SHELTER FOR MEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20024, 14 August 1928, Page 10

SHELTER FOR MEN.

PREMISES AT PARNELL. _ 9 OVER 100 BEDS OCCUPIED* Striking evidence of the use being made of the men's shelter in Parnell was given by Canon C. H. Grant Cowen in an address at yesterday's luncheon of the Auckland Rotary Club. Canon Grant Cowen outlined briefly cS tain social works being carried on in the city, and said the conduct of the shelter had proved one of the largest tasks undertaken this winter. "Most of you will agree that this winter has been the worst for many years, for unemployment has been rife," he said. "However, those in a position to know assure us there nro signs of an improvement."

Tlioso in charge tried to make the shelter something more than a mere lodging-house, and had endeavoured to givci it the atmosphere of a home. On the opening night last month 37 men wero accommodated, but last Saturday and Sunday there were 106 men in the shelter each night. These wore provided with beds ant' supper as well as breakfast before they left in the morning to look for work. About 50 per cent, of those now being cared for in the shelter had come to the city from the country. The original cost of providing the beds, blankets and sheets—some of the men had never before slept in sheets —was £3OO. The shelter cost £25 a week to run. Altogether 700 men were provided with 1400 meals each week, and they were able to provide each man with a bed and two meals for sixpence. In addition, many men had been provided with boots and clothing. "There arc some permanent boarders, but at least 80 per cent, of the men are really genuinely anxious to secure work," Canon Grant Co\ven added. "Our one great aim is to give them new heart. After all, our fight fails if we lose heart, and if you and I had to tramp Auckland for weeks almost begging for meals we would soon lose courage. The shelter will not remain open after the end of September, as with the return of the milking season v a great many men will trek into the country. We do not want people to think it is a pei'manent boarding house."