W.C.T.U. ACTIVITIES.

White Ribbon, Volume 32, Issue 376, 18 November 1926, Page 1

W.C.T.U. ACTIVITIES.

Our motto is “For God and Home and Humanity.” Our work is twofold—destructive and constructive. We aim to destroy the Liquor Trade and oth >r evils which menace the Home, debase Humanity, and blur in it the image of God, in which man was coated. Hut we also aim to build up in young and old those attributes which make for pood citizenship and national righteousness. Willard Home cares for the child left Without its natural guardians. In Auckland a Hostel is open to supply a home for many Kiris who, for business or other reasons, are away from their own homes. It was started by the Auckland Union, and is still under

their management. The following brief account has been given us by the Secretary of the Hostel Committee: The Auckland Union was considering the advisability of opening a “Girls' Hostel” during the war, as the housing problem was so acute, when a delegate came back from the Dominion Convention at Wellington, 1920, with a report of the “(Jo Forward” movement, and as a result the Auckland Union opened a “Hostel for Girls” in the* commodious and central building, Upper Queen Street, known as the “Abbey,” which, during the war. was used as a Soldiers’ Hostel. Donations were given liberally, and the Union was able to buy the Hostel’s furnishings, and until the purchase of the building a couj 'o of years ago, the Hostel has always been self support ing. Since the purchase it hits been necessary to supplement the funds, and at present the girls themselves are preparing for a Jumble Sale, so it is hoped

that it will not be necessary to raise the tariff. The Union have been very fortunate in securing the services of Mrs Cooper, a very capable Matron. The Hostel is always a picture of homeliness and cleanliness. and grateful thanks are due to Mrs Cooper and her assistants. The girls take a great interest in the Hostel, and during the winter months entertainments have been held, an address by some suitable person for half an hour, then songs, recitations, competitions, etc. Some months ago a gift evening was given to a young lady who was leaving for the Mission Field, and more recently still one was given to a girl who was to be married. Family worship is held every morning and evening. SAI IVORS' REST. This is owned and run by the Timaru Union.

The following short account of Its beginning and history was furnished by the Secretary:— Timaru Union had for years had visions of building a new Sailors’ Rest, and started a fund in a small way, till, by annual accumulations, it reached £550. Then it was felt that the psychological moment had arrived. Looking back, it seems as if the onward movement were divinely inspired, for a public meeting was held in March, 1923, actual collecting began in July, and in August, 1924, a thanksgiving service was held in the new building r , opened free of debt, and every penny promised paid up. From the start everything smiply forged ahead. One member of the Committee was able to give a ftU fortnight of his time, and he took lady members of the Committee all over the country in his car. Another attended to finance and advertising. Another put everything on a solid legal basis. Two members interviewed a leading architect to advantage, and so on, till enthusiasm grew with the growing fund. The whole ended in a grand finale, wher the departing Governor, Ixird Jellicoe, declared the building open in the presence of practically the whole town and surrounding country.

The Committee work ceaselessly in conjunction with the caretakers, Mr and Mrs Woodward. Crews of oversea ships are entertained, Sunday teas provided, short services held, musical and vocal entertainments given. From all parts of the world sailors write to Mrs Norrie knowung her motherly heart is ever interested in their welfare, and they speak feelingly of the welcome and the loving care given them at The Rest. Once a year an appeal is made to the

public for funds. It takes the form of a Daffodil Day Street Appeal. Th» following extracts from the Timaru papers, directing attention to the appeal. bear eloquent tribute to the work of the Rest: “Once a year the organisation responsible for the control and manage ment of the Timaru Sailors’ Rest—a haven for the homeless seafarer, which has earned for Timaru a place in th» hearts of all seamen —makes an appeal

>or funds with which to carry on that jjghly valuable institution. In the the response to that appeal h‘s shown very conclusively that the peopu jf Timaru and South Canterbury are in thorough sympathy with the organisa non. as demonstrated by the practical assistance given. It may be stated that those who are responsible for the control of the ‘Rest' carry out their work as a labour of love, and that all f«ii.ds provided are used for ttie exclusive purpose of giving sailors a taste of the comforts of home life whilst tin ir vessels are in harbour.” “Obviously it would be superfluous for us to dilute at any length on the value of the work of providing a home away from home for the wandering sailor. Moreover, the fame of th** Committee has been carried to the on Is of the earth by the men who have en joyed the hospitality extended to thorn dining their stay, and have expres- •<! themselves as being deeply appreciative of the provision m Timaru to make their stay pleasant and homely.”