A NIGHT IN THE OPEN.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 12 April 1929, Page 6

A NIGHT IN THE OPEN.

AVITH THE “DOWN AND OTJTS.”

IN AUCKLAND DOAIAIN

AUCKLAND, April S. Wet with heavy dew, chilled and shivering because of the cold night air, the Rev. Jasper Colder, city missioner walked stiffly to his home in Park Road, when the first streaks of dawn appeared in the sky yesterday. For experience ho had spent the night under the stars in Auckland Domain as so many of the “down and out” men he has assisted in years past have done. Dressed in old tweeds and carrying a light topcoat, the missioner left his warm study at 11 o’clock on Saturday I night and set out briskly for the Domain, where lie had determined to sleep. For an hour ho strolled about the grounds, nodding to several men and occasionally speaking. Like him, they were* walking aimlessly over the damp grass in search of shelter. Unfamiliar without Ills clerical garb, no one recognised him. Midnight found him on the cricket ground near the score board, and hero it was lie decided to rest. Wrapping liis overcoat around him lie lay on the) grass as wet as if rain had fallen on it and patiently watched the numerous passers-by. An hour and a half later the whole Domain was plunged into darkness when the arc lights were switched oft'.. Fitful , sleep came to him, and until three o’clock he w-as fairly warm in spite of the dampness, but then the atmosphere became sharp and biting, and lie could not sleep and had to move his limbs to prevent cramp. On the same ground at least six other men were sprawled, some with coats to rest upon and some I sleeping in threadbare suits. I With the rattling of cams :i= the first milkman passed on his Tounds the missioner arose and began liis stiff but welcome walk to his comfortable bed with its warmth and his morning cup of hot coffee, and as he walked homeless men stirred in the shadow of wet trees. Asked why he had slept in th Domain, Mr Calder said tbait within a month he hoped to get into operation a night shelter for unemployed, penniless and friendless men in the city. It must be big enough for at least 1.00 men, to whom he would give hot drinks and a little food and shelter for the night. In the winter months there were dozens of men who- needed such help, and it was his ambition to help them get it. Lack of sufficient money only wonld hinder him in gaining his objective within a month. Previously he could only imagine what a night in the open in a city park was like, hut now he knew' it was miserable