HOLIDAYS FOR POOR

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 847, 16 December 1929, Page 8

HOLIDAYS FOR POOR

CITY MISSION CAMP AT WAIHEKE NEW BUILDINGS OPENED The new camp building: of the City Mission at Oneroa, Waiheke, w?s opened officially during the week-end, when a “housewarming” was held. Many members and well-wishers of the mission were present, and spent an enjoyable time in swimming and sun bathing. On Saturday afternoon at an informal ceremony, the key of the camp was handed to Sister Pat by Mr. W. Torckler, foreman of the Men’s Guild, who was in charge of the building operations. The workmen were congratulated by the Rev. Jasper Calder, City Missioner, on the result of their labours. The building, which is intended for use by poor children from the sunless areas of the city, lias two dormtories, with a dining room between them. A wide verandah, 40ft long and 9ft wide on the seaward side, gives direct access tc the beach, only a fe.v yards away. The house is built higd at the front, enabling a children's playroom measuring about 40ft by 15f*. with a sandy floor, to be constructed underneath. This gives plenty of room for games in wet or very hot weather. At the back of the building is i small kitchenette, with a 30-gallon cistern, which gives a good hot water supplyDrinking water is stored in five large tanks, sufficient to supply a full house, throughout months of drought. The sanitary arrangements have been approved by the Health Department. Timber for the camp was given by the Auckland Sawmillers’ Association. Volunteer labourers did all the work and also built the bus body on a ton truck used for taking the children over the island. The camp is at one of the prettiest beaches on Waiheke. *A smooth, saadV beach provides ideal safe bathing at all tides. Camps have been held at this spot for the past five years, hut it was not until an extra section was given the mission by Airs. Armstrong of Point Chevalier, that there was room to erect permanent bui’dings. The first group of children will go to Oneroa on December 27 and others will follow until the end of January. After this time, families may be allowed to bach there until the end the summer season. During January Dr. Fairclough and a trained ni.r?-; will be in attendance to take car* of the convalescents and to be ready ia case of accidents.