HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 155, 4 July 1898, Page 5

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

A special meeting of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held this afteirnoon at one o'clock, to consider the question of giving charitable aid to illegitimate children and their parents. There was in attendance: — Messrs J. Stichbury (chairman), Reed, Warren, Taylor, Jamieson, Becroft and Lennox.

The Chairman read a list showing that 21 illegitimate ■ children, belonging to 11 mothers, were being supported by the Board. Some of the mothers were single and others were widows.

The Secretary said two of the children were being paid for. For one the Board had got some money. Mr Reed thoug-ht that in cases where girls or women had more than one illegitimate child that drastic action should be taken by the Board.

Mr Taylor said he was surprised at the smallness of the number of illegitimate children provided for by the Board.

The Chairman said it would not be advisable for the Board to make any hard and fast rule in the matter. The Government would in the near future have to establish some home for such women where the Government would have the power over them that they had over a prisoner. At present the Board helped a deserving person, but when they found out a bad one they sent her about her business.

Mr Jamieson pointed out the return showed that it only cost 30/ a week to keep all the illegitimate children supposed to be about Auckland. He did not think the women should get all the blame in this matter of illegitimate children. The Board should find out the men, who are just as much to blame, and malce them responsible.

Mr Taylor moved, 'That the Government be requested to take into consideration the question empowering Charitable Aid Boards to establish a Magdalen Home adjacent to each large city, to which Charitable Aid Boards should be able to commit fallen or abandoned women who may apply for support for their illegitimate children.'

The motion found no seconder,

The Chairman moved 'That the whole matter be deferred for one month.'

Mr Beecroft seconded

Mr Lennox thought the Board ought not to interfere in questions of a Magdalen Home. They had no right to look after the morals of the people. The Board was an administrative body.

It was eventually agreed to defer further consideration for one month.