SOCIAL SERVICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22211, 11 September 1935, Page 15

SOCIAL SERVICE

PRESBYTERIAN ACTIVITIES YEAR'S WORK REVIEWED r A wide range of activities in the service of needy sections of the community is described in the 21st annual report of the Auckland Presbyterian Social Service Association, which is combined with the 24th annual report of the Leslie Presbyterian Orphanage. The children in the orphan homes number 89, ranging in age from two to 15 years. A recurring problem was the finding of employment for those ■who gained proficiency certificates at school. Some of the boys who showed no adaptability for farming had been given employment with a city firm. An intensive Christian work was being carried on at the Edinburgh Street Hall, and 200 boys and girls were associated with the Sunday school and Bible classes there. At Avoca House, where Mr. P. S. Gleeson was still generously allowing the Social Service Association to carry on, between 2000 and 3000 free meals and bedis were supplied to men. Sister Esther, in her report, stated that there was much privation and suffering in the community, especially among middle-aged women who were not yet eligible for the pension, and men on sustenance. The sunshine committee of the Rotary Club had spent £'2oo through Sister Esther's office supplying food and firing to many necessitous homes, and in this way they helped to care for 78 children and 27 adults. In presenting the reports to a meeting of Presbytery last night, the superintendent, the Rev. T. Hallidav, said £2496 had been raised for the work of the association and £2OBO received from bequests. For Sister Esther's work £1661 had been contributed, making a total of £6237.