NEW HOSTEL FOR GIRL IMMIGRANTS

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2311, 2 December 1925, Page 4

NEW HOSTEL FOR GIRL IMMIGRANTS

■-■ w—mb’, WALTER STRANG’S RESIDENCE PURCHASED. SHEEP-OWNERS INDEBTEDNESS ... TO SEAMEN. \ Following upon the success which attended the New Zealand Sheepowners’ scheme at Flock House, where sons of British seamen are trained for farm work, the trustees decided to inaugurate a similar training college from girls. For that purpose, they set aside £30,000 of the fund, which, it will be remembered, was built up from wool profits as an acknowledgment of the Indebtedness of the ohcep-owners to the men of the Navy and Mercantile Marine who lost their health or lives in the Great War. The T.M.C.A. was approached to take over the control of the institution and also the training of the girls, who must be daughters of British seamen and preferably sisters of boys either at Flock House or who may have passed through that institution and are now but on farms. The idea aimed at by th 0 trustees is to prepare the girls so that they will be able to go out to help their brothers when the latter arc venturing out on farms of their own. Fo ■ that purpose, the trustees are prepared to confer upon the girls the same benefits that they are willing to give the boys in the way of financial assistance and any other help that might b e needed. The T.M.C.A. readily responded to the appeal for assistance and agreements were come fo whereby the Association w ill take over the control, the trustees of the fund standing at its back in an advisory and financial capacity.

The -working of the scheme once decided upon, the next step w-as to secure a, ■■mitable home for the girls—a building to accommodate at least 18 of them and sufficient grounds attached to allow of farming, poultry and bee-keeping, orchard and garden instruction which the trustees decided was a necessary part of a prospective farm-girl’s training. Several places were inspected and finally it was decided to purchase the residence and property of Mr. Walter Strang, of Long Melford, road. That the choice is a good one cannot be denied. The handsome twostoreyed residence was erected by Mr. Strang 15 to 20 years ago with the very best of heart timbers. It contains soma 20 beautifully designed and appointed rooms, together with all the conveniences that are necessary for such an Institution as a girls’ hostel. There is connection with the borough sewerage and water to spare is supplied from an artesian boro on the grounds. Mr. Strang, who is now In England, but recently had the house repainted. The trustees are fortunate in being able to secure a place which Is practically ready for their purpose. The property as has been mentioned, Is well sheltered by stately row’s of pines and other forest trees; is suitably sub-divided and is equipped, with everything necessary for a farm training school in the way of stable, milking shed, poultry house and hay barn. It consist of about 30 acres and extends from the end of Long Meiford road right through to Maxwell’s line, the rear entrance being exactly opposite the Old Peoples’ Home. The main approach consists of a long drive planted on either side wdth the more icomely of exotlo trees. The mansion wdth its surrounding lawns and rose .gardens, presents a sight not easily forgotten as on Q rounds the curve of the avenue. A small orchard is attached, together with a glasshouse.

The 'first draft of 12 girls will arrive some time in February, during which month delivery will be taken of the place. Their ages will range from 16 to 18 years and others will come out in batches of six every three months. It is proposed to train those pupils for six months before sending them out as apprentices to farmers’ wives and preferably to farms where brothers may bo- working. In addition to the outside work already mentioned, they will be coached in ah branches of the domestic arts and nursing.