ALL SAINTS’ CHILDREN'S HOME

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3493, 1 November 1926, Page 4

ALL SAINTS’ CHILDREN'S HOME

BIRTHDAY OEIdEBKATION S. PRAISE OF THE WORK. Saturday was a red-letter day for the children of All Saints’ Home, which celebrated its birthday In windy weather. There was a very largo gathering of visitors present, and owing to the nature of the weather, the celebrations took place indoors Instead of in the garden as usual.

In introducing Mrs. B. Abraham and Messrs J. A. Nash, M.P. and Royal, the speakers, the Rev. W. Fancourt, vicar of Ail Saints’ Parish voiced his appreciation of the generosity and co-operation of the people of Palmerston North. He wished to especially thank the Commercial Travellers Association for its wonderful assistance through-out the year, the trustees of the McCarthy and Rathhone estates, and the anonymous gentleman who had left one-third of his estate to the home. The vicar hoped that shortly a new home would be built; already £BOO had been collected, but during the last few years the improvements at Foxton had absorbed. the finance of the institution. However, he was pleased to report that during the lust two years the overdraft of the Foxton Home had been reduced from £I3OO to a little less than £3OO.

“The Home has done a great deal of good, and will continue to do so for many years to come, I hope.” said Mr. Nash, who went on to say that during the last few years the Government had passed some stringent measures in respect to tho welfare or children, particularly dealing with the child in the streets and at entertainments. The Child Welfare Act, he considered -was a distinct move for the betterment of children, and the Minister had power to build receiving homes pending admission of the children to private homes. Convalescent homes for special treatment were also provided for, and the eight primary industrial and orphanage schools were recognised by the Government. The Act also dealt with the guardianship of children, ana provided for severe punishment in cases of neglect. Children's Courts had also boon established, and these were held in separate rooms away from the public gaze. Speaking of All Saints’ Home, Mr. Nash stated that love and contentment reigned supreme. The matrons of the present and past had had with motherly care made the home very dear to the children, and the churcn was to be congratulated on the support given to the homo by the parlsnionors. Speaking to the Matron (Mrs Wagstaff) and her staff Mr. Nasn, said, “You are trying to make All Saints’ Home the best in New Zealand, and it is a credit, not only to AH Saints’ Church, but to Palmerston North. I hope that this birthday will be •as happy as those m the past. There is no doubt that in your effort you nave been the means of saving the Uvea of many children, and you are bringing up children who will fear Goa, honour the King, and be useful citizens in the latter stages of their lives.”

On behalf of the Palmerston North ' Commercial Travellers’ Association, Mr. Royal thanked the committee for its invitation to him and the members. The Association was always interested in the children, and was only too pleased to help them at all times. He congratulated the committee and tne Matron on the excellent work they had done, and stated that though tne Association was hesitating about Having a charity day owing to the hard times being experienced, no doubt a concert would be held and All Saints' Home would receive their fair share of the proceeds. Mrs. L. Abraham, as secretary, explained that the homo was allowed to accommodate 3G children, and at tne present time had its full quota. The committee endeavoured to bring up brothers and sisters together ,so that they would not lose touch with each other early in their lives. The boy usually left when about 12 years of age, but the girl was given domestic training. Mrs. Abraham then gave a brief resume of the work carried out and what it entailed. In conclusion she stated that in the summer holidays the children resident in the Palmerson North Home would change with those at Foxton and this would give all the children a holiday. In thanking the speakers for their addresses the vicar included in his thanks Mr. Berryman and the Palmerston North Municipal Band, which contributed items during the afternoon.

Afternoon tea and inspection of the homo and the work of the children, kept the visitors engaged for the remainder of the day.