WILLARD HOME

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 149, 24 May 1928, Page 9

WILLARD HOME

NEW WING OPENED

TRIBUTES TO WORK OF BOARD

In tlic presence of 100 well-wishers of the institution, the enlarged Willard Home was officially opened by the' Mayor (Mr A. J. Graham) yesterday afternoon. Apologies for absencejvere received from Messrs J. A. Nash" and A. Linlslater, M.P’s., who had been called to Wellington, Mr J. Murray and the Commercial Travellers’ Asso* ciation.

In unlocking the new wing, the Mayor, addressing those present, said ho hoped that God’s richest blessing would rest on the work that was being done. Speaking to the gathering inside, Mr Graham said that, for a number of years, the Women’s Christian Temperance Union had been doing a very great work in Palmerston North —working quietly and unobstrusivcly, but, nevertheless, with a great deal of success. The organisation was composed of a number of social workers who were endeavouring to the best of their ability to translate their aims and aspirations into terms of altruistic service, and he did not think that there could bo any doubt that they were indeed rendering a very great ser•vicc in the cause of humanity. No organisation could live unless it had a programme of service mapped out. In this respect the W.C.T.U. had a very clearly defined programme of work, and had achieved something tangible and real that was of immense benefit to the children. HISTORY OF HOME.

To Mrs Birdsall, proceeded tile speaker, he was indebted for information concerning the history of the home. It had commenced operations tm September 4, 1920, when provision had been made for 11 children, but it was soon found that its accommodation was not large enough, and in 1921 the capacity' was enlarged to enable it to take 19 children. That had remained the accommodation until the present time, when an effort was now being made to cater for The enlarged structure would take 25 children and at least three or four infants. There could he no doubt that, along with similar institutions, the home was doing a great work; in the Willard, and All Saints’ Homes Palmerston North had two that were doing wonderful service. The efforts of those in charge required time and talent, and the workers had in many instances made great sacrifices. Both homes were very much indebted to the public of Palmerston North for the very generous support accorded them, and he did not think that any appeal to the public had been in vain. Otherwise, the work could not have been carried on so successfully. He hoped that it would always be said of the Palmerston North public that they would ever recognise the call of the needy and respond to the efforts on their behalf. The municipality recognised the value of the work that was being done and made a contribution, as well as . helping in another direction —by the creation of playgrounds and breathing places whero God’s sunshine could enter into the lives of the young ones. Although institutions of this kind relieved the State of a considerable amount of responsibility,, he did not think that they were subsidised by the Government, and this was a point that could be taken up by those in authority with a view to getting the Government to contribute. He understood that the Salvation Army was subsidised in this direction, and he could not see why the two homes in Palmerston North should not ht similarly assisted. The work was worthy of everyone’s support and the best way those in control could he assisted was by means of monetary contributions and by encouraging them in every possible way. Concluding, Mr Graham said that he hoped the new wing would prove of incalculable benefit; that God’s richest blessing would rest on the efforts that were being made for the upbringing of destitute children: and that, the children would be fittingly equipped to go out and figlit the battle of life. THE BOARD’S. POLICY.

On behalf of the board of management, Mrs Crabb extended a welcome to all to inspect the building. Only the new wing, she said, was of brick, tho additions to the back being of wood. It had always been the policy of the board never to run into debt, and they had used the best at their disposal. Four acres of land had been sold to the Government for the purposes of a new public school, and this came right no to the building. Ever since the home had been opened, the board had never been short of money, thanks to the generosity of tho public of Palmerston North and to the persistent efforts, of those who were interested in tho home. The board hoped tliat. in 1/he future, the same success would attend it efforts. Thanks were duo to 'the builder, Mr N. McLean, who had given work that he had not charged for. When the home had been commenced a few years ago, the board had thought that it could provide for infants, but it had been found that this could not be done with the small staff thou, but now the home was able to have its infant department, and tho board were happy that this could be so. However, judging.by the applications that had been received, she did not think that the homo would be big enough, and that the infant department would have to be enlarged. When this came about, it would not be advisable to make a bigger home, but rtaher to split it up, so that the children’s individuality would not bo lost. Running expenses. Mrs Crabb mentioned in conclusion, amounted to £IOOO per year. Mr J. Balsillie, a member of the advisory board, said that ho hoped tho homo would go along as it had in. the past. Those in charge had had a big struggle, but it was pleasing to see that their efforts had been rewarded with such success. When the new school was erected, he thought that the location of the home would be hard to improve. It was a pity that so many children had to be looked after, hilt, in the training that they received at the home, he, knew that they would grow up good citizens. Speaking on behalf of the Council of Christian Congregations, Rev. J. M. Stewart extended congratulations to the board on the magnificent work that it was doing and on the fine, enlarged home that had just been opened. _ The children were being brought up in an excellent environment, and the home was fortunate in having Miss Anderson at its matron and Miss .Pearce ns its sub-matron. In their behaviour, manners and respect to those above them, the children could give a lesson to those in some family homes in Palmerston North. The churches were always trying to do what they could to bring cheer to the children, and lie wished to extend congratulations to the home for wluit it was doing in this direction. Ho hoped that it would he a real home to those who entered its doors, and that, when they passed out of its portals, the memories of the love bestowed on them would remain. Mr A. E. Bennett also spoke, congratulating Mrs Crabb and her coworkers on tho result of their efforts. There.was now a beautiful little home for the children, and in it he trusted that the work would bo carried on with the same results as before. Any assistance that ho could give would always willingly be given. Those present were then entertained at afternoon tea, following which they made an inspection of the building.