CHURCH SOCIAL WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20669, 15 September 1930, Page 12

CHURCH SOCIAL WORK.

PRESBYTERIAN ACTIVITIES. RELIEF OF MUCH DISTRESS. TWO ORPHANAGES MAINTAINED. Tho work of tho various Auckland Presbyterian homes, orphanages, and social organisations during the past year is outlined in tho annual report of the Auckland Presbyterian Orphanages and Social Service Association. In a foreword, tho llev. George Iludd, chairman of the association, comments favourably upon the incorporation of Sister Esther's work with that of the association. Ho says the continued distress consequent upon unemployment led the association to open tho Manna House, which luid already mado an impression upon the public mind. Iho secretary, tho Rev. T. Ilalliday, reports that tho Leslio and Onehunga orphanages aro doing good work, and that the matrons and staffs are carrying out their duties in a very efficient manner. The chaplains of tho public hospital, mental hospital, infirmary, Knox Home, Veterans' Home and the Mount Eden gaol were also doing good servico for tho Church.

Tho matron of the Leslie Home, Miss E. Horten, states in htr report that there aro 54 children nt present in tho home, 35 girls and 19 boys. Of tho total, 42 attended the Meadow-bunk School, whero the teachers take a practical interest in them. The report states that there aro now 30 boys at the Onehunga Home. In reporting on her benevolent work at tho mission iu I'icton Street, Sister Esther states that over nino tons of groceries were purchased from>warehouses and distributed to tho sick and needy. During the season half a ton of apples were distributed weekly among tho children, whilo vegetables wore distributed almost every day, and fresh fish once a week. Tho missioa was assisting 1200 mothers and children, and also had on tho rolls 192 aged folk, many of whom were almost without friends pr relatives.

Tho balance-sheet for Sister Esther's benevolent fund shows that £1989 was received in voluntary donations during tho year and that £1444 was spent 011 relief work alone. Tho balance-sheet of tho association shows £1155 was received in donations, tho total income being £2450. The year's working ended with an excess of £lO4 of income over expenditure, which was transferred to tho capital accounts. Tho total income for tho year for tho I eslio Orphanage was £2342, of which donations accounted for £250.