OPENING OF THE HOME OF COMPASSION, WELLINGTON

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXV, Issue 18, 2 May 1907, Page 13

OPENING OF THE HOME OF COMPASSION, WELLINGTON

(By telegraph fiom our own correspondent.) ] April 29. Roy. Mother Mary Joseph Aubert was a happy woman yesterday, "Vhen she witnessed the realisation of .one of her fondest hopes in the opening of the new Home of Compassion at Island Bay. Mother Aubert's work has its supporters among all creeds and all classes—a fact that was well demonstrated by the distinguished and representative gathering at yesterday's function. A lengthy reference to Mother Albert's career as a noble worker in the field of human suffering is not needed. Having started- many years ago •in this" Colony in a very humble way, she was ever finding further scope for her energies, and further opportunities of doing good. It was evident for some time past that the buildings in Buckle street were not adequate for the requirements of the work inland, and ~ this g"eat lover of afflicted humanity set about planning' a now and more" commodious Home of Compassion. Gradually the building arose to the admiration and wonder of many. Asked once on what batik she drew her funds, Mother Aubert replied that she drew on the Providence of God, and, considering the success that has crowned her works, Providence has never

failed her. Referring to this great * bank yesterday, Dr. McArthur, in a happy speech, said that Mother' Aubert haid a key that most others were without : that key was her great love for humanity. The genial magistrate solved the problem aright, Motner Aubert's great love has won the hearts of everyone by it. She lwwl Vouched thy chorcU of human sympathy, where others tried in \ain. 'I he Home, as it stands to-day on a splendid site overlooking the tramway to Island Bay, is capable of accommodating 150 .children; th>e contemplated additions to the present structure are to be reserved for adults. A special feature of the building is the flat roof, where the inmates may take' part in outdoor games. The view that presents itself to the eye is one of • green hills, that part to give a glimpse of the ocean beyond. The place is well fitted for 'its purpose. In six weeks' time the beds should -be ready to receive the first inmates— the children at present in the Buckle street Home. Mother Aubert will make the new building her headquarters. The Home was blessed by his Grace the Archbishop, assisted by the Vey Rev. Father Lewis, and the Ten. Archdeacon Devoy. Most of the local clergy were - in the procession. The speeches were delivered fiom beneath the balcony. His Grace expressed the great j leasure and the gratitude he felt at seeing such a large and representative gathering. lie thanked the Acting-Premier and the other ■distinguished visitors for their Kindness in being present. He was grateful to all that assembled to .show their sympathy with the work. The point on which the Rev. Mother, desired that he should especially dwell was that the Home as it stood now was designed not only for infant incurables, but also for infants that were on the way to become so, unless proper methods of treatment were applied in good time. In this Home Ihe inmates would get good food, fresh air, recreation, proper medical treatment, and the kindest of attention. Some of them would become good, useful members of society. Those that were incuiable would receive every kindness, and their lives would be made as happy as their afflicted state would allow. He complimented Mother Aubert on her wonderful achievement. It was wonderful that she could ha, e the audacity—the holy audacity, he would call it— to undertake such a work with such slender means, but she had already told him that she had a banker that never failed— the Providence of God. Many woild be filled with gratrtude for this good woman, and bless her in the days of their lives, in the hours of their deaths, and he trusted for ever in the happy eternity. The Acting-Premier (Hon. W. HaU-Jones) said Mother Aubert's name was honored throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand ever since she began her work on the Wang-an »i River. He knew of no more noble work than the care of the" incurable. He was informed that tlie Home was open to all. He could say : ' Thank God thai in a good of this nature all churches and all creeds can meet on a coramon ground to carry out what is one of the best works that Christianity can undertake.' The ActingPremier concluded his remarks by asking for the cordial support of all. He reminded his hearers that as the greatest rivers grew from the streamlets that tricVlcW down the mountain sides,, so, too, would the smallest donation to the fund help to wards **mak ing up the largo sum required to maintain the Home. The Hon. James Carroll said Mother Aubert was a „ worker for _ the Nati\e race in -tlv early days. That " race remembered the wh-le hearted assistance she gave theiw, and on their behalf thanked her. Her work would be noted in the hereafter adjustment, and in the great prize world of heaven the great rewards must go to her and her assistants. They were the cultivators of the garden in which the seeds were sown by the great Master. ' The Mayor said he was p-ord to be a partner in the work. The Council had assisted Mother Aubert in the matter of roads, and they would be happy to do so again.. They' knew Ihat in many cases' Hires could be effected if taken in time, as cases in infancy were cured the number of incurable adults were' decreased. I>r. McArthur said ther had been- told of the Bank of Providence, but there were many who, if let loose to draw, on that bank, would get very liitle out of it. Mother Aubert, however, had the key— it was the icey of love. With her there was a forimfulness of love and all she -had to do was to go out and rake in the shekels. Mr T M. Wirford, M.H.R., said Mother Aubert was the Dr. Barnardo of New Zealand. She owrtt her success, no doubt, lar&elv to her faith and persistence which were the great architects of life. The Home of Compassion wouj;d be her monument, and her work had' this feature about it, that it all sprang from her

heart. For over lorty years she 'had been engaged in this self-imposed task, and she would be rememibered as a blessing to humanity. Mr. Edwin Arnold replied, briefly on ib£half of Mother Aubert. The collection totalled £340 cash. Mr. John Hyland was secretary of the function, Mr. Edwin Arnold, J»P., chairman of committee, on which there were represenratives of nearly all denominations. The debt on the buMdin-g is" now £8000.