FRIENDS OF THE AGED

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25734, 21 February 1949, Page 2

FRIENDS OF THE AGED

ANGLICAN SOCIETY TO BUILD COTTAGES "The worst thing in old age is the fear of loneliness or of being a burden on someone else. As this scheme develops the church will be the good neighbour to succour the people who may need help,” said the Primate of New Zealand (Archbishop WestWatson) at the opening of a garden party held in the Avonside Church grounds on Saturday by the Anglican Friends of the Aged, to raise funds for the.erection of small cottages for elderly people. Giving his blessing to the enterprise, Archbishop West-Watson said the time had come when something was to be done for those who had grown old and for those who were going to be old. The project the church had started on was a big one and one of many good works which others could follow. However well the church did its work, it could not cover all the ground, but it could show the right way in doing pion2ering work for the care of the aged. The Rev. R. P. Taylor, chairman of the committee of the Friends of the Aged, said the first aim was to build houses at a cost of £lO,OOO, which would provide for 24 aged persons the amenities of home life on a site 6f land behind tfie vicarage. It was not the idea to provide a charitable institution and occupiers would retain their independence by paying a moderate rent. The Anglican Society was not confined in its efforts to help any particular section of the community. When the houses were built, said Mr Tayjor, it was hoped to erect another large building where members, whose only qualification would be old age, could meet in a spirit pf friendliness and coippanionship, something after the style of the Darby and Joan Club which had been established at Wellington. Once erected the houses would not be a liability on the society and any funds derived from income would be set aside to extend the good work. The State did many good things and he felt the church had a duty to perform and could do a great deal to, foster a spirit of friendliness. There were enough people of good will in Christchurch to ensure the success of the project, which it was hoped to commence in less than a year. He felt confident the Government would see enough good in the scheme to grant a subsidy. Stalls which were run by the different parishes and were well stocked with fruit, vegetables, sweets, clothing. and antiques, did brisk business. With donations about £2OO was raised. This, with the £2OO raised by a street collection in Christchurch last week, will provide the nucleus of the building fund.