FOUNDLING BABIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 190, 14 August 1933, Page 15

FOUNDLING BABIES.

NEW HOME OPENED.

SISTERS OF COMPASSION.

NOBLE WORK IN DOMINION.

St. Vincent's, the new home established in Vermont Street, Fonsonby, for the care of foundling infants by the Sisters of Compassion, was blessed and opened by His Lordship, Bishop J. M. Liston yesterday afternoon. There was a large public attendance, ana those on the platform included Mr. F. W. Schramm and Mr. M. J. Savage, M.P.'a, Mr. Wallace, chairman of tho Auckland Hospital Board, Mr. Kenneth Mackenzie, president of the Auckland branch of the British Medical Association, Monsignor Cahill, many priests, and prominent laymen.

The home, for infants is accommodated in a two-storeyed house, the property of the Catholic Church, adjoining the Ponsonby parish school, but it is hoped that a more permanent home will be found for the Sisters later.

Fourteen babies arc housed in the home already, and these were viewed with much interest by tho many who inspected the home after the opening ceremony. All arc being reared by Pluiiket*methods, and the visitors commented on their healthy appearance.

On behalf of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which found £100 towards the cost of equipping the building and has undertaken to pay the rent, Mr. J. P. Wright paid a warm tribute to the great personal interest taken by Bi6hop Liston. Of all the many charitable institutions which the Bishop had sponsored in Auckland, none appealed more to his sympathy than this latest work of the Sisters of Compassion. (Applause.)

The wonderful work of the late Reverend Mother Aubert, founder of the order of the Sisters of Compassion, was referred to by Archdeacon Holbrook, who said that she had often been referred to as "New Zealand's greatest woman." She landed in New Zealand 73 years ago and started her noble work under the guidance of Bishop Pompallier near the site of the present home. "Her closest companion was 'Lady Poverty,' illuminated and blessed by charity," said Archdeacon Holbrook.

Bishop Listen blessed and opened the new home. "When I visited Mother Aubert 30 years ago, she offered me a box to sit upon, as she had no possessions," said Bishop Listen. "It was then> that I saw what real charity was. I am sure the people of Auckland will give their whole-hearted support to the useful work of the Sisters, and that a more suitable site will be found for them in the near future. I take the coming of the Sisters of Compassion to Auckland as a sign that the finger of God is upon their noble work." (Applause.)

Mr. Mackenzie said it was a pleasure to welcome the commencement of such a noble work of mercy and charity to Auckland. "I am sure the medical profession here will give the new home all its assistance," ho said. "May the bright sunshine that shines to-day be emblematical of the light and warmth that will dwell in this house for ever."

The other speakers included Monsignor Cahill, Mr. F. J. Temm, representing the Holy Name Society, and Mr. Savage.