TARANAKI STREET MISSION

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 142, 16 June 1923, Page 11

TARANAKI STREET MISSION

A GEEAT WORK.

A great record of fine work is brought to light iv the annual report of tit. Peter's Mission, which, as the misßioner recently remarked, tells the people how their money is spent, so far as the mission is concerned. The remark on the cover of the booklet which is necessary to detail all the work fully describes the proceedings, "This mission seeks to meet the most pressing needs of the poor—old and young, men and women, boys and 'girls"—all these are catered for in the wonderful organisation controlled by the Rev. T. Fielden Taylor, and staffed by many willing helpers. The work includes religious services, with celebrations of Holy Communion, morning and cvoning services at the Mission Hall and at the Paramount, Sunday school, Bible clashes. The Boys' Hostel, which is over-full, and always has a "waiting list" ;. a night school, at which boys and girls get extra education and instruction in bookkeeping, etc.; junior boys' club, with cricket teams, etc.; senior boys' club, which has 100 members, produces a quarterly maganize, and has games and a library. The Sunday Bible Class is well attended. The Sewing Guild has about 60 members, who darn and mend secondhand clothing and make new articles. These run the weekly jumble sale and one at the Mission Hall once a year. The district visitors have plenty to do, and are voluntary workers. The Girls' Club flourishes, and takes interest in Red Cross work. Christmas camps both for boys and girls are mentioned as having been happy and successful efforts. Help is given to the unemployed; police courts are attended on behalf of young offenders, and relief is given to the poor, details being given of many kindnesses, and of times when such relief was of urgent necessity. Christmas was made a happy time to many, who without the mission, would have fared but' poorly. The Mission Orchestra is a useful and desirable fixture.

The increase in property (and therefore in liability) is mentioned, with information as to the crowded state of the Mission House and the other buildings in connection with the work. In giving details of his own work the missioner mentions that he interviews about 180 people per week at his residence. Thanks are given to the army of helpers, with mention of the director of the Boys' Institute, the Commercial Travellers, the Rotary Club, the V.M.C.A., the Macarthy Trust, the City Council, the Police., and the Salvation Army.