PATIENTS AND PRISONERS' AID SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2814, 19 February 1908, Page 18

PATIENTS AND PRISONERS' AID SOCIETY.

A meeting of the committee of the Patients and Prisoners' Aid Society was held on the 11th, when there were presentMessrs G. Fenwick (chairman), S. C. Phillips, W. Gow, H. H. Driver, W. Downie Stewart, and F. G. Cumming (the society's agent). The Society's Agent presented a report covering a period of two months, from December 10, 1907. to February 10, 1908. The report stated that in many respects the work undertaken during that period had, both in the matter of character and detail, been similar to that of the preceding two months, although (if anything) the agent's hands had been fuller, and -at times tne work more trying, yet resulting in much practical good being done amongst the needy and -distressed. During the .two months the various institutions had been visited and .services held, and at all times the presence cf the agent was welcomed by the inmates of the As>lum. Hospital, or by the prisoners in the gaol. Help had been gi\en to quite a large number so as to enable them to make a fresn start in life, and it was gratifying to be able to report that in most cases the effort put forth had met with success. During the period covered by the report the. society's agent had had to' take ser-wces in the interests of the society in the Palmorston Presbyterian, Lawrence Pivsbjtorian, West Taieri Presbyterian, and Kinsr Street Congregational, also Central Mission and the Mornington Baptist Churches. In no way had this interfered with the usual services of the institutions, as in each instance a good supply had" bacn found to take the agent's place. It would be gratifying to know that at Christmas time the usual effort was made at the gaol to bring a little special cheer to, the prisoners. On Christmas Morning a special service was held, and the singing was carried out by a company of ladies from the Church of England. An address was siven by the society's "^pnt and Mr Torrarce was in the chair Oq Boxins Da\ the Rev X. 4

Davis gave a very fine lecture in the gaol. Jin all, during the past two months 52 services had been held at the Hospital, Heads, prison, Seacliff, and Waitati, while the t institutional visitations numbered 111. The j charity expenditure for December was £6 12e, and for January £6 13s 4d — making a total of £13 5s 4d. The Police Court had received the usual attention, and in several instances, at the request of the presiding magistrate, men or youths had been taken in charge with good results. The report was received. An Advisory Committee, consisting of Messrs Fenwick, Torranee, Hislop, and Downie Stewart, was constituted to deal with any urgent or special business brought forward by the agent from time to time.