THE BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS OF SOUTHLAND

Evening Star, Issue 12523, 6 June 1905, Page 4

THE BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS OF SOUTHLAND

HIGH TESTIMONY TO THEIR EFFICIENCY. The special Committee appointed by the North Canterbury Charitable Aid Board ta visit Southland and inquire into the methods adopted in dealing with neglected child-life and casual labor returned home yesterday, and will submit thtir report -it as early a. date as possible. On Saturday afternoon Mesdames Wills and Black and Mr Radcliffe, three of the members, const nted to give a few »f their impressions to a 'SoulMaud News' reporter as follows: It was resolved last year that a subcommittee of the Board should be appointed to consider (ho methods of relief in vogue la our own district. The Committee visited all the homos of tihe boarded-out children, and, inter alia, decided that it was necessary to find work for recipients who were not able to compete in the open labor market. Several of the members inquired into the cottage home system prevailing in Glasgow and Sheffield,' and were greatly impressed with the necessity of having speci-ally-trained women to deal with neglected and destitute children. By chance, membtrs heard of the Invercargill sjetem, and rhe chairman (Mr Friedknder), on his return from the South, gave his support to a resolution that the Oliaritablo Aid Committee should visit the Southland institutions. As individual members, we think that the experiment carried on in your district is an admirable one, " and reflects the greatest credit on all concerned. Lome Farm is situated in ideal/ surroundings ; everything is cheerful and ljright, and the dormitories are airy, sweet, clean, and comfortable. In our opinion, the miseries axe extremely homelike, and the Board have been very fortunate in their .choice °f nursery matron. We found nothing extravagant or unnecessary. The dining room and kitchen are excellent, and the food plentiful, well-cooked, and well served. At meals, the children were orderly and tidy iu their habits. We were gratified to find no hall-mark of distinction in the children. A feature of the building is undoubtedly the bathing arrangements. To.us they seemed perfect It is our belief that girls trained in an. atmosphere of sweetness sjmilar to that prevailing at Lorne Farm never develop into drudges. We were delighted to learn that three of the girls are, by the kindness of outsiders, learning music, and already render valuable assdstanoe in the church service It is not •unlikely tihat some such system of training as is in vogue in Southland will prove to bs the solution of tire problem of reclaiming neglected child-life. It gave us pleasure to ■witness the contentment of the old mt:n and their willingness to work. Undoubtedly au important factor in attaining success is that the men are paid a small sum weekly in return for their services. As a result, the men become happy in the assurance that they are useful to themselves and to society. It assists them, also, to retain their self-respect. We were particularly pteared to learn that the produce of the Farm is eagerly sought, and that no friction has arken with other vendors of farm produce. In. our opinion the earning power of ,|e institution is very satisfactory. Wo are eatisfied that the Board have two verv excellent official* in Mr and Mrs Cusworth (master and matron). The same appearance of neatness and order presented itself at the Bowmant street Home. We found the rest, dents comfortable and well satisfied. One feature of the institution is. the special ward for tjkese afflicted with incurable disease. The internal arrangements »of the building are most satisfactory, and we were phased .that the poultry farm is proving remunerative. Mr Colo, seemed an indefatigable master and Mrs Cole a capable matron. It gives us great pleasure to commend the methods adopted by the local authority in Southland m helping recipients to help themselves. As a result, nrany persons who otherwise would be ip receipt of assistance from the rates are now in constant employment through the agency of the Board.