9

E.—3

2—E. 3.

their last report as to the Home being supplied with gas has been realized. The Home is now well supplied throughout, conducing very materially to the comfort and better organization of the inmates. In November last Mrs. Cameron, who has held the position of matron since 1875, resigned the office, and the Board elected as her successor Mrs. Neary, who had previously been connected with a large institution in the Old Country. Under that lady's management and organization the Home has fully maintained its character for cleanliness and order, and the Board believe it will compare favourably with similar institutions in the colony. The Board desire heartily to thank the lady-canvassers for their services during the past year, and to commend the institution to their renewed zeal and labours in the new year. To the clergy also they would tender like thanks for organizing and reporting results of such canvass. The Board also desire to express their thanks to the many kind friends who, during the past year, have assisted the institution by special contributions, by entertainments, or by donations of books, toys, and other articles for the use or amusement of the children. They would especially mention the late Committee of the Howe Street Industrial Home for a donation of £20 out of the balance in their hands at the close of their labours; Mr. W. H. Warren, for net proceeds of his concert of " The May Queen;" Mr. Gordon Gooch, for donation of £5, his fee in connection with that concert; Miss C. M. Yonge (authoress of" The Daisy Chain," &c), for a harmonium from Kohimarama, presented by her, per Captain Tilly ; the Scripture Gift Society, for prizes to the children; the Union Steamship Company, and Captain McGee, of the "Te Anau," for annual treat and trip to the Kawau; Mr. Crowther, for supplying gratuitously conveyances for the children to and from the steamer; Captain Underwood, of s.s. " Rotomahana," for subscriptions promoted by him in aid of the Home ; the Devonport Steam-Ferry Company, for a free pass for the children by their steamers; Mrs. Reader Wood, for her annual treat and Christmas-tree; Mr. Raynes, for the children's Christmas dinner; and Mr. Mason (Parnell), for their Christmas dessert of strawberries. The Board would also express their thanks to Dr. Goldsbro for his gratuitous medical services, and to Dr. Haines and Dr. Kenderdine for so kindly acting during Dr. Goldsbro's absence from Auckland ; also to the Rev. C. M. Nelson and Mrs. Nelson for conducting and reporting upon the examination of the school. The Board, while gratefully acknowledging the efforts in the past by those who have promoted concerts and other entertainments in aid of the institution, are very desirous that due caution and moderation should be exercised in this matter. They have therefore resolved, after consideration, not to countenance the use of the name of the institution for such purposes without their consent baring been first obtained. Subscribers to the Home will, doubtless, see the prudence and advisability of this course. It is always gratifying to the Board to find the value of the institution, and the good it is doing, appreciated ; but more especially is it so when that appreciation is testified in the substantial manner it has recently been by an old friend and former citizen of Auckland, the late Mr. John Sauerbier, of Adelaide, who by his will has left £500 for the benefit of the Home. In conclusion, the Board would commend the institution to the substantial support of all who have the welfare of the rising generation of the colony at heart. No more truly Christian work can be engaged in than the caring for these little ones who, by the dispensation of an all-wise Providence, have been early deprived of the watchful care and tender solicitude of their parents. Addendum (27th April, 1*83). —Since the foregoing report was written the Board have learnt with feelings of deep gratitude that the late Mr. Edward Costley has left a very munificent bequest to this institution. Tiie Board do not anticipate that during the next twelve months, at any rate, the work of the disposition of the late Mr. Costley's large property will be completed. They therefore trust that the liberal support hitherto given them by the subscribers will not be diminished. Aided by this noble benefaction and the efforts of the public the Board do not doubt but that they will be able, as they earnestly desire, to render this, institution the most complete establishment of its kind in New Zealand.