A MAGNIFICENT DONATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 13 August 1907, Page 2

A MAGNIFICENT DONATION.

BOYS' HOME AT ELTHAM. Since the announcement was muck that uii Eltham gentleman had offered the Salvation Army an area of land for the purposes ol a boys' home, anil had further undertaken to erect and equip the home, there has been speculation as to the identity of the generous donor, says the Argus. It has now been divulged that the oiler was made by Mr T. Jenkins, who was anxious, if possible, to keep his intention secret for the time being. Speaking to an Argus reporter on Saturday, Mr Jenkins said he had | intended for some tinie to build a boys' home, and for the purpose hatl acquired

ten acres of land in Mr W. Mndlay's estate. The proposed site is a little way down the Conway road. It is intended that the home should house GO boys, and it will in some respects be better equipped than the girls' home in Wellington. The estimated cost is £3OOO. The Salvation Army's architect, Colonel Saunders, will be in Eltham in the course of a few days to prepare a plan. It is Mr Jenkins' intention to stack the timber this summer, and proceed with the building next year. Some big rimu |

in good heart is available for the purpose, and it is intended that the timber used should be thoroughly seasoned and in the best condition. The use of a sawmill will be available shortly to cut tho timber. About half of the land is stumped, and Mr Jenkinson has the work of stumping the other half in hand. The site of the home and the surrounding laud is level and broken only by a creek, which it is intended to "convert into a lake for the purpose of recreation and scenic beauty.

The homo will be worked as a model farm under a qualified agriculturist, but opportunity will be given the boys to learn any trade they may desire. Instruction in the ordinary school curriculum will be given. The institution is intended by the founder primarly for orphans but waifs who may lack parental care will also be admitted. The institution will bo known as the "Home of Mercy" in commemoration of tho late Mrs Jenkins, whose interest in such work was of the keenest.