ORPHAN AND FOUNDLING HOME, JERUSALEM, WANGANUI RIVER.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 48, 30 November 1899, Page 19

ORPHAN AND FOUNDLING HOME, JERUSALEM, WANGANUI RIVER.

BAVB THE CHILDREN. A 'Friend of the Homeless Child in New Zealand' writes :-r-Some time ago one of yonr correspondents mentioned that collections were being made in. this Colony on behalf of certain institutions in London, and remarked that it was strange we should be called upon to send assistance to the poor of the richest city in the world. He maintained that we had enough of poor, of waifs and strays at our own doors whom we were naturally bound to assist, without having to help those of prosperous. England. Those remarks were perfectly right, especially as we have in New Zealand an institution for the rescue of a class of children, whom the Government refuses to help, and who, after having spent the first years of their miserable existence in the midst of sinful surroundings are, unless rescued, liable to grow up criminals. The Orphan and Foundling Home at Jerusalem, on the Wanganui River, has been established by Mother Mary Joseph Aubert, and at the present time nearly fifty orphans or foundlings are maintained there, and well cared for by this charitable and benevolent lady. I often wonder how it iB that so few people take an interest in this grand and noble work. I understand that the whole responsibility of this institution falls on Mother Aubert, and that her purse and her labours, conjointly with the other Sisters of the Order of Our Lady of Compassion, are the only resources of the establishment. Now and again some charitably disposed person gives a few shillings, perhaps a, sovereign, but what ia that towards feeding fifty ohildren t I notice that concerts and entertainments have been got up for the purpose of assisting foundling homes in London, why not do likewise on behalf of the establishment at Jerusalem ? Here is an excellent institution sadly hampered for want of funds. Will not some oharitable persons come to its aid by contributions, or by organising entertainments on its behalf 1 If the initiative were taken in one district, others would be sure to follow the good example. Might not some charitably disposed .person circulate a subscription list, as even a little from a number would be of incalculable benefit.

Mrs. Webb, of Waitotara, recognising that ' charity well understood begins at home,' organised aome time ago an entertainment in aid of this institution, and the proceeds (£lO as far as I can remember) were forwarded by her to Mother Aubert. This was a substantial proof that such appeals are always generously responded toby the people of Waitotara. Let us hope that this noble example will be followed by people in other parts of the Colony, and that they get up entertainments on behalf of this very deserving object. About a year and a half ago Mother Aubert had a large addition made to the home, bo that its accommodation was nearly doubled. The collections in aid of the work did not cover half its cost. The

building ia again, full, and more room is required, bat the first thing to be done is to liquidate the debt which now presses so heavily on the establishment and impedes its development. If subscription lists were opened I believe that, with the kind cooperation of friends who desire the salvation of those unfortunate waif a, before long a substantial sum would be realised. Subscriptions can be forwarded direct to Mother Aubert, Jerusalem, Wanganui, or should it be preferred, I have no doubt that the editor of the N. Z. Tablet would kindly receive contributions for this laudable and charitable purpose. I enclose £"> as my mite for the good work.

[The sum of £5 has been received and duly forwarded to its destination. We shall be glad to acknowledge in our columns any donations sent for the objects mentioned above.— Ed. N.Z.T.]