HOME FOR THE HOMELESS.

Shannon News, 31 March 1922, Page 2

HOME FOR THE HOMELESS.

LITTLE KNOWN INSTITUTION AT liUNTERVILLE. In a conversation with Mr Norman Hyde, of ’ Hunterville, who was formerly a home missionary •on this coast and district, our reporter learnt something of interest regard: ing the home for destitute children that he has founded-on a basis that is unusual so far as Nsw Zealand is concerned. In existence only since the influenza epidemic at the close of 1918, the home has no fewer than 27 inmates, as well as the staff, and has a capacity for 35. The buildings are large and well situated in healthy surroundings near Hunterville, and about 11 acres of ground are attached to the bouse. The home is not conducted or kept up by any sect or denomination, or company of trustees. It makes no charge whatever for any child. It has no annual subscribers and makes no appeals for funds. It receives any healthy child that- may be destitute at any age. “The- needs of the home are told only to God in prayer, who hears and answers believing prayer according to His promises,’’-says Mr Hyde. “The director and liis assistants lean only on God to meet all their needs, which He does through the medium of His servants. The kindly interest manifested by all, the loving co-operation of the sisters, the spiritual results among the children, all go to give us confidence that the launching, of the home in simple dependence on the living God, was the right' thing. The director and workers receive only their food and raiment and are therewith content.” Not one penny is used for any personal or private use. Money sent or given and. specially earmarked, for the personal use ol the workers is not put into the funds, but is equally divided between the director, his wife and the three co-helpers. In the year ending December, 1920, no less than £l2lO 10/ was contributed without solicitation for the support of the home.

“We hope to give the girls a complete domestic training, and any among them giving signs of promise are taught music at the home by Mrs Hyde. The boys will be put to trades or positions as we judge best for the individual boy,” said Mr Hyde to the Chronicle representative.-. -He added that one of the girls, who is of Danish extraction, had come to the home at 12 years of age after having even then passed an examination for a proficiency certificate. She was a musician off unusual promise, and had also mastered the art and practice of bookkeeping and typewriting. Shortly she would reach the age of 16, and he hoped she would remain in the home as a member of the staff. The children were bound to Mr and Mrs Hyde until they reached that, age. They are from all parts of the country, one, indeed, coming from the Bluff.

An agreement has been * entered into for the purchase of the property at the end of 1924, and a scheme is in view for enlarging the accommodation to meet the increasing demands for admission.