THE CARE OF THE POOR.

WORK OF THE SISTERS OF COMPASSION. The poor are ever with us, and probably will remain mo for all timo. And the blue-robed, active women frequently seen in our streets trundling little wickerwork chaisefi, they aro the Sisters of Compassion — Sisters of the Poor, organised years ago by the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic dioceso. The head of tho Order is tho Rev. Mother Mary Joseph Aubert, a colonist of 43 years' standing, known for her charitable work, tho healing and curative balsams onetime manufactured in her name, and her devotion to the poor from end to end of the colony. The mission of the Sisters is one of morcy, of aid to tho siok, the distressed, the unfortunate, to lift fallen humanity from the slough of the world, no matter how they got there. The Foundling Homo on the Wanganui River is one of the institutions under the care of the Sisterhood. The need for such an institution oxisted, rame one had to undertake it, the Rev. Mother found the way. Later, in Wellington, was established t'ho Home for Incurables in Bucklo-fltreet, a resting-place for the deorepit, tho unfit, tho maimed — people the outsido world has no uso for. In this Homo there are at the present time some 34 inmates of various ages afflicted with constitutional weaknesses. In one of the wards vteitod yesterday lay several who wero bedridden, among them two wee lads, one of whom was paralysed in his lower limbs. He had never walked — probably never would. A staff of sixteen gentle nurse* watch over these poor peoplo, attend to their wants, make their life bearable, and perform the multitudinous duties connected with the working, of the institution. There is no luxury about tho place; it is very plain, but very neat. It exists wholly by the efforts of the Sisterhood and the gifts of tho people of l''e city. The State pays it nothing, <' Jn though it relieves the State of some of its i-esponsibilitiett. Those little chaises which wo see in tho streets go out daily to gather fragments. Sometimes they come homo empty, but no gift is refused ; everything i* helpful to oome one at some time or other. "We had a harvest to-day," observed the mastorful little woman who acts as councillor and guide to the institution, as she uncovered a wicker vehicle and displayed a load of potatoes. They were ln«t season's growth, and sprouting ; but "they would make good food." Tho visitor noticed a storeroom fitted with nhelves lined with tidily-folded " clothing. "It is for the poor ; we often have applicant* whose wardrobe badly wants renewing, and wo can generally suit them." In a businessliko kitchon two or throe of tho Sisterhood bustled about amongst shining tinware and substantial pottery. A window-slid© flew up, and something steaming was passed out to an unseen visitor beyond. "Soup for the unemployed ; we fill many an empty stomach that way, in tho belief that no one would apply unlesx it was really needed," and the Rev. Mother related experiences of queer client* who had passed through her hands during a long series of years. But this was not the object of tho visit. A new idea has been engendered and in about to bo experimented with — the care of babes. Tho Rev. Mother explained the idea, and permitted an inspection of the premises, which adjoin tho buildings used for the purposes of tho Incurables Homo. They consist of two detached cottages, at present in process of renovation and furnishing. There nre probably hundreds of working women iv the city who are tied to their homes during tho daytime by tho cure* of maternity, and when the wolf appears at the door have to se«k charity to drive it away. Tho creche, or daylight homo for babies, is intended to holp thorn in thoir difficulty. It will bo open from 7 o'clook in the morning until 6 o'olock In the ovoning, and during those hours babos undor the ago of three years whose parents find themselves hampered with tho care of them, and aro prevented from earning a livelihood, will be received and delivered back again. During tho intervening hours the Sisters will act as mothers to tho children, provide for thoir wants, and soothe thoir fears or pains. Ono room was pilod high with -small wicker cots or cradles, nMttresses, and pillow*. Hero they will sleep — if Nature so will*. In the houlo adjoining they may babble to thoir heart's content. Each child on being received from it* mother will bo cleanly and newly clothed, fed »t the proper timo, And "changed" before tho mother calls to receive it again in tho evening. There were piles of new baby clothing in a little storeroom in ono of me buildingH, and moro in "the piece" waiting to bo made. "Wo have had muoh experience with children hi tho foundling home," said the Rev. Mothor, "so that wo anticipate no difficulty in dealing with our oharges." There will be proper «afe-> guard* against imposition, as, for instance, mothers will bo required to give at least a week's notice of their intention to take advantage of tho institution, to enable enquiries to bo made. The only charge made will bo for milk — amounting to a few pence' The accommodation provided will allow of about 34 childron being taken Iti in wot weather, and probably double that number in fine. Tho crecho will be open to receive its first consignment on 2nd November. "We hope the oxporiment will be successful," said tho Rev. Mother in porting. "W« will do our best ; we cwnnot do more."