More flats — less for old

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33450, 4 February 1974, Page 14

More flats — less for old

I'he growing lack of accommodation in Christchurch for the solitary man. and a drop in the number of destitute drug-users are points noted by Mr K. A. J. Marcon. manager of the Anglican Night Shelter, who retired at the week-end after two years and a half in the position.

Mr Marcon, who will continue to work for the City Mission, became interested in the mission's work through the involvement of his son, Mr J. Marcon. who will manage the new youth rehabilitation scheme at Mount Grey Downs. A certain flair as an amateur psychologist had also ’interested him in the work, iand proved an asset in counselling he had done, he said [yesterday. | At times the work was unrewarding, and a sense of ’humour was an important [quality. ( “These fellows have no jsense of time. They arrive at all hours of the night atjd early morning. “the railway staff send (them on to us, because they seem to think thev can stay (all night at the station. [Others just seem to know (about us, and drift in.” FLATS TOO DEAR I Over his time at the mission, Mr Marcon said that (employment opportunities for ;night shelter residents had (improved, but available (accommodation had fallen. ( “It is difficult to find [accommodation for the type of person we have in the night shelter. “Many of them like to be on their own, and the older ’type of houses which used to’ [be available have now been (replaced by flats, or buildings beyond the price they can .pay.” One of Mr Marcon’s responsibilities as manager of the shelter has been to find accommodation and employ-

ment for the men who pass through. He had observed a decline in the number of voung per(sons affected by drugs using the shelter, especially in the last seven months, but was unable to explain it. Mr Marcon has also maraged the financial affairs . f older persons, paying their board, and making sure they had clothing and food. No replacement appointment has been made, but Mt Marcon’s son will fill the position temporarily.