THE HELPING HAND MISSION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 249, 18 October 1904, Page 3

THE HELPING HAND MISSION.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS. The celebrations in connection with the 19th anniversary of the Helping Hand Mission were continued last night in the Choral Hail by a tea and public meeting. Boa functions were largely attended, Mr S. C. Brown occupying the chair at the meeting. A large orchestra assisted in the musical items that were given at intervals. Mr H. BJafcely conducted, and solos were given by Mrs Kaspaj-, Miss D. Morrisonand Mr Ow«n. Miss E. McKcnzie presided at the piano and Mr Walton at theorgan. The reading of the financial statement showed that the year's expenditure for the benevolent fund totalled. £38 19/2. The sum of £29 10/9 had been given towards various missionary societies, including' the support of two Chinese teachers one Maori missionary. Interest on a mortgage was £7 5/, while the gencrll mission expenditure amounted to £391 0/9, making a total expenditure of £524 15/8. The treasurer explained that they had commenced the year with a delicieucy of £40 14/5, and had finished with a deficieucy of £63 1/11, the funds havfeg gone behind during the year by £22 1/0. In addition to this deficiency they were.ist present making a-lierations and repairs at the Mission Hall which would involve between £80 and £90 additional expendiftire. Part of thp work was necessary on account of the new regula- j lions of the (Sty Council with referer.ee to sanitary arrangements. With the cost of the repairs and the deficiency on the ordinary working account, they expected a total debit balance of £150. This was fotrad to be embarrassing the ■work of the Mission to a -great extent, and a specia-l effort ,wiss being made tO clear the amount. Already the surri o£ £36 9/ had been raised, and further support had been promised. With reference to the item for interest, the treasure- pointed out that this was on a mortgage of £145 on pan; of the missionary properties. The chairman said he was glad to give bis testimony to the fact that these missions reached many people thajt the various church organisations never touched. He was sure all present would join heartily with him in wisidng long life and prosperity to the Helping Hand Mission. Sister Kenneth spoke most impressively on the various relief works undertaiien by the Mission. During the year they had been able to afford much relief to various needy persons from the many donations of clothing that had been sent to them. She wished to state that their benevolent fund was not spent among their own pepole. The speaker closed her rcmaks -with some pathetic incidents connected v.ith her work among the poor in the city, and also wished to tender her warmest thanks to the many friends and sopporters of the Mission for their generous help during th"c year. Mrs D«nt ga,ve some interesting derails connected with South African mission work. Miss Biakcly made a special appeal to her listeners for help in the enormous work which confronted the missionaries in China.