AUCKLAND WOMEN'S HOME.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVII, Issue 4409, 2 October 1871, Page 3

AUCKLAND WOMEN'S HOME.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — Having read with thankfulness your article in the Cross of the 28th instant on the imperative call that now exists for some effort to reclaim tho3e of the many poor fallen ones of this city who may be reclaimable, I venture to bring before the public, through you, the following facts : — 1. That a house of refuge for fallen women was oponed some time since in Parnell, and after a struggling existence of nine months was temporarily olosed, because the ladies under whose auspices it was carried on found themselves utterly unable to carry it on satisfactorily any longer, with their then most imperfect appliances. 2 That, however, the idea of starting such an institution on a proper basis as soon as possible was never for a moment given up by them, but they have been ever sinco quietly collecting money as they have been able ; that they have now about £175 in hand ; and that, as soon as they can obtain £G0 or £70 mme and secure a suitab'e site, they will be^i ti to build A very fair bite is now at their disposal, should no better one offer. 3 That the question of wise management has been pretty well set at rest, the Bishop of Auckl.md having consented to take the general f-upervision of the Institution ; and the Lulies have for some time past been in correspondence with an experienced matron in Sydney, who is prepared to come down and take charge, so soon as they are in a position definitely to engage her. This lady, who is most highly recommended, will be compelled to seek work elsewhere if some arrangement is not soon made with her, 4. That our Resident Magistrate, the Provincial Surgeon, the Dispensary Surgeon, the Governor of the Gaol, and others well qualified to express an opinion on this subject, have signified their warm approval of this project, and the'r intention of supporting it. 5. That thus the only immediate want is money ! The workers aro found, and waiting. Let us hope they will not have to wait long for such a paltry feiiui in this place, into which bo much wealth has been pouring for months past. There is surely no more pressing jail at thi3 moment. Numbers of young persons who under strong temptation have given way, and fallen once or twice, mijrhfc probably bo reclaimed were this "Home" open to receive thorn; whereas now there is every probability of their developing, in nine cases out of ten, into confirmed offenders. In a conversation with the Governor of the Gaol the other day, I was told by him that the majority of the female prisonors in the Gaol were old offenders, who returned again and again ; and that when a newly-fallen girl once came there, of whom there might have been hope but for the communication there held with those hardened in vice, she generally and speedily sank to the level of the rest, and might be periodically expected by the Gaol matron. Does < not thi3 speak volumes ? Dare the prospered ones of Auckland, many of whom perhaps in their earlier days hare " under temptation strong left the right path for the wrong," turn a deaf ear to the appeal of facts like these? I.ani sure that "Hope," your correspondent, will, when he hears these facts, send his money contribution for "charity" ; and "1.0.," no doubt, sympathising as she does with the fallen, will give her offering. I have been requested to mention that subscriptions will be received by any of the clergy j or they may be paid! to the Auckland Women's Home account, Bank pf Australasia, Shortland-street. — I am, &c, B. Thornton Dudley* St. Sepulchre's Parsonage. ' -