ORPHAN HOME, PARNELL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10430, 30 April 1897, Page 3

ORPHAN HOME, PARNELL.

The SDDuat meeting of subscribers and friends interested in the work carried on bj the Home Trust Board (Parnell), was held in the schoolroom attached to the institution last) evening. There was a good attendance present, including several ladies, the Rev. Canon Nelson presiding. The annual report (the thirty-sixth), which was read by the hon. secretary, Mr. J. B. Gil. fillan, stated that at the close of the financial year just ended (March 31st) then remained in the Home 60 children as against 67 in the previous year. The decrease is due to the facb that three children have, during the year, been placed out at service, and 10 removed by relative?, while only eiz have been admitted during the 12 months. .Theincomefortheyearexceededtheexpenditure by f 30, the most noticeable increases it

thU connection showing under the heads ol subscriptions, donations,and maintenance; there being in the latter an item of £60, recovered for the maintenance for some yean of children who have now been removed

from the Home. While gratifying, id will be noticed that tho increase is required tc compensate for the decrease in interest! for the year, which has fallen away no less than £109, a serious loss to the income. Thanks are due to Dr. Robertson for his services as honorary medical officer, to the ladies' committee for supervising the management of the home, to Sunday-schoolteachers, to the Rev. George Mac Murray for weekly religions instruction, and co Mrs. Goodhue for conducting the annual examination. During the holiday season between December and January the children again camped out under canvas at Motntapu for six weeks, and the thanks of the Board are due to Messrs. Reid Brothers, who did all within their power to add to the children's emjoytnant j also to tho Devonport Ferry Company for a special steamer to and from the island, and Messrs. W. and G. Winstone for waggons for the luggage, Mr. J. Martin for conveyances to and from the wharf, and the lion, the Defonce Minister for the use of the tents.

The statement of accounts submitted by the hon. treasurer (Mr. Walker) showed the income for the year to be £1053 163 and the expenditure £10:23 11s lid ; leaving a credit balance of £30 4s Id. Tho healthy condition of the institution ia shown in the fact that only £8 appears under the heading medicine.

In speaking to the adoption of the report and account*, the Chairman, after complimenting the Board on the year's work and the position of the funds, pointed oat that in the near future it would ba uecessary t< erect a substantial new building in the place of the present one, which was some thirty-six or seven years of age, and rapidly falling into a state of decay. In carrying out this some scheme would have to b< formulated and the public approached for assistance, when he felt that no doubt they would most willingly respond in the assistance of a cause so good. Mr. T. W. Doonin, the only present member of the Board who was associated with the institution since iti inception by Archdeacon Lloyd, seconded, and spoke in a similar strain. The report end accounts were then unanimously adopted. Officers for the entuing year were elected as follows:—Board of management, Capt. W. Fraeer, Messrs T. W. Doonin, J. B. Gilfillan, T. Russell, Robert Walker, W. S. Whitley. Auditors, Messrs. E. Waymouth and C. A. Jonas.

The prizes won by the children were distributed by Mrs. Nelson, at the conclusion of which it was iutimated that the honorary secretary, Mr. J. B. Gilfillan, and Mrs. Gilfillan intended giving additional prizes for both boy« and girls during the ensuing year. Vote« of thanks were passed to the ladies' committee, the hon. medical officer (Dr. Roberton), the examiner (Mrs. Goodhue), the hon. secretary (Mr. J. B. Gilfillan), the hon. treasurer (Mr. Walker), and the chairman, special reference being made to the services of the hon. secretary and treasurer. At the dose of the meeting those present were shown over the Home, and light refreshments were provided and handed round by the members of the ladies' committee.