THE AEROPLANE RAID IN EAST END OF LONDON.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 10115, 24 October 1917, Page 6

THE AEROPLANE RAID IN EAST END OF LONDON.

In f.'t'.iv very heart of the. East-End of Londati, which was the scene of the dastardly aeroplane outrage on June. 12 last, are situated the headquarters of tho famous child-rescue organisation known as Dr. Barnardo's Hornes, and to Hit Majesty s Hospital (the building in which are treatml the Nick anil ailing children, to whom Iho Homes have held forth a helping hand), it is most probable that some of the poor filth; victims of Germany’s War-Lord were taken. The neighbourhood is densely ; populated, largely by people who live a hand-to-mouth existence, and tne. faking bombs must have wiped out many a pitiful little, “homo’’ in which the name of Darnardo has been synonymous with friendly help for present needs and hope lor the future. For over fifty years the Homes have been the centre of a great missionary work in the district, as well as a. refuge for destitute little ones from all parts of the United Kingdom. It was in the East End that Dr. Barnafdo, as an enthusiastic young student, began his work for homeless lad--, and found the first inmates for the .modest building in Stepney Causeway, which became known as tho "Ever Open Door. This building formed the. nucleus of an extensive institution absorbing practically the whole of tin* "Causeway.” Since Dr. Bernardo died, however, a large number of boys have been moved to the "Boys Garden (’itv,” .Mutated at WbocllorJ, and four of the London Homes have been closed.. But there still remain jn the Stepney. Cause - way the central office of the institution; an industrial home for about 260 lads, where Ti.c-v have the choice of learning one of ton trades; the Receiving Homes, to winch children are. admitted pending their uaasfer to the branch most, suitable, lor them, and the well-known Mario Milton. Creche, u muscTV for babies irons one month t-> four years of age, whose mothers go out to work by the day, and have no one to leave, in charge of them. 'I hen* is also the hospital, containing 82 beds. 1-oitunateJy. Stepney (,’ausewav t-eems t.i have tints far escaped damage in the raids, although the terrible munition factory explosion wrecked a number of window:-: in the Homes. On July 7, London was again visited by a large fleet of hostile airships, this time as earn- as ten o’clock in the .morning. The annual street collection in aid of the Barnardo Homes was in progress when the bombs began to fall on defenceless men, women, and children, and. as might he expected, .the experience unnerved some.of tho collectors. It says much for their courage acid devotion to the cause that a. large number of tho workers resumed their canvass after the aeroplanes had been driven oft. On Thursday and Saturday of this, wet.!; will bo held the annual street collection in Palmerston North, in aid of the . Homes. Fortunately the ladies who will give their services on that tlav have no reason to fear of death or mutilation from German bombs, and gratitude for our . immunity should contribute towards making "Bar-j nardo Day” in Palmerston North a striking i i-access. Oilers of assistance will gladly he | received, by Nurse Carter, at 19 Campbell ! street, Palmerston North, and donations may bo sent to .Mr C. N. Clausen.