ST. BARNABAS'S HOME FOR BABES

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 109, 4 November 1925, Page 13

ST. BARNABAS'S HOME FOR BABES

AN INTEBESTING BEPOBT.

The short and simple story of the year of St. Barnabas's Home for Babes contains much that is interesting, showing what can be done, with small means and good management. There are twenty-one children in the Home at present, and. during the. year the Home has given shelter to thir-ty-four children, and thus has met one of the purposes for which it was founded, that is, to give temporary shelter to children during periods of stress occasioned by illness or other troubles in their homes. As a, rule the staff consists of a matron, a Kari-tane-trained nurse, three probationers, and one domestic assistant,' but it is stated to be difficult to keep things going with this minimum strength, owing to the keen competition for Earitane-trained helpers. The committee is of opinion that two. of these helpers should be obtained for the work necessary. A tribute is paid to the good work of members of the staff, the work being aVduous and important, and making considerable demands on them. It is shown clearly that more money is needed to be expended at the home and that without delay. Two members of the staff have to sleep in a tent,' not from choice, but because there. is no room in the house, where, during the day the night nurse can rest without the probability of d&turbance; A laundry , and drying-room has been added to the equipment of • the home, being the most considerable item of extra expenditure for the year. The cost was £148 3s Bd. "The home," states the report, "was fortunate in receiving a legacy of £250 from the Bathbone Estate, but the 'advantage, of this was more than counterbalanced by the abandonment of a street sale in December owing to inclement weather. From the M'Carthy Trust the home received a grant of £50., - ' : . "The committee desires to express its gratitude to the numerous friends' who, by gifts in kind, by donations of money, of voluntary labour, . and by the organisation of various efforts, have enabled the work of the home to be carried on, and even extended. In this connection it desires to mention particularly its honorary officers. To Dr. Bertram Wright it is indebted for unfailing attention to the health of the children. Messrs, Webb, Bichmond, and Cornish and their staff have given much help in eases where it has.been necessary to secure the assistance of tho Law Courts. Mr. A. W. Pyne has repeated his services of-last year in overlooking the accounts." : The committee asks for further additions and necessary work to the extent of about £700. The present syear is concluded with a small balance of money. Officers include the patron^ the Bight Bey. the Bishop of- Wellington; president, Bey. T. Fielden-T»y----lor; viceipresidents, Mrs. Sprott, Yen. Archdeacon Johnson, the Bey. H. E. K. Fry, and the Bey. B. G. Finch; hon. secretary, Miss S. A. Cowles; hon. treasurer, Mr. H., H. Morgan; hon. auditor, Mr. A. W. Pyne; members of committee, Mrs. «T. A. Plimmer, Miss C. E. Cowles, Mise K. Jacobs, Mr. C. G. T. Brown, Mr.' M. Crompton-Smith, Mr. H. C. Heays, and Bey; B. G. Finch; matron, Miss M'Bride; hon. medical adviser, Dr. Bertram E. Wright.

It is stated that very kind interest has been shown in the home by Her Excellency Lady Alice Fergusson, who has twice visited the home, and has taken most acceptable 'gifts, . spending some time with each little one in the home. This kindness was much appreciated.