THE PROPOSED ADJUNCT TO THE FEMALE REFUGE. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 3923, 12 September 1874, Page 3

THE PROPOSED ADJUNCT TO THE FEMALE REFUGE. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir.—You say in your first lender this morning that " some energetic and philanthropic ladies tltsire to create an Orphanage, where the merest infants—children of prostitutes of all classes—might he taken in while their unfortunate mothers were at the Female llefuge." I question whether this is a fair statement of the purpose upon which these ladies are set. It is well known that unfortunate girls are of two classes - those who make a trade of vice, and those who fall but o>icc and suffer so much the more. For the former, the Kefuge offers an opportunity of amendment. The latter are a distinct body, with some sense of shame, and much more promise of reform, ft is difficult to treat them together. And the true method of helping such is to find a rest for the mother and child for a few days after she leaves thfl Hospital - while slip can look about for employment to support herself and her child Afterwards little more will he necessary than to keep an eye upon her conduct, ami let her foal she has ready friends in any sudden emergency. You are certainly mistaken in confounding such cases with ordinary prostitution, though they may he tumbling on the brink of that sad depth—the ladies' proposal is suggested hy the actual difference. You are also mistaken in supposing the mothers would be kept at the Refuge in the meantime ; it is, on the contrary, desired to keep them out of it aud so foster their self respect. The question still remains whether such a philanthropic purpose justifies a separate home, and the support of Government. Though lam sure you are wrong in.your exposition of the proposed scheme, I am glad to agree with you heartily iv reprobating all Government aid tor the purpose, and my acquaintance with a similar institution in Marylebone, London, convinces me that so long as possible, such cases ought to he dealt with not only apart from the thoroughly depraved, hut apart from one another, e;>ch upon its own merits.

Further objections to this fresh Refuge lie in the fact that to organise a scheme first is not the true method. Let the work he done in single cases, and gradually, as experience grows, the movement will organize itself, and whatever is done in so delicate a manner should bo done in the most retired quiet way. This part of the Kingdom of Jesus " cometh not with outward show." We are glad anyone cares for these unhappy ■women. Tliey have, if working in the right way, every prospect of success. It is hut the 'single crime which brings remorse," and not " the sin which burns into the blood," they have to deal with. The intense sympathies of a mother's love for her child are on their side, and the good help of "the Friend of sinners'' is with all endeavour for our "fallen sisters," wl'ich is both tender and wise.—l am, &c, Jos. Uitox Davis. Dunediii, Sept. 11th. [We are obliged to the Rev. Mr Davis for the explanation he hu.s given. Presuming that he sp<!aks with authority, we are sorry to think that we have in some respect misunderstood the nature of the details of the proposed scheme for establishing an orphanage. —En. O. D. T.]