BOYS’ ORPHANAGE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 257, 27 July 1936, Page 10

BOYS’ ORPHANAGE

Remodelled Home Opened by

Governor-General

Although the outward appearance of the building is practically unchanged, extensive interior alterations have been made to the Presbyterian Senior Boys’ Home at Berhampore. The remodelled building was officially opened on Saturday by the Governor-General, Lord Galway, who was accompanied by Lady Galway. After opening the building with a presentation silver key, his Excellency and the other members of the official party inspected the building. The Rev. J. R. Blanchard, actingchairman of the Presbyterian Social Service Association, under whose auspices the orphanage is controlled, presided. After the moderator of the Wellington Presbytery, Rev. D. M. Herons, had led the gathering in prayer, Mr. Blanchard expressed appreciation of their Excellencies’ presence, and outlined the programme for the development of the Wellington Presbyterian orphanages. He said that f° r three years, By favour of the Unemployment Board, men had been working on the Berhampore property and on the grounds at the girls’ home at Island Bay. It had been decided to proceed with the development of the grounds at Berhampore, and ultimately all the children would be centralised there. That would require additional buildings. The principle of having a resident superintendent had been decided upon, and for that purpose a residence would have to be erected. The girls’ home would then be released for development work in other directions, and it was hoped to use it for the accommodation of aged people. It was felt that no building expansion should take place until the existing facilities had been brought up-to-date, and that had now been done. It was considered by those with experience of child welfare work that the lay-out of the remodelled building could not be improved upon. His Excellency extended his good wishes to those connected with the building—a building conceived for an excellent and worthy purpose, that of helping those in need of assistance and launching them on their future careers. He wished the endeavour every success. It had been shown how firmly belief, faith and determination would succeed. In times such as these, when there was instability and unrest in other parts of the world, it was a pleasure to know that there they had a sound rock where people learnt self-reliance and sound principles. He hoped the children would have a successful time at school. In wishing the home and those connected with it every good fortune, his Excellency said he had asked for a half-holiday for the children on Monday and the authorities had agreed to grant it. The Mayor of Wellington, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, said it must be a matter of intense satisfaction, not only to the church authorities but to the citizens of Wellington, to know that the great work done by the Presbyterian Social Service Association had been so successful. There was no work of greater importance than the care of cliiiur-.n without their natural protectors and guides. He wished to congratulate the Presbyterian Church on the work it was doing and had done for the welfare of the orphans. After the official party had inspected the building the home was thrown open to visitors. During the afternoon the guests were entertained with a programme of Scottish dancing and pipe music.