DR. BARNARDO'S HOMES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 22, 11 September 1911, Page 2

DR. BARNARDO'S HOMES.

STRIKING APPEAL BY A DUKE

Not far from the scene of the recent Anarchist outrage,in London are situated the headquarters of an institution which for forty-live years lias hccu carrying on a work of imperial impoitancc. “Ringed in with closely packed acres of brick and mortar,’’ in the squalid East I'ind, the Barnardo Homos are the Mecca of tourists from all parts of the world. During this, tiic Coronation year of our King and Queen, colonial visitors in unprecedented numbers have passed through the famous Ever-open Door in Stepney Causeway. To many of these it must have seemed strange that work of this noble character should he carried on amid such surroundings. In the early days, when Dr. Barnardo was known as the “Young Man with the Lantern, and sought by night the waif and homeless lads of London sleeping under bridges, railway arches, and in empty stables, Stepney Causeway was a convenient haven to which to conduct them for immediate shelter and food, ind to thousands of grateful men and women the Empire over it will always have hallowed associations. What a sad and motley procession it is that passed through that first Ever-open Door! Seventy-three thousand destitute, neglected hoys and girls, from infants a few days old to the lad and lass of twenty. Many clad in filthy rags, gaunt, hungry, and apparently hardened others in the pathetic “mourning” .of the respectable poor, their thin, pale faces tear-stain-ed for a dead father or mother; others with a cowed, animal-like expression which tolls of cruelty and ill-usage; brothers and sisters hand-in-hand, with timid and wondering eyes; deaf and dumb children, crippled children; children led by the hand because they are blind, and frail little creatures borne in on ambulances. Some of the latter are only admitted that their last days or weeks in this world may bo as bright and free from pain and sorrow as medical skill and loving care can render them. But the rest ol this great army pass out again after a time—pass out as strong, healthy and happy youths and maidens, trained and disciplined that they may entci the battle of life with courage, hops and confidence; pass out to become citizens good and true, to people the colonies with honest, industrious men and women. Truly a glorious resurrection. Convenient ns it is for a receiving centre, Stepney Causeway was not regarded' by the late Dr. Barnard.' as an ideal training ground. He believed that children should be reared in the country, and not in crowded cities. He said of his ho'arded-om little ones: “Most of them have hitfierto only seen the blue sky from amidst tbe city slums, and are now entering upon what is to them a new' world among green fields and pleasant country sights and sounds.” He delighted in his beautiful Village'Home for girls at Ilford, and longed to gnu the boys similar advantages. Always looking ahead and 'planning for tin future, he conceived the idea of' ; Garden City for his boys some year; before his death, and only waited fo: opportunity and means to carry ii into effect. Not for nearly five years after Ik had passed away was it practical)]to make an actual start in the de sired direction. By the generous belt of interested • friends, the Gwymu House Estate of 39 acres of well wooded land at Woodford Bridge (loss than twelve miles 'from London) wai purchased, and in July of last yea: were laid the foundation stones o' the first three cottages of the Boys Garden City. Building has since stead ily progressed, and twelve houses ar; either constructed or in course -o' erection. Two East End ■ hranche: have been closed, and their inmate: transferred to the rural surroundings of Woodford Bridge, there to h; trained for work on the land, in th fiower, fruit, and vegetable gardens md for service in the house. A has bet-making school has been establishes

for the crippled boys, and their work is being sold to advantage. When completed, the Hoys’ Garde? Jity will consist, of HO “cottages” ac onnnodating 900 lads. One of the louses already occupied will be of pc ■uliar interest to colonials, as it ha; iean presented by the son and (laugh ■ of the late Mr and Mrs Howar; .Ingas,’ of Collingrove, South Austin n, ,:S a loving memorial of their par ,'ts. “King Edward the Seventh Cot age” has been named in honour o: ;he late King, whilst “Harnardo Cot in go” and “Canon Fleming Cottage” oorpotuate the memory of the foundo. md the late 'Canon Fleming respect ivcly. “Coronation Cottage” commemorates the coronation of King Georg? and Queen Mary. Dr. Harnardo’s Homes have always mjoyed a wide poimlarity in New Zea'and, and it is felt that many resid nts in the Dominion would like to ‘take a hand” in the building of tin Hoys’ Garden City. A fund has there'are been opened for this purpose, and heal honorary treasurers have volnn/Cored to receive contributions toward; he erection of the “New Zealand Cot rage.” The “New Zealand Cottage” will accommodate HO lads; its construction and furnishing will cost 01800, a very moderate price for this class of work. Donations of £OO will each provide an “In Momoriam” or a “Thanksgiving Heel” in the “New Zealand Cottage.” It is particularly desirable at the present time that the east, of the Hoys’ Garden City should not fall upon the general funds of the Homes. In 1910 there was a deficiency in the year's income of over £HB,OOO, and this diminution has continued during 1911. The Hon. Director, Mr William Haker, “is a good deal troubled by the outlook,” and an urgent appeal has been issued by the Duke of Somerset, President of the Council of the Homes.

“Our present income,” says his Grace, “is insufficient to support the 9,-100 children now in the Homes. We have practically no endowments, and must either reduce our expenses or increase our income. There are no high salaries to bo out down, no excessive staff to ho reduced-—we can economise in children only. We have hitherto iollowed strictly Dr. Barnardo’s rub that no destitute child 'shall he refused admission; hy abandoning it we could in six months bring our expenditure within our present income. “Is it worth itP” the Duke continues. “Looked at merely as a matter of pounds, shillings and pence, the thousand children who would he refused admission would, if admitted, he worth to the country in the future many thousands of pounds as honest, hard-working citizens. If left destitute, who can say how much they will cost?” Mr W. Floyd Harrop, who has for some years taken an active interest in the Homes, has consented to act as local hon. treasurer for the “Boys’ Garden City Fund,” and will he glad to receive and acknowledge donations. All gifts for the “New Zealand Cottage” should lie addressed to Mr Harrop, at the offices of Router’s Telegram Co., Ltd., 18, Shortland Street. Auckland.