NOTABLE SOCIAL WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19809, 2 December 1927, Page 12

NOTABLE SOCIAL WORK.

ORDER OF GOOD SHEPHERD. SUCCESSFUL YEAR'S RESULTS, TRIBUTE TO THE SISTERS. The good influence exercised by the Order of the Good Shepherd in Auckland was emphasised by speakers at the annual meeting yesterday. Archbishop Averill presided over a fair attendance of those interested in the work. The report stated the outstanding event of the year was the consecration of the chapel by the archbishop. During the year sundry legacies had -been left to the order, but the exact sum was not yet known. However, the order would be able to clear all its debts, and all money given in future could be deVoted to current and progressive work.

The order now consisted of three fully professed sisters, and two novices, in addition to the assistance of many associates. The many practical works of mercy included callers at the Mission House' for all purposes from need of food and clothing, to need of spiritual advice and many other motives.

The balance-sheet disclosed a very satisfactory state of affairs. For the year ended March 31, there was a balance in the bank of £97 A striking feature of the balance-sheet were the figures relating to expenses and stipends, For the staff maintained these amounted to only £332.

Archdeacon Sirnkin said one of the most wonderful works of the order was the intercession offered by the 'sisters for all sorts of needs and all sorts of people. The influence which they had exercised in the lives of other people had always appealed to him. He only wished their number could be increased many times, for their influence would be one of the great forces in solving many of the social and other problems that faced them in New Zealand to-day. He hoped to see an increase in the sisterhood in the Dominion.

The economic manner in which the sisters carried out their work was alluded to by Canon Grant Cowen. It was really wonderful, reflecting their unselfish nature. In speaking of the work of the Order they might as well talk about Hamlet without his ghost as the Order without the sisters. To him the sisters had conjured up the memory of the lamplighters in the Old Land. Quietly they-went on their way with the lantern torch God had given them, ligthening burdens and bringing beauty into the city. ~ The chaplain, the Rev. W. E. Lush, said the Order owed £ISOO on debentures m connection with the erection of the building and it had the sum of £I3BO in hand so that it was possible to pay the debt off in a very short time. Archbishop Averill thanked the superior, Sister Hannah, and her sisters for the wonderful work they had accomplished during the year. They performed their noble duties so quietly, so unostentatiously, and withall so thoroughly. (Applause.) It was a matter for thankfulness and gratitude that they were able to produce such a favourable balance-sheet, especially in view of the expense incurred in the new building. The Order was the greatest power-house in the diocese, producing a continual stream of faith and intercession.

Archdeacon Simkin was added to the general committee.