CHARITABLE WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19699, 27 July 1927, Page 12

CHARITABLE WORK.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL BODY.

DETAILS OF RELIEF ACTIVITY.

The biennial meeting of the Auckland council of the St. Vincent de Paul Society was held on Mbnday evening, Bishop Liston presiding. The reports of the various branches showed that during the past six months the average active membership of the society was 77, with an average attendance at weekly meetings of 71. One hundred and seventy-one families and an additional 466 individuals were relieved. Visits to the number of 604 were to the poor in their homes. The society provided 672 families with clothing. Lodging or meals were given to 187 men, and employment was found for 12, passages being paid for nine. Seamen to the number of 122 were visited on board ship, ■ 217 boys were supervised, and visits to hospitals, old peoples' homes and other institutions totalled 214, and m the course of these visits 874 books and periodicals were distributed. Eight maternity cases were assisted and medical aid obtained for a number of the sick. Receipts for the half-year totalled £450 and the expenditure was £382. A drive, organised by Bishop Liston, for clothing and blankets, 'met with a most generous response. Last Sunday the parishioners of St. Patrick's contributed £6B, and the parishioners of St. Joseph's, Grey Lynn, gave £42. In welcoming the representatives of the newly-formed branch at Dominion Road, Bishop Liston congratulated members of all branches on their excellent half-year's work, which was a notable example of true Christian charity. Branches represented at the meeting were St. Patrick's, Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Newton, Parnell, Remuera, Devonport, Ellerslie and Dominion Road. The Venerable Archdeacon Holbrook and the Rev. Father Skinner were among the clergy present.