GIRLS' ORPHANAGE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10206, 17 February 1919, Page 8

GIRLS' ORPHANAGE

OPENING- CEREMONY. . NEW HOUSE AT ISLAND BAY. The Presbyterian community -of Wellington has done good work in the practical side of religious effort by establishing, from the most modest • be-, ginning, magnificent homes for boys and :.girls left fatherless and motherless in the world. Beginning ten years ago without capital, but frith a big heart and the determination that is. characteristic of the Scot, they have now property worth JE15,000 and buildings for housing the orphan children that would be a credit to any organisation. The most recent enterprise of the Social Service department of the Presbyterian Church is the girls' orphanage at Derwent street, Island Bay, a beautiful homo on a commanding site. This was opened on Saturday afternoon, and a better day for the occasion could not have been desired. 'There was a mild breeze which, tempered the heat of the sun's rays, and from the hill on which the home stands the hifle water could be seen and. the white-winged yachts shooting across the strait. There was a large gathering of Presbyterians and their friends at the opening ceremony, which went off very happily. The proceedings opened with the Doxology, after which the Rev. J. H. Glasson led the meeting in prayer. The Rev. Dr Gibb then read apologies, for absence from Mrs M. A. Williams, the lion. J. G. W. Aitken (Moderator of the General Assembly), the Rev. A. B. Todd, and others. The orphanage children then sang "The Mothers of Salem," after which Mr W. M. Hanuay, .treasurer of the Social Service Fund, 'gave some interesting facts about the financial side of the work. The Rev. J. Kennedy Elliott gave an address, in which he dealt with the lot of women and , girls in various lands. His congregation, he said; had taken a keen interest in the work since its .inception. .During the time of tho epidemic a number of-orphanß had been let I to their care. Mr T. P. .Mills, the superintendent of the Sooial Service, and Sirs Mills, would be a father and mother to them. He paid a tribute to the work of Dr Gibb. who had initiated and directed the service of love for the children. He then declared the Girls' Orphanage open, and invoked the, blessing of God upon it. A collection taken up on the grounds realised nearly .£IOO, and there are promises of more donations to-..come in aid pf the home. The orphanage was then thrown open for inspection, and the visitors were highly pleased with the very satisfactory way in which everything had been Elanned. Such a home will be a great oon to tho children, who, tmfortunate enough to lose their parents, are yet fortunato in coming under the care of so practical and benevolent a body asthe men and women who are carrying on this truly Christ-like work. No praise can be too great for those who tako up the cause of the fatherless and motherless and who give practical effect to the truth that orphans are the ohildren of the community with, a moral claim on all who are. able to assist in rearing them in decency and comfort to be useful citizens. The visitors were given afternoon tea on the lawn below the orphanage, and tho Pipe Band of the Scottish Society enlivened tho gathering with the music of the mountaineers. Four-graceful little dancers. Misses Jean Jelley, Alice CampbelJ, Hori Needham, and Violet Campbell, gave a fine exposition of Highland dancing, which was much enjoyed. Mr Alex. Campbell, chief of the Scottish Society, and Mrs Campbell took an active interest in the afternoon's proceedings.