FOR THE FATHERLESS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 5 April 1926, Page 4

FOR THE FATHERLESS

KIRKPATRICK MASONIC INSTITUTE OPENING CEREMONY BY R.W. BRO JESSE STEER, LARGE AND REPRESENTATIVE ATTENDANCE The Kirkpatriek Masonic Institute (formerly the residence of the late Mr S. Kirkpatriek) was oflicially opened yesterday afternoon by Bro. R, \\ . Bro. Jesse Steer. District Grandmaster Westland and Nelson (E.G.) chairman of tin' Board of Governor-:, in the presence of a large representative attendance of the Masonic fraternity as well as a large number of ihe general public. In addition to Bro. Steer, also mi Hie plat form were Chaplain Bro. Lev. .lames .McNeil. W. Bro. E. B. Fleming (S.C.); Bro. 11. Atmore. M.l'. for .Nelson: Bro. \Y. Lock, Mavor of Nelson : \V. Bro. O. M. Simpson,' P.D.G.M.. Westland and Nelson: Bro. G. Manson (Royal Arch t hapter) and Hon W. W. Snodgrass, M.L.C. Among those also present were 'A'.M.'s of various Masonic Lodges; the mat rou of Hie Institute (Mrs llenniker) and the six orphan girls who are at pre sent in the Institute. An apology fur absence was read from R.W. Bro. !.)• McNicoi (1.0.1. who is absent from \'el son. The proceedings opened with prayer by Chaplain Bro.' J. McNeil, foliowed'hy the hymn "Lead Kindly Light." IMPRESSIVE ADDRESS

R.W. Bro. ,1. Steer delivered the following expressive address: "The home that we are declaring open tr-day is. by the terms expressed in the will of our late esteemed Brother Samuel Kirkpnlrick to he founded on similar lines as the Loyal Masonic In st it lit o tor girls in England. The Masonic Society is not. a friendly society, benevolent or charitable- institution, but. it unfortunately happens through circumstances over whie.ii we have no control, of sickness, after long illness, and death-—-leaves children fatherless in more or less precarious and destitute circumstances. Brother Kirkpatriek realising this, and with Hie liberal hospitality which has characterised Ids actions to those dependent upon him. and those in his employ, has left the residue of his estate, approximately £50.000. together with this beautiful home with its pleasant surroundings, for the housing and education of girls left in this unfortunate position. This home, which is the first of its kind in the Dominion. is not in any way to be looked upon as a charitable institution. It is to be a home where young girls of from six to

14 years of age are admitted, cared and provided for and given as liberal an education as may be enjoyed by their more fortunate sisters who have the blessings still left to them of their parents. In their younger years the children wiil receive tuition in the several very line schools in the city and after at the Girls/ College. Any' child ..lisplaying marked ability will have that ability fostered, and musical I'acilites are provided with an efficient tutor. A thorough course of domestic training will be given, as well as shorthand, typewriting, and commercial training, and generally they will he fitted to take their place in the world with all the educational advantages that it is possible to give them. As time goes on and their training is completed, situations will be found for them by the various Brethren in New Zealand, whose duty will be to see that their future, life is guarded with jealous care. .Mothers need have no fear or foreboding as to the child's welfare. Mrs llenniker. the matron, is a lady of wide experience, who will be responsible for the children being brought up in a loyal atmosphere, their moral and religous training wiil receive especial care, and generally Hie facilities, and advantages thai they will enjoy will equal that of the most favoured. Holidays at Christmas will be given, when the children may return lo their own ho'iues for a short period, expenses of travel being provided. On their .arrival at the home clothing and pocket money will be provided. It is the wish of the Board that the children come into the Home with nothing and to accept the full responsibility there and thee, for their future welfare. The Home at present is only in its initial -stage, beds being provided for twelve; but as the testator has left ample funds for the expansion, plans are already prepared and building will be undertaken as soon as the likely number of children seeking the advantage of the home is ascertained. It may be thought advisable to extend the'fa'eiiities of the home in the future by admitting daughters of Masons whose mothers are dead; but according to the will of our late Brother this is not possible.; but. if this is necessary we have already received the assurance of our brethren of practically all the lodges throughout- the Dominion that- their financial support can be relied upon. As aptly expressed by a member of the Board last evening, we to-day are only planting the acorn, which as time goes on will grow to the mighty oak. whose sheltering branches will be the Masonic Lodges throughout the Dominion to' foster and care for Hie orphan daughters of its members and give them the full educational advantages so as to fit them to till their place" and do their part- as loyal, industrious and worthy citizens of the Empire." "0 Cod our helo in ages past" was sung; followed bv addresses bv R.W. Bro. A. O. Siirimpton ; W.Bro'. K. B. Fleming; Bro. H. Atmore. M.B. ; Bro. W. Lock. 'Mayor of Nelson. The hymn "Praise God. from Whom all blessings flow" was heartily joined in ; after which Chaplain Bro.' Rev. .1. McNeil offered up prayer, followed by Public Grand Honours' "All Glory to the iMfwt High" given three times.

I HOME DECLARED OPEN fn declaring the Home open R.W. Pro. Steer said : "'ln the largeness of their hearts many will try .-in,! do kindnesses to the children. (.Sifts of frniu. vegetables. iio.'lcs and such like will he always acceptable to the institution; but individual gilts tn Ihe children must lie guarded against. We wish nil to he on the one level, with the same facilities, same advantages and same opportunities. And now Brethren, in Ihe name of the deal Architect of the Universe 1 declare this home open for the admission of children in terms of the will of our kite Rii . Samuel Kirkpatrick." When the doors were open "Cod Save Ihe King" was sung, and the six inmates, followed by the Malrr.n. then entered the building: after which the gen. era! public viewed the institution, and were highly gratified with the fine promises provided. W.R. Pro. St.-er. before Ihe proceed ings concluded, thanked Pros. C Mil lier, C. M. Simpson, mid li. Man.scn. the iocal members nf the Board, for the work they had done; also Pro. C. Reaper foi' giving his services its architect in connection with the alterations to the Home. Pro. Steer said il was his privilege as D.O.M. to grant honours for special work performed, and he was pleased to appoint Pro. ( . I.caper. I'D. Ci!rami Snperinlondeni of Works. He also thanked t l "a workmen generally