METHODIST MISSION

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27415, 30 July 1954, Page 12

METHODIST MISSION

Welfare Activities In Christchurch

YEAR’S WORK REVIEWED Though new policies had been initiated in some departments of the Christchurch t Methodist Central Mission,the main emphasis this year had been on the consolidation of all branches of the mission’s work, said a report read at the annual meeting of the board of managers last evening. The mission conducts two old people’s homes, a hostel for Maori apprentices, a hot meal service for the aged, a goodwill clothing store, and many other social services. “Rehua Hostel” now accommodated 20 Maori boys, who were adapting themselves well as apprentices, and were showing much aptitude for learning, said the report. ‘‘The board is grateful to the Maori Affairs Department for the opportunity of pioneering this experiment with Maori apprentices in the South Island,” the report said. ‘‘We trust that when the boys leave us after five years of training, they will return to their communities, not only as well trained tradesmen, but also as men whose Christian faith has been deepened and confirmed because of their residence at Rehua Hostel. To this end, all boys are expected to attend their own churches every Sunday and a monthly service at the mission’s chapel. All take part in family prayers every evening.” New Premises Considered Staff difficulties had been encountered at the hostel, and kitchen and dining room facilities were inadequate, said the report. To provide adequate facilities and make urgent repairs would cost at least £l4OO. The board was considering the possibility of selling the present property and buying a larger and more suitable building.

In its ministry to the aged, the mission accommodated 45 men ai.d women in its old people’s homes—3l at “Wesley Lodge.” Christchurch, and 14 at “Wesley House,” Picton, said the report. A hot meal service for the aged had been resumed at the Durham Street South Methodist Church. More than 3000 families of prisoners, patients at the Cashmere Sanatorium, fire victims, pensioners and many suffering from persistent ill-health, had been grateful for the opportunity of obtaining clothing and footwear at the mission’s goodwill store.

Various proposals for procuring permanent city mission premises had been considered, said the report, and the board had decided to negotiate with the Cambridge Terrace Circuit for amalgamation. A report on this matter would be sent to the New Zealand Methodist Conference. The mission’s main capital expenditure this year had been £1750 for “Wesley House,” Picton, and £5OO for “Rehua Hostel.” the report said. The mission’s total indebtedness was now a little more than £14,000, and total assets were £52,000. During the year, £2394 was received from the annual garden party, the goodwill store department and a street appeal.