CHILDREN’S HOMES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 80, 16 March 1934, Page 5

CHILDREN’S HOMES

Appeal for Hastings Support PAST ASSISTANCE SMALL A strong appeal for a public realisation of the work that is being done iu connection with the Hawke’s Bay Children’s Homes, and for support of the gymkhana to be held in Hastings, in aid of the funds of the homes, next Thursday afternoon and evening, was made to Hastings Rotarians to-day byMrs. H. N. Coleman and Mr. George Tripe on behalf of the committee in charge of the homes. It was often asked why collections in aid of the homes had to be made, said Mrs. Coleman. The homes were begun 42 years ago, and before the earthquake they were in a comfortable financial position. In the earthquake, however, one of the homes was destroyed, and much other damage was done. The slump added greatly to the committee s difficulties. There were 100 children to be kept and fed, and the problem was to find the means to keep things going. The committee was now working on an overdraft of £2200, plus £lOOO borrowed from the Government. There was no band of women in New Zealand who were more efficient or more enthusiastic than the women who were administering the home, but they could do nothing without the public’s support. “If we can turn you out a hundred decent citizens, surely we are worth supporting,” Mrs. Coleman concluded Hastings was much behind in contributing its share towards the maintenance of the homes, Mr. Tripe said. There were 38 Hastings children in the homes, and it cost £1137 a year to maintain them. Yet Hastings had contributed only £2OO in the last year. Mr. Tripe went on to appeal for assistance in connection with the gymkhana at Hastings next Thursday, and particularly asked for assistance in running side-shows or in other similai ways.