CHARITIES OF THE CITY.

Evening Post, Volume LX, Issue 64, 13 September 1900, Page 7

CHARITIES OF THE CITY.

The Ohiro Benevolent Homo, according to Dr. MacGregor, in his annual report, "has greatly improved during the past year. A new Chairman of the Benevolent Trust' and a change of authorities at the Home gave scope for many reforms in the treatment of the old folk. The Ohiro Home being t± 'separate institution,' neither the Charitable Aid Board nor the Government (those that find the money) had any power to check abuses, either in contracts for food and clothing or in regard to peace and comfort for the inmates. It is now a pleasure to visit the Home, and Mr. and Mrs. Purvis are kindly and capable officers. The Trustees have also had the courage to reform the outdoor relief. Abuses, have ever been found in connection with the contract system—i.e., giving recipients of relief an order on some tradesman, who contracts to supply the goods,at a marvellously low rate. The Wellington Trustees now," following tho precedent in Christchurcb and Timaru, have n. store and supply the groceries to recipients, thus effecting a very great saving in money, and at the same time ensuring that the applicants get all necessaries in full measure and of good quality. The ratepayers of Wellington should feel grateful to the men who -have effected these reforms in the face of unpleasant local opposition." Dr. MacGregor's comment on the Alexandra Home is brief and to the point: — "There is very little to commend here. The look of girls and babies tells its own tale. The whole place wants repainting and cleaning inside." He has nothing but praise for the management of the Convalescent Home. Wellington Charitable institutions had £6432 63 6d from the Government last year, £5770 Is 2d from rateb, £394 14 s Id voluntary contributions, £100 in bequests, £1349 19s lid payments by and on behalf of persons relieved, £42 rents, etc., £879 18s 8d from other sources, or a total of £20,348 11s 9d. Of this, £5184 9s lid was expended in indoor relief and £7442 0s Id in outdoor relief. The total cost) of the 63 children boarded out was £1096 14s, or an average weekly cost of 7s for each child.