ST. STEPHEN'S ORPHAN HOME.

Auckland Star, Volume XII, Issue 3354, 27 April 1881, Page 3

ST. STEPHEN'S ORPHAN HOME.

The twenty-first annual meeting of tho subscribers to St. Stephen's Orphan Home, Parnell, was held in the schoolroom last evening, There was a largo attendance, Mr J. M. Clark (Mayor of Auckland) presiding. The children of the institution were ranged ou seats in a wing of tho hall and presented a neat and healthy appearance, evidencing much care aud attention on the part of the matron, Mrs Cameron. During tho evening the children, under the guidance of Mr Cranweil, sau<- several musical selections in a creditable manner,

In the absence of the Hon. Secretary (Mr G. P. Pierce), Mr Kawliugs read tbo report and balance-sheet. The statement of ac counts shewed a credit balance in bank ot £281 4s sd, and also furnished receipts and expenditure in connection with the Masonic Orphan Ifonds for lodges "Ara" nud "Beta."

The report after congratulating the subscribers on the successful working of the past year gave the following particulars of the working of the Home :—" During tho past year the largest number in the Home at oue time bus beeu Gi. There are now 5S inmates, as against 61 at the commencement of the sessional year. One boy and three girls have been placed out at service, whilst six children have been removed by their relatives. The income for the past year amounted to £527 13s lOd, aud the expenditure to £93S 13s 3d, for particulars of which the subscribers aro referred to the Treasurer's statement of accouut. The health of the children has been f-enerallly good. Oue child has been ill from fever, but prompt remedial measures fortunately prevented an extension of the sickness to any other of the children. Ono of the boys has, on the recommendation of the Bishop of Aucklaud, been admitted a pupil of the Parnell Grammar School, the Board agreeing to provide his board and lodging, whilst the Masouio Lodge Ara devote tbo interest of their Orphan's Fund towards his clothing aud other requirements. The board have pleasure in recording that two of the Bishop's prizes for this year to Sunday-school scholars have beenawarded.in connection with St Mary's, Parnell, to two late scholars at the Home, viz,, Henry Poulsen aud Fanny Norris," The report then went on to express the obligations of the Board to Mr Barton lieland for his services and liberality ; to those ladies who had canvassed the various parishes and districts for subscriptions in aid of the funds of the institution ; to the clergy, for the interest they have taken in organising and reporting the results of such canvas; to the Union S.S. Company for the annual excursion to Motutapu, and Captain Carey, commander of the Te Anau, for his geniality and care of the children ; to the United Friendly Societies for part proceeds of demonstration; to tho Auckland Garrick club. for p.irt proceeds of performance ; to Mr and Mrs Raynes for Christmas tree ; and to all other friends for their liberality.

The Chairman said it afforded him much pleasure to preside over the meeting, not only as in virtue of his office of Mayor, but as a private individual who had taken some considerable interest in the institution from its foundation. He had to congratulate the subscribers on the nourishing state of the institution. They had a balance in hand of £281, which although not equal to that of last year, was, nevertheless, a result worthy of congratulation. He was pleased to hear that Mr Hislop had reported favourably of the institution, and was glad to see so many bright and happy faces among the children. He then went on to discuss the advisability of boarding out the older children, and stated that under the existing management ho was of opinion that there was no necessity for such a step, as the children seemed healthy and happy, and regarded the institution truly as a homo. No doubt in the family circle, home was sweeter than in a large institution, and if they could find suitable families where the head of the house would see to the welfare of the children, such an arrangement might be better than keeping them all under one roof. But he was afraid great difficulty would be experienced in liuding such families, and taking everything into consideration ho was inclined to say, "keep them under one roof. He again tbauked the subscribers and management on the succosstul working of the institution,

The Bcv. Archdeacon Maunsell was astonished at the report just read, aud thought the subscribers might well feel proud of it. He had been in the habit of examining the children of the Home in the Scriptures, and he had also examined the children attending the common schools on the same subject, aud ho was astonished at the difference which existed between the two classes. In tbe common schools he found ignorance and insubordination, while at the Home the children gave evidence of knowledge, intelligence and docility. He had much pleasure in moving "That the report and statement of accounts be adopted and printed." Mr F. Larkins seconded tho motion, which was carried unanimously.

The Rev. C. M. Nelson iv proposing a hearty vote of thanks to the ladies for obtaining subscriptions and providing clothing for the children, said that no one knew how much the Institution was indebted to these ladies mare than tho clergy. Ho also remarked that they wero greatly indebted to their friends of the Hebrew persuasion for pecuniary assistance, and was glad to see that in studying the welfare of the Orphan Home ho permitted no religions difference to interfere, but met ou one common platform and worked together. Mr B. Ireland seconded the motion in a few wellchosen remarks, and on being put to the meeting it was carried by acclamation. On the motion of Mr Lodge, votes of thanks wore passed to the honorary and other officers of tho institution, to the Rev. Bates, examiner of the school, and to Mr Cranweil, singing master, for their valuable services during the past year.

Dr. Goldsbro', Messrs C. Alexander, B. Ireland, ( . P. Pierce, M. Rawlings, and It. Walker were appointed to serve as a Board of Management, and Messrs Batgcr and J. M. Brigham were requested to again act as auditors during the ensuing year. The other speeches ol the evening were : MrCrowthers.W.M. of Lodge Ara,Rev. B.T. Dudley, Dr. Moore, Rev. Haseldean, and Mr Bawlings, all of whom expressed great satisfaction at the working of the Home, and hoped that all connected with it would continue to prosper. The Chairman, on behalf ofthe inmates of the institution, presented Dr. Goldsbro with a large and pretty rug worked by the children. The worthy doctor suitably acknowledged this evidence of good feeling tendered by his little patieuts.

Presentations were also made to Mrs Judd, honorary superintendent of Clothing (consisting of a worked leather basket contaioing a beautiful selection of was flowers), and to Mr Cranweil, the honorary singing master (a velvet smoking cap elegantly trimmed). All the articles were tho work of the children. The recipients made appropriate acknowledgement of the gifts. Votes of thanks to the choir and to the chairman of the evening terminated a very pleasant meeting.