BIG SYDNEY MISSION

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 23, 26 January 1918, Page 5

BIG SYDNEY MISSION

SUPERINTENDENT IN WELLINGTON.

The Rev. S. J. Hoban, Superintendent of the Methodist Central Mission, Sydney—one of the largest missions in the world—is at present in Wellnigton, and, speaking to a Post reporter to-day, he gave come interesting details relative to the work which is being undertaken— and accomplished. The mission ■ spends £10,000 per year, which the public is asked to subscribe. And the public does subscribe willingly, for it evidently realises that the money is put to good purpcse. The war has made no difference, and during the last three years the work has gone along quite smoothly. The mission was founded many years ago by the Rev. W. G. Taylor. The main operations are carried on in a big central .building, formerly a theatre, which was purchased by Mr. Ebenezer Vickery, M.L.C., for £42,000 and handed over to tho Methodist Church of New South Wales. The congregation on any sunday night totals 2500, which is said to be the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. One gratifying feature, according to Mr. Hoban, is that men comprise 65 per cent, of the congregation. The staff of the mission, under the superintendent, consists of ten deaconesses, a second minister, a secretary, and accountant and typist, besides the heads of various institutions and departments. The principal work of the mission consists of the rescue of girls, the care of children,, provision for those who are "down andl out," the management of a seamen's institute, and training in a. home for evangelists for Christian work. One of the most striking phases of the work of the mission is what is known as the girls' rest —a large room, luxuriously furnished i and open to any girl who desires a safe place of rest and comfort. In addition, for the payment of 6s per week, a girl is allowed the use of a handsomelyfurnished bedroom. In another building the payment of 10s includes the itee of the rest room, a bedroom, and gas for cooking and washing, and a bathroom! Poor relief is distributed by the mission, and sleeping accommodation is found for men whose earnings are meagre. Each particular branch is managed by an expert, who is particularly enthusiastic in his work.

As advertised, Mr. Hoban will preach at the Taranaki-street Church to-morrow, and lecture on Monday night.