DOCTOR BARNARDO'S HOMES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 149, 18 November 1914, Page 6

DOCTOR BARNARDO'S HOMES.

THE. IjOCALAXOTAE. COLLECTION*. An appeal at the present time on behalf of Dr. Banardo's homes may be regarded by a few as inopportune; the great majority of New Zealanders, however, will welcome the opportunity of helping the little children whose fathers, at the call of duty, gave their lives for' the Empire. Vatriotiam, too, has many aspects, and it would be a reproach if ours ended with the bearing of a share in the naval and military burdens, and refused to assist the orphaned children of our gallant sailors and soldiers. The claims on the homes for admission and for temporary shelter and help will greatly increase in number and urgency; funds, on the other hand, are likely to show an alarming falling off, unless the sacred duty of caring for the children be pressed home 011 every possible occasion.

Mrs Dockrill, the honorary local secrcary for the Barnardo Fund, is about to organise the yearly house-to-house collection. in Xew Plymouth, and a number of well-known ladies have already promised tlieir services as collectors. Purthen volunteers will be cordially welcomed by Mrs Dockrill. Emphasis is laid upon the fact that the system of collecting renders it easy for householders to refuse to contribute if unable. If unable to do so, they have merely to return the envelope empty when it will be accepted without comment. Dr. Barnardo's homes are a national •work, firmly established in the confidence of the people. They return good value for the monies entrusted to them: £l6 maintains a healthy child for twelve months, £3O a sick child for the same period. Of over 25,000 boys and girls emigrated to Canada and other colonics, 98 per cent, have proved successful: no better tribute to their moral, physical and spiritual training could be made, especially when it is remembered that many are admitted when well on in their teens, and from surroundings and influences of a deplorable character. The homes always have over 8000 inmates, more than 1000 are crippled, sick, or in some other way afflicted, and for food alone £250 is needed daily.