DR. BARNARDO'S ANNIVERSARY.

Waikato Argus, Volume I, Issue 30, 17 September 1896, Page 3

DR. BARNARDO'S ANNIVERSARY.

Tjik many friends of Dr. Bft'imrdo in WuikiitO, will be pleased to hear tint the thirtieth anniversary o f the Homes was a great success. Tim Albert Hall was crowded with people, ai.d the proceeding; were marked by intense enthusiasm. The Prince and Praiecjs of Wales and their dauthters look a deep interest in the wonderful feats performed by the boys and ijirls fr.r.n Stepney, and the Pr'nce's 1 r'ef speech Lad a note of heartiness and sympathy which could not bo mistaken. He spoke a-i follows : —" Trie Princess of Wales and my.-.elf experience g cit prat lieaticn in attending the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of this great nat'oual instituti'jn for wa'f children. For many year t wc lisvc both taken i de p int< rest in the increasing endeavour to solve tlrsc problems of poverty which must claim the attention ( f all thoughtful people.— (i liters). It is char beyoi d all doubt that thousands yearly begin their life with very remote prospects that the}' will be blessed witli an education which will assist them in earning an h> n-st livelihood. These Homes are canyinj out a work dear to all win wish well to their country, inasmuch as they have ic claiir.o i thousands of ehillrui ftvu the sdums, and crt still continuing thtir benevol nt lab'ju s —(Cheer*). We have seen somc'liing today of the healthy an! homelike turronndi gs, nni of the excellent trrniug wlroh the Hours p.ov:il<! for the chi'drcn It must l.c our fervent wish that continually increasing success may attend the operati'ns of this beneficent and national work. lam sure we .ill regret that its progress should be j opud seil through the accumulation of liabilit'es suei at those that have bren described to us.—(Hear, heat). The Committee of Tuutecs have, and I tin k rightly, decided to make i'reat efforts on this, the thirtieth year of the foundation of the Homes, lo remove this encumbrance. I trust they will be successful, and that the collection tolrgbt will be sufficiently large to give encouragement to fur her persevctv.nee. (Cheers). A substantial sum will, lam sure, be corsidcrc 1 1 y Dr. Birnardo as a gratifying recognition of his great exertions in this great cause. As we all know, he has labourer! indefatigab'y, and 1 am sure he lias deserved a mark of upproval for all that lie has done in this important and philanthropic work. (Loud cheers). The report for the year was a very satisfactory one. For thirty years the good doctor has carried on his work with splendid courage. He has often hail to fight against suspicion and jealousy, but lias now attained by strenuous labour a linn li Id on the sympathies of the people in all parts of the world. The work has shown during the past year a most encouraging growth in eveiy direction. The Young Helpers' League alone has a membership of over 13,000, with an income (f £65(i7. The numhrr of orphan and waif children dealt with in the course of the year reached the mormons total of 12,0!)(i. There wuc 2f><(] fresh admissions to the Homes. Dm in" 1805 730 young immigrants were placed out in Canada. Thousands of children were temporarily assisted, sent to situations, or lestored to friends. The income derived from voluntary contributions amounted ti» £l3-2,77 - 2 17s, showing an increase of £SOOO from voluntary con tributions. The work is vast and farit.;; bin" in its influence, and fresh help required to enable this great pliißuitbropi-t to successfully cany on his beneticient and Christ-like work.