THE POVERTY PROBLEM.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 43211, 6 August 1907, Page 4

THE POVERTY PROBLEM.

Benevolent institutions are grappling with the poverty problem, a question which accentuates its difficulties in winter time. The Salvation Army is well in the forefront in its competition with other philanthropic organisations in coping with the evil, and that the Ajrmy b doing a noble work none will deny. Ati the annual meeting in Wellington in connection with its social institutions, Brigadier Albiston said ithe Army was doing good work, especially in the lower strata- of society, and its power and influence was ever increasing. He referred to the lack of boys’ work in; the North Island, hut he hoped before long to have an institution established dealing solely with hoys-. Referring to the Army's organisation throughout Australasia, he' said there were eight Boys' Homes, and these at the beginnning of the year contained 206 inmates. Of that number, 199 had been sent to situations. There were 16 Rescue Homes, with accommodation for 352 ; 620 had been admitted during the year 1 , and 277 sent’to situations, and 214 restored to friends. There were 11 Maternity Homes, and during the year 295 were restored to friends, while situations were found for 1 240. During the year 510 babies were horn in the Homes. The Prison Gate Brigade- numbered eight, and during the year 1043 had been admitted, 251 sent- to. situations, 75 to friends, and 694 left. in. search of work. The Army officers had made 838 visits to gaols , and 725 visits to various dpolicfe- courts. The Army aimed at helping the poor, assisting the prisoner, and uplifting fallen women.