SOCIAL SERVICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23490, 30 October 1939, Page 3

SOCIAL SERVICE

WORK OF SISTER ESTHER STATE HOUSING PROBLEMS DIFFICULTIES OF TENANCY The extent of the work carried on by Sister Esther on behalf of the Auckland Presbyterian Orphanages and Social Service Association is revealed in tho 2oth annual report of the association, with which is combined the 28th report of the Leslie Presbyterian Orphanage. "It would seem as though the Government's housing scheme will not benefit those who live in tho dilapidated houses in the narrow streets of our city, and tho grey, drab life of these people must continue in the same groove," states the report. "To secure a State house the tenant must bo in regular employment and have reasonably good furniture. We are sorry for tho motners and children, for they would appreciate modern conveniences such as a bath, copper and tubs, and electric light. It would bo good for hundreds of boys and girls to have a change into one of the suburbs where State houses are being built. Until this change is accomplished there will bo the necessity for all those who are now engaged in social work." .Reference to drinking, which it was stated was on the increase, is also contained in the report. For the past eight years the association had acted as parole officer for tho Auckland girls who were discharged from the Borstal Institution and, although there were intervals of anxiety concerning these girls, the work was enjoyed and was satisfactory.

The sum of £3696 in Social Security and maintenance allowances had passed through the office during the year, continues the report, which adds that some people were too infirm to collect their own, while others wore addicted to drink and needed supervision, and others again were of weak intellect and needed special care. About 400 parcels for Christmas cheer had been prepared last Christmas and 380 needy people were given a parcel. This was tho lowest number for 10 years, but there had been tho usual applications for food during Christmas and New Year until the employees returned to work and received their first week's pay.