DARKEST LONDON,

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13744, 8 May 1908, Page 7

DARKEST LONDON,

THE REV.;- J. FLANAGAN'S WORK.

The magnitude of the miss-ion work that is carried on in "Darkest London" is shown by a few figures dealing with last year's operations of the South-east London Mission, the founder and superintendent. of which (Rev. James Flanagan) is at present on a visit to Auckland. The mission was founded by Mr. Flanagan 16 years ago, and from a small beginning it has grown to one of the most powerful of existing mission organisations. '•We touch life at every point," said Mr. Flanagan yesterday in speaking of his work to a representative of the Hkeai.b. "At the preseiit-Hime there are 45 active organisations engaged in attending to the social,' moral, and religious welfare of the people, who com© within miiv-range of work;" He proceeded 'to quote- figures, .which showed that during' last year 5230 poor/children and several huifltad widows and orphans had been taken Wv « holiday in the country, whilst 400 cripples and poor children had been enabled:to. visit the mission's home at Westclift'e-on-Sea. Meals and clothing or assistance in gaining employment were provided for ; over 22,000 needy persons, whilst 33,104 children found enjoyment in free breakfasts. Christmas festivals and other means of alleviating the hapless lot of unfortunate and afflicted humanity were also arranged for,, and the numbers participating in these benefits: also ran into several thousands. A lecture, illustrated with limelight representations of snapshots of scenes in connection with the work of the mission, will be given by Mr. Flanagan in the Pitt-street Church next Wednesday evening.