ST. MARY'S HOMES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22499, 17 August 1936, Page 11

ST. MARY'S HOMES

STATE AID URGED DEFICIT OF £2208 SHOWN GOOD WORK OF INSTITUTION State aid for the work of the institution, reinstatement of which has been periodically sought for the past six years, was again advocated at the 52nd annual meeting of St. Mary's Homes at Otahuhu on Saturday afternoon. Archbishop Avorill presided over a large attendance of supporters and friends of the, institution and members of the Trust Board. Reviewing the work of the Women's Home, founded in the city by Mrs. Cowie, to help unmarried mothers, the Rev. P. S. Smallfiekl, chairman of the Trust Board, reported that the growth of the city had brought about an increase in the work of the institution from one matron and about five inmates to 32 adult inmates, 42 children and a staff of 16. Since 1884 over 1000 inmates and over 1000 infants had received shelter in the homes. But for the homes the State, he said, would have had to make some provision for those assisted, but it could never have accomplished that which the Church had made practicable. No State aid had been given the homes since 1930, but it was hoped the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. K Parry, would give practical effect to an application for a Government subsidy, which was now before him. Serious Position Income for the year, the report added, totalled £1784, including £405 from subscriptions and donations, £326 from interest on investments, £523 from home fees and £2O from the Somervell Trust. Necessary expenditure, including £1217 for maintenance of and fcpairs to buildings, had been far in excess of income. The balance had to be made up by drawing on capital, and the deficit for the year was £2208. The seriousness of the position was obvious, it was stated, and the support of both Auckland ana Waikato church members was solicited. " In spite of difficulties, a remarkable service has been accomplished by the homes," said Archbishop Averill, who praised the principle of assisting women of any race, any religion, or no religion at all —" a Good Samaritan policy." He said they had just reason to seek the support of the Government, which they were relieving of a responsibility, and he held that it would be wise to support homes such as these. Moreover, it was his opinion that the Government, whose humanitarian principles he praised, would assist, especially if it were acquainted with knowledge of the additional burden resulting from the higher cost of living. Board Congratulated Archbishop Averill congratulated the Trust Board on its work, thanking particularly the Revs. P. S. Smallfield and R. J. Stanton, chaplain, Mr. J. E. Barton, secretary and treasurer; Sister Hannah and Mr. G. K. Grierson. He also spoke warmly of the services of the association and its organising secretary, Miss A. L. Wilson, it being reported that one new branch had been formed during the year at Manurewa. Formal business concluded, afternoon tea was served. Visitors were then conducted through the homes to inspect what was being accomplished in its various departments. Sunny, airy dormitories and recreation and medical rooms for the accommodation and treatment of adult inmates were features surprising most o* the visitors, who were further interested in the healthy, hygienic methods adopted in the care of children from infancy to the age of three years, as in the case of those left by their mothers in the Campbell Nursery. The chapel and nurses' quarters, as well as the extensive property on which the homes are situated, also added to the interest of the visit.