The Story of Dr. Barnado

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 28, 23 December 1938, Page 14

The Story of Dr. Barnado

HE name of Thomas John Barnada, founder: of the great institution which plays a featured role in "The Boy -From Barnado’s," is known ail over the world, but how many New Zealanders khow the- story of this great benefactor? Affectionately known as, "The foster father of No. body’s Children,’ Thomas John Barnado was born in Dublin in 1845. From his. school-days, he had decided to be a medical missionary, and while stil a young man, went to London Hospital for a thorough training. Financially independent, he began medico-religious work in London siumland, devoted the whole of. his life to the care of destitute children. In 1866 at 18 Stepney Gauseway, he opened the first of the Homes which bear his name. It is still the headquarters of the movement. At first, the Barnacdo homes were for boys. only, but later, girls also were adnitted. There are now nearly 200 hostels. in Britain and Canada. Seven children, on the average, are admitted daily. When he died at Surbiton, on September 19, 1905, Dr. Barnado’ had rescued 60,000 children, some cripples, some deaf and dumb, from slum-life.