NOT SUPPORTED

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12252, 25 September 1925, Page 9

NOT SUPPORTED

HOMES FOR YOUNG GIRLS “NOT A CROTCHETY HOBBY.”(By Telegraph—Special to “Times.”) AUCKLAND. September 24. “I think it remarkable, and also deplorable, that after 2000 years of Christianity we have to place arguments before Christian people before we can get some support, whereas we 6hould have tile sympathy of the whole community,” so said Canon H. Mason in speaking of lack of interest in St. -Mary’s homes at Otahuhu at the annual meeting of members and subscribers. “Some good Christian people have an impression that St. Mary’s homes aio a crotchety hobby of meddling with ungrateful and. vicious girls. I want to -.ontradict this, and tell you that in 20 years’ experience of the homes l have never come across more than two really vicious girls. Those who have been, and are in the homes at present are all good girls, the unfortunate victims of gross cruelty and neglect. If the people knew the real truth I am «ure that they would accord us better support. There are some girls who should never be in the homes. Girls who should really be in good Christian homes. They are comparatively innocent girls, and certainly not vicious. The work that is being done in the homes IS truly wonderful work, and some remarkable results have been shown.”

HAPPILY MARRIED Canon Mason gave an instance of the good work that was being done. Onlv recently an inmate of the home on leaving the institution had an opportunity of going to England, her native land, but refused the trip as she wanted to remain in Auckland and look after her baby. Some time after her release she called on Canon Mason at Howick, and told him that a young man had proposed to her. Acting on ins advice she informed her young mail of her past life, and even this did not deter him. Later she brought him to see Canon Mason. “He was certiinlv a rough diamond, hut a thoroughly decent young man,” said Canon Mason, “but now they are happily married, and both are going to church regularly every Sunday. That will show you the results of the teaching of our homes.” “Who are responsible for those unfortunate girls who are in our homes?” asked the Rev. G. C. Cruickshank. “We all are,” he said, by way of reply to liis own question. “Are we not failing in our efforts by endorsing the flippancy of modern thought. We should teach our girls to have some respect and regard for themselves and also for young men. We should arrest this appalling flippancy, the positively degrading clothing worn, the powdered and painted cheeks, ‘spotting’ and jazzing. Flappers are silly enough, but when we think of the old women doing it, it is much worse, and I may tell von it is not ‘cricket.’ We can all do'someihing to help. It is not the people who set the pace in jazzing, ‘spotting,’ and dressing.who help those who have fallen It is always the person with the highest character who. helps and has most sympathy.”