WIDOWS' AND ORPHANS' FUND.

New Zealander, Volume 11, Issue 976, 22 August 1855, Page 2 (Supplement)

WIDOWS' AND ORPHANS' FUND.

To the Editor of the New Zealandeb.. Sin,—l have for some time thought of endeavouring to cull public attention to the necessity of originating such an institution as I am about to refer to. I have till now refrained from doing so from the fear that, if originated now, it might appear to conflict with the noble and laudable exertion now made to raise a liberal contribution in Auckland lo the aid of the "Patriotic Fund:" this fear cannot now exist, and I therefore no longer delay to call upon my fellow colonists of the, Province of Auckland to make a speedy and energetic effort to form an efficient and permanent society for the aid of the Widows and Orphans of our community. That such a society is heeded, who can doubt ? Wc know we have cases of widowhood and orphanage sometimes brought under our notice, and it is true that when such a case doe* become known, a temporary emergency arising therefrom seldom or never goes unprovided for:—but these cases are left to be discovered and brought under public notice by some one who will appropriate time to', and volunteer the honorable, but not always honored, oflico of a beggar in the cause of charity. I believe that to every unc of these cases which find some champion who will face theso difficulties, th re are at least three which are left unnoticed and nncarcd for, whilst those who have not suffered deprivation and poverty are praying for provision for the fatherless children and widow—but not caring to seek them out, and, even when brought before them,contenting themselves with providing for the first emergency—but leaving the after provision to come as it may. 'ViMlt su'.:h a society would meet support there is no fear. Who amongst us is there, who considering that he is not here as at home called ilpon (as there is no occasion), to assist-in the support of a "Free Hospital." an '' Orthopteciie," ox an " Opthalmio Hospital," a "Dorcas," a "Magdalene," a "Distressed Needlewoman's," or a " Governess's Institution," or

indeed any one of the hundreds <ff charitable institutions which exist ut home—-who is there, I say, who, considering he has riot opportunity to relieve t e distresses of his fellow creatures as others have in the mother country, would refuse or object—na.y—who would not rejoice to have the opportunity, to give his annual aid to such au one as 1 allude to, for which there is real occasion and sphere of usefulness ? How many who, having heaped up store of the good things of this life, when about to leave it for abetter would not rejoice to have such a channel through which they could smooth the path of life for those they left,behind ? How many, having made ample fortunes in the colony and about to return to ids native country to enjoy the fruits of his labour, would rejoiceat the exisien e of such an almonry of his testimony of gratitude to the land of his good fortunes. But, Sir, 1 need not say more, i feel satisfied that, the idea once broached, will have hundreds to take it up. I think the Ladies' Committee of the " Patriotic Fund" will not separate without taking the opportunity together to reflect upon the condition of the less fortunate of their sex, who are now, or who may hereafter be left without that provision for the morrow, which themselves would have—of little ones, perhaps now as bright, joyous, and chubby as their own loved ones, becoming homeless, emaciated, unclothed, uneducated on the loss of the parents who loved them as fondly as they love their own more fortunate ones. I think these ladies will feel their past work more hallowed, if they only quit it resolved to commence the new one of urging upon their husbands and their brothers to set about the establishment of such a society ; —to secure the attainment of which they have only to promise their own aid. And now, Sir, to bring this suggestion to a practical purpose : Lest, it should become one of those which is so much "every one's business that it may be nobody's." 1 propose that on not less than twelve persons expressing their willingness to co-operate in the establishment of such a society, iu notes addres sed to " II." care of Mr. Williamson, Bookseller, to act as convener of such persons, for the purpose of forming a Committee to undertake the preliminary business of its establishment. Yours, &e. IiIONIiVOI.KNCE.