MASONIC HOME OPENED.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 80, 6 April 1926, Page 8

MASONIC HOME OPENED.

THE KIRKPATEICK INSTITUTE

FOR FATHERLESS GIRLS

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

NELSON, this day.

The Kirkpatrick Masonic Institute (formerly the residence of the late Mr. S. Kirkpatrick) was officially opened by R.W. Bro. Jesse Steer, District Grand Master of Westland and Nelson (E.C.) and chairman of the Board of GoVernore, in the presence of a large and representative attendance of the Masonic fraternity.

Mr. Steer explained that, by the terms expressed in the will of their late esteemed brother,. Samuel Kirkpatrick, the home was to be founded on similar lines to those of the Royal Masonic Institute for Girls in England. "A Masonic society is not a Friendly society, neither is it a benevolent or charitable institution," continued the District Grand Master. "But it unfortunately happens, through circumstances over which we have no control, that death after a long illness, sometimes leaves children not only fatherless, but in a more or less precarious and destitute condition. Bro. Kirkpatrick, realising this and with that liberal hospitality which-characterised his actions to those dependent upon him and to those in his employ, Has left the residue of his estate approximately £50,000, together with this beautiful home with its pleasant surroundings, for the housing and education of girls left in this unfortunate position.