematically visited on Saturdays. The hardening and depressing influence of sin and its results, within and around the prisoners, render them peculiarly unsusceptible to religious instruction ; but as the governor of the gaol states that the visits are acceptable, and Christian hope is ever buoyant, it is trusted that good has, and will be, effected. Several girls from prison have been assisted to temporary places of service, and afterwards restored to their friends. The cases of families in sickness and distress have been investigated, and urgent necessities relieved in kind or payment of rent, as in no instance does the association sanction the bestowal of mono r. .

The depot been repeatedly visited after the arrival of immigrants, but as female servants are so so m engaged, and stay so short a time in the barracks, regret is felt that no effective means of assisting them has yet been accomplished. It has, however, been suggested by the matron of the depot, who is thoroughly anxious to help in the attempt, that a class formed of the young women, where they could meet each other, under the teaching and supervision of the conductor and association, might be of great use to them ; and it is sincerely hoped some of the members will be willing to undertake the work._ It is also thought desirable that a circular should be printed, notifying the wish of the association to help them in their new home, with directions to whom they can apply for assistance at any future time if required. One of these papers, if issued, tho matron kindly engages to present to each girl. The Dorcas branch of the association has been in successful operation, about 100 garments having been distributed to necessitous women and children, clothes sold fit reduced prices to the poor, and a large quantity of ready-made clothing and material is in stock for disposal when needed. A meeting for prayer is held on alternate Wednesdays, in one of the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association,

The endeavor to establish mothers’ meetings has not hitherto met with the support and success that was anticipated, one only being well attended and sustained. The appreciation in which this one is held by its members makes it very desirable that further efforts should be made for their formation and efficient working. The charge of a few orphans has been undertaken by the association, and an orphanage fund initiated, but a well organised home for them is greatly needed. The want of a home for women who, from sickness, old age, or adverse circumstances, are unable to support themselves, has been the subject of grave and earnest thought not only by members of this association, but by those belonging to the Benevolent Institution, with whom your committee has been in correspondence on the subject, and who have kindly offered pecuniary assistance towards temporary accommodation for such cases. Money is also being collected, which it is hoped will form the nucleus of a fund for the establishment of a permanent home. The amount already raised, and in the care of C. P. Powles, Esq., the treasurer, is £3B 10s.

The urgent need in this city of a temporary home for discharged female prisoners, and for women and girls desirous to reform from an evil and begin a new life, is again submitted to the thoughtful consideration of the members. Without such help this class of women is practically left fearfully exposed to the temptation of returning to those bad habits which for a time have been repressed, and of falling more deeply in sin and misery. As it is known that a number of members are actively engaged in visiting and rendering praetical aid to cases of distress, it is suggested that an additional rule be added to the constitution of this association, with a view of consolidating such help and gathering together as much as possible the working power of its members, by inviting such visitors to attend some committee meetings appointed for the purpose, to report cases that require further assistance, and to act as a check upon ill-de-serving applicants, who are too willing to encroach upon the sympathies and help of charitable persons. The members of your committee are conscious that at present they have only been able to take initiatory steps in the vast amount of Christian work requiring to be done, but as God, whom they serve, does not “ despise the day of small things,” are hopeful that with His blessing the association will be further qualified to extend its future operations. The following is the statement of receipts and disbursements to the end of the first year, March 31, 1879:—Receipts: Members’ subscriptions, £35 55.; donations, £8 195.; goods sold, £l3 3s. 3d.; discounts allowed, 4s. 6d.; mothers’ meetings, £4 10s. 6d.; total, £63 2s. 3d. Disbursements : Goods purchased for Dorcas Society, £27 Us, lid,; mothers’ meetings, £8 2s. 2d.; boots purchased, £5 12s. 6d.; cases of distress relieved, £9 Bs. ; printing, stationery, and advertising, £3 15s. 9d.; cash in bank (£8 10s. lid.), cash in hand (Is), £8 11s. lid. ; total, £63 2s. 3d. Orphange Account. —Contributions, £l4 2s, 6d.; paid towards board and clothing for orphans, £4 lls. Bd.