SIR JOHN KIRK.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1307, 9 December 1911, Page 9

SIR JOHN KIRK.

THE FOUNDER OF RAGGED SCHOOLS. A CIVIC WELCOME. At a civic reception hold in tho Major's room nt tho Town Hall yesterday, a wclcomi) -was extended to Sir John Kirk, founder of tho I'agged Schools Union in Great Britain, who is now visiting Australasia. ]lo is intent on discovering whether any openings are to ho found in Australia and Xew. Zealand for tho children who aro educated ill the schools with which his name is associated. Tho Mayor (.Mr. T. M. Wilford) was unable to attend and in his übsence tho Acting-Mayor (Councillor J. Smith) presided. Them were present representatives of tho various religious bodies in the city, members of the City Council, and a number of peoplu interested in benevolent and charitable work in the city.

Tho Acting-Mayor, in a brief speech, eulogised the work and achievements of ■Sir John Kirk, and extended him a welcome on behalf of the citizens of Wellington. The Kev.Dr. Gibb welcomed tho visitor on behalf of tho l'resbyterian Church. Archdeacon Harper spoko on behalf of the Anglican Church, the Kcv. J. G. Chapman lor the Methodist Churches of the city, Major Johnson for tho Salvation Army, and Miss -M. Richmond as representing tho large body of charitablo workers. . l!ach paid a tribute to the services rendered to humanity by tho visitor.

Sir John Kirk thanked his weleomers aud said that though away from homo ho felt at home. Touching tho condition of children in tho Old Country, ho remarked that they were better off now than they had ever been. In all great aggregations of people there must, doubtless, be somo sediment at tho bottum, unci it was with this they had to deal, lie commented upon the growth of materialism and tho intrusions of the Stato into the field, shutting down in some coses tho stream of private charity. They were ill danger of losing the human (ouch, (Hear, hear.) This was a real, danger, I'or they would be all the poorer for closing up tho outlet for private beneficence. Then there was an .increasing laxity in conduct, and in observance of homely duties among (he wealthier people. There was a danger of (he psople losing some of the grit they used to have. In the rush for pleasure, for the dollar to procure that pleasure, they were apt to lose sight of the best things. If a nation lost its ideals, it was no longer worth very much. Kcligion was a grert safeguard against such dangers. lie. had no cut-and-dried scheme for emigration. When tho best had been done for tho young people, in the Old Country, there was stillno room for many Hero they seemed to have boundless room for the surplus of human labour to till and tamo unoccupied lands. It was a great joy to him to feel that somewhere in the world there was still room—still fresh fields for the white man. "I hope," said Sir John Kirk, in conclusion, "that the result of the information I am gathering through the whole of Australasia will kindle enthusiasm and help a little to adjust matters for the betterment of. all." (Applause.)