SOCIAL SERVICE

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 452, 29 July 1919, Page 1

SOCIAL SERVICE

An Appeal

ORPHANS' HOME The work of the Auckland Presbyterian Social Service Association, which is of a varied character, is filling a distinct need in the community. While its headquarters are in the city, the scope of its operations extends throughout the Province. The outstanding feature of social work that is carried on by the Social Service Association under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand is that of prevention rather than reform. Many cases of young people who have lapsed and have committed breaches against the law are taken charge of by the Superintendant, who is also the Honorary Probation Officer for the Auckland District. In this branch of work, scores of young men have been saved from gaol and from the stigma attached thereto. Numerous cases have occurred where young men who would otherwise have gone to prison (which would mean not only the cost to the State of keeping them, but also the cost of on the Charitable Aid Boards of the district in maintaining their wives and children) have been assisted to live down their wrong doing and to recover their good names and maintain their independence by keeping themselves, their wives and children. From an economic and a moral point of view it is impossible to estimate the value of this branch of work to society generally. The Association does a certain amount of poor relief work also amongst the poor and unfortunate. This branch of work is conducted by Sister Constance, the Association's deaconess, who also has charge of all women and girls who are placed on probation by the Court. The foregoing departments of the Association's activities, while of immense value, are superseded by a still greater work that is carried on among orphaned and destitute children. For the past three years the Superintendent and Mrs Jeffreys have taken about 110 children into their own home; for some time past they have had as many as 56 boys in restdence at one time, aud at the present time there 50 in residence. The committee that controls the Association's affairs has bought a very fine property of over nine acres at Onehunga, and hopes very soon to erect a suitable Boys' Home on this property, and thus relieve Mr and Mrs Jeffreys from having to use their own residence for this purpose. To carry this into effect the Association is receiving contributions just now for this Home scheme, and in conjunction with the Leslie Presbyterian Orphanage with the authority of the Presbyteries of Auckland and Waikaio, is carrying on this canvass as an Auckland Ivovi: oial Presbyterian Peace Thanksgiving Fund. Although the Presbjteriau Church controls this work those who are assisted by it are not restricted to members of this Church. The creed or absenco of creed of any individual is novor a liar to the giving of a helping hand in time of need.