BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 97, 27 April 1933, Page 13

BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

An outline of the history of Onehunga Ladies' Benevolent Society was given at the annual meeting last evening by the secretary, Mrs. J. E. Green. The first meeting was held in the month of August, 1863, in an old stone schoolhouse, adjoining St. Peter's Anglican Church in Queen Street, Onehunga. Mrs. Purchas, wife of the late Dr. Purchas, vicar" of St. Peter's, was the first president, and Mrs. J. Powell, the first secretary. In consequence of the Maori War many settlers were forced to flee to Onehunga for protection. As there were no charitable aid boards or any other methods of Government relief 4n those days, the necessity for some form of organised relief was recognised. The ministers of the five churches in Onehunga ably supported the new society. It would appear that no minute books or other important records were kept during the first ten years of the society's existence. Complete records since 1873 are deposited in the strong room of the Onehunga Borough Council. By a valuable bequest from the late Mr. J. Canadine, the society has a steady annual revenue. The list of the society's officials contains the names of many prominent families. Mrs. Purchas, president, was succeeded by Mrs. Brookfield, followed by Mesdames T. Parnell, C. C. Fleming, E. Burdon, J. Haselden, D. Logan and the sitting president, Mrs. D. D. Scott. The following ladies have acted as secretary after Mrs. Powell, Mesdames Hamer, I. Hutchison, A. M. Parker and the present secretary, Mrs. J. E. Green. The Bey. A. Tomlinson was the first treasurer, then came Mesdames T. Wing, I. Hutchison, A. Burdon, Miss M. Robb and Mrs. R. Buchanan. The annual report presented last night told of the good work done for the aged, the sick, and neglected children. Goods to the value of £212 were distributed. The balance-sheet showed a Credit balance and the assets exceeded the liabilities by £218. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mrs. D. D. Scott; vice-presidents, Miss Morton (Mayoress), Mesdames R. Buchanan and J. E. Cowell; secretary, Mrs. J. E. Green; treasurer, Mrs. R. Buchanan, and a committee of 20. A vote of thanks was accorded to the officials, the auditor, Mr. E. J. Gatland, and the local doctors for their gratuitous services.