CITY MISSION

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 7, 8 July 1931, Page 11

CITY MISSION

OPENED TO-DAY

ROOMIER QUARTERS

THE MAYOR'S ADDEESS

The Wellington City Mission, a roomy two-story brick building 'in Upper Tarauaki street, was opened officially this afternoon by the Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop). Bishop Sprott was unable to attend. Besides the raissioiicr, the Eev. T. Ficldcn Taylor, a number of clergy and persons interested in the growth of the institution were present. Mr. Hislop expressed his pleasure at being present and his appreciation of the honour accorded him when he was asked to open the new building. The office of Mayor carried with it many and diverse social duties and functions, but none more gratifying than those which brought him among people who were working for the material and spiritual amelioration of the people. This was the third occasion on which he had been present officially at the opening of a new building. The first was the opening of a new broadcasting station, when he had been told that his remarks would be heard throughout New Zealand and as far distant as Japan. "I therefore spoke with no little trepidation," said Mr. Hislop, "lest tho remarks, even of a mere Mayor in a small and distant community, might load to international complications. " (Laughter.) The second occasion was the opening of the Pharmaceutical Hall, for the training of students of»pharmacy. "And now to-day," continued Mr. Hislop, "I am associated with a work higher and greater than either of the others, the work of tho material and, above all, the spiritual salvation of the people. 'Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfil tho law of Christ.' Such is the work to which this mission is dedicated. A MEETING AT LEMNOS. "Sixteen years ago I first met your missioner. One Sunday morning on the island of Lemnos, in the Aegean, the New Zealand Mounted Brigade, in temporary rest during the Gallipoli campaign, was drawn up on church parade under General Russell,. and . I saw come round the flank of the parade a small figure, wasted like many by the scourge of dysentery, but withal jaunty, erect, and happy. Then followed the service and the finest soldiers' sermon I had heard. So , firat' I saw Fielden Taylor, though his fame had even then gone far, and now I sco him again carrying on with the same courage, but now with many and great evidences of the recognition of his great work around him. "Twelve years ago the mission began in a thickly crowded and congested area, an area which, had it remained as it was, would have been a disgrace and a menace to the city. Much still' remains to be done, but the work is going forward. The mission came am6ng tho people in this crowded area and by devoted work brought new life and hope into many a home. To young and old of both sexes its work extended, and by the devoted work of this baud the cause prospered, until to-day the work of the mission stands in the forefront of the social work of this city. NOT MERELY RESCUE WORK. "The work is not merely rescue work," continued Mr. Hislop. "Tho work, while helping all, is essentially to train the young and to instil into them by precept, example, and association, in work or in play, the basic principles o£ Christian citizenship." Mr. Hislop referred to the work of tho mission on the material side in some detail, and congratulated Mr. Fielden Taylor on the part his mission is taking in helping to meet the difficulties of the present time, in the provision of sleeping accommodation and meals for destitute men and youths.. '' Such is tho work that is being dono by this mission," he concluded. "This hull marks a definite stage in its efforts. To all behind the movement this city is indebted. To the missioner wo owe respect and gratitude for his untiring energy, and above all, his dauntless courage. When I think of him my mind turns to the words of Henley: 'In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under tho bludgeonings of chance my head is bloody but unbowed.' "And now I declare this hall open and dedicated to the cause embodied in' its motto: 'Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ.' " THE BUILDING. The front of the building is of brick, with a cement dressing. In view of the lessons, learnt in Napier, the brickwork has been reinforced. On the ground floor there is a hall 65ft by 34ft, with seating accommodation for some 300 persons, with a stage and dress-ing-rooms on either side. A jumble shop and store are attached to the hall, and also the missioner's room. Tho Girls' Club Room, 28ft by 20ft, is also on tho ground floor. On the second floor are two club rooms for tho boys, one 30ft by 24ft and the other 27ft by 14ft, also a guild room, 24ft. by lift. A can-tee-n is provided in the smaller club room, tho larger room being devoted to billiards and recreations.- Under the stage is a basement consisting of a workshop and store. The building is centrally seated. The new building is practically fireproof, the floors being all of concrete with tho exception of the hall, which has a wooden floor. The old mission hall has been renovated, and will be devoted solely to use as a chapel for religious services. The walls have been panelled out, and tho renovation has been general. The new building was designed by Messrs. Swan, Lawrence, and Swan; the tender was practically £8000.