HELPING HAND MISSION.

Evening Star, Issue 12926, 14 April 1908, Page 8

HELPING HAND MISSION.

The annual report of Trinity Helping Hand Mission contains the following clauses:—A year having elapsed since the work of this Mission took new shape in the larger premises at Bath street, the time is suitable for a complete review of the whole year's work. It being necessary at the time either to take new premises at greatly-increased expense, or to abandon the work that had already been carried on for tour years, the financial problem loomed large a year ago, but the energetic efforts of Sister Olive aid Mr Goodman to obtain financial support were successful, and on iho 28th April the new mission ball in Bath street was opened with great success. The hall was open every night throughout the winter —on Monday night, an open night; Tuesday, a meeting conducted by Sister Olive; Wednesday, the girls' gymnasium, under Miss Gihnore; the men's on Thursday, under Mr Balfouf; and a woodcarving class on Friday under Mr R. Ferguson. The interest in the girls' gymnasium and woodcarving classes in particular was well maintained throughout the season On Saturday evenings throughout the year the hall has been open for young men, singing, games, etc., passing the time; while during the winter months suppers were supplied at a small charge. Owing to the generosity of many friends who supplied provisions—in particular Mrs Simon, of Mornington—the suppers paid their way at the charge of 3d. A library has also been a bookcase for the same having been given by Mr Ferguson. Gifts of books, magazines, games, etc., are always most acceptable. Towards the end of the year a choir was formed, and an improvement in the singing on Sunday evenings is already noticeable 1 ! The evangelistic services have been held every Sunday evening throughout the year, and have not been without results. ' The average attendance for the year has been (ifty-iwo. The mothers' meeting has been regularly held and well attended on Thursday afternoons. A savings bank and clothing club have been instituted in connection with it. Miss Duke acting as treasurer, and Miss Harris as secretary. An infant class has been conducted by Mr Goodman, and since his departure by Mrs Walton and Mr Daubney. The average attendance has been fifteen. Scholars arc transferred to Trinity Sunday School when old enough, three having been so transferred during the year. The cost of keeping the Mission open has been £74 6s Bd. To meet this the income has been £ll6 8s 3d, derived from donations collected by Misses Valentine and Walton rent from subletting of portion of the raises in Bath street, and Sunday collections leaving a satisfactory balance at the bank of £42 Is 7d. With great regret the Mission took farewell of Sister Olive, the founder of the work. It is with satisfaction, however, that wo record that in Sister Annie we have found a worthy successor to Sister Olive. Sister Annie has already gained a thorough grasp of the work, and has endeared herself to all who attend the meetings.