MERCY JENKINS HOME

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 19 November 1932, Page 6

MERCY JENKINS HOME

BIRTHDAY OF THE FOUNDER,

ASSEMBLY FOR CELEBRATION

A surprise party on a large scale was organised by the Mayor of Eltham (Air I. .J. Bridger). to tlie Salvation Army Boys’_ Home on Thursday evening, approximately 250 citizens being present. Commissioner and Mrs Cum ningham' and also Brigadiers Scotney and Cotterill were also present by invitation. The Mayor, in ex ten ding a welcome to the visitors, said that the real purpose of the party was to celebrate the birthday of the founder of the home (the late Mr T. H. Jenkins), and it was hoped, that a similar funcition would be held each year in order Ito keep in memory such a benefactor to the boys who would have the privilege of living in the institution for a period. The home had been in existence for 23 years. During this period approximately 1000 hoys had passed through tlie home. The home was: also ■a great asset to the businessmen of Eltliam, for through it an annual sum of between £I2OO and £l6oo' was spent in the town.

. A welcome was accorded Commissioner Cunningham and to Brigadier Scotney, who some years ago. was 1 in charge of the home for eight years. Both officers briefly the company and invited any who cared to at any time to visit the home and any otliel- Salvation Army institution air New Zealand.

'. Games; and amusements were organised by Messrs- E. Newlands and L. Bluett, and the boys were supplied with sweets l and ice cream. At 10.30 supper wa's provided for all present. Commissioner Cunningham referred suitably to the founder of the home and then called upon Mrs . Jenkins to cut the birthda.v cake, which was adorned by 23 candles representing the 23 years of the life of the institution .

At the conclusion Maior Perry (manager) thanked the Mayor for organising the party and hoped that the wish to make the function an annual one would he realised. He also thanked. Mr Newlands and Mrs Jones, who officiated at _ the piano during the community singing.