PRESBYTERIAN SOCIAL SERVICE

Evening Star, Issue 23729, 9 November 1940, Page 20

PRESBYTERIAN SOCIAL SERVICE

MEETING OF ASSOCIATION Mr T. Somerville presided at the monthly meeting of the Central Committee of the Dunedin Presbyterian Social Service Association, and was re-elected convener for the ensuing year, Mr It. L. Fairmaid being appointed vice-chairman. ft was reported that, all thp charges which were usually canvassed befdre Christmas were being approached during the month of November. Agents had been appointed throughout the country districts, and these were working splendidly in cooperation with the office. : In connection with a Sunday' school appeal for Christmas cheer, it was reported that stamp booklets had been distributed throughout the Sunday schools of the province. Last year’s effort had been most successful, and it was anticipated that more Sunday schools would participate this year. Calendars had been produced > in a most attractive design, and were being sold at the different churches.

The Matron at Ross Home reported that there were 18 men and 38 women in residence, of whom seven women and five men wcie in the hospital. The general health

was fair. Concerts had been given by the Opoho Mothers’ Union Choir, Knox Church Young Women’s Society, and the South Dunedin P.W.M.U. Advice was received from the architects that the foundations of the Kilgour wing had been laid, and the work was proceeding satisfactorily. The Manager of the. homes stated that the health of the children during the month had been comparatively good. There had been a few colds and influenza, but nothing of a serious nature. The number of children ip the homes was: Nisbet Cottage, 10 girls and 8 boys; Somerville, 12 girls and 4 boys; Cameron, 9 girls and 9 boys; Glendining, 16 schoolboys and 6 working boys. The farm and garden were in good condition. A letter was received from Miss Croft, matron of Somerville Cottage, intimating her decision to resign from her position consequent on her appointment as matron of the Presbyterian Women’s Training Institute. General regret was expressed at the resignation of Miss Croft, who had served the association very faithfully for over five years in this position. It was agreed that a garden party he held at the Glendining Homes early in March, and that the Children’s Committee be asked to make arrangements for this function

Reports were received from the Rev. .1, Chisholm and (he Rev. R. W. Murray concerning their work at the Mental Hospital, Seaeliff, and the sanatorium at Waipiata. Both asked that relatives and friends of inmates should inform them when new inmates enter the institutions. Requests were

also made for magazines and light literature. The Bible classes have arranged their Christmas treat at the Glcndining Hornes for the evening of December 11. Appreciation was expressed of the continued services of the Bible classes in this connection.