ROSLYN DORCAS SOCIETY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9512, 22 August 1892, Page 4

ROSLYN DORCAS SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of the Hoslyn Dorcas Society was held in the Council Hall, lioslyn, on Thursday evening. The boisterous state of the weather interfered with the attendance of the members and friends of the society. The Rev. 11. 11. M. Sutherland was voted to the chair, and the Rev. Mr Bannerman opened the proceedings with prayer. The report of the committee was read by Mr Joseph Early (secretary), and Mrs If. Livingston (treasurer) reported as to the revenue and expenditure for the year. Both reports were adopted, and the thanks of the society accorded to the officebearers and committee of the past year, j Mr Sutherland having referred to the good done by the society that had come under his notice, and indicated how in his opinion larger support might be obtained by it, and thereby more good be done by it, the following were elected office-bearers and members of committee for the ensuing year, viz.:—Mrs Bannerman, president; Mrs M.'Govern, vice-president; Mrs 11. Livingston, treasurer; Miss Early, secretary; and as members of committee— Mesdames Begg, Bain, Burrows, Sweetlandn, and Miss Cullender. After a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting closed with prayer. The report read as follows :— Your committee, in presenting their sixth report, thank the members of the society for the support received from them during Hie jiast year. They regret that the number of subscribers has not been equal to that of previous years, resulting in a diminished income and in lessened assistance (,'ivan to the deserving needy in the district. However, no fewer than 20 separate families, numbering over 70 souls, have had pressing necessities relieved through tho help afforded by the society. That help has taken, as usual, the form of a supply of groceries, meat, provisions, coals, clothing, blankets, bedding, &c, according as the circumstances of each recipient family required. 1 hese circumstances have been inquired into in each ease by members of committee, on whose report, when favourable, assistance has been granted to relieve the necessity of the hour, iho society is intended to meet only temporary necessity, and not to provide permanent support to any. It has for its object only to give bucli help as may tide the deserving poor iv the neighbourhood over a present pressing necessity.' At the best it 13 but limited assistance the society can give, but what has been given lias been gratefully received, and the kindness of subscribers in maintaining the society appreciated and acknowledged. Cases have come under tho notice of your committee in connection with which they would gladly have given larger and longer continued assistance had the funds at their disposal allowed. As similar cases may occur in the future, tlmy trust that an increased membership may be secured, and thereby an enlarged revenue be received by the incoming committee, whereby they may be enabled more satisfactorily to meet such cases of pressing need as may occur during their year of ollice. The committee desire to thank the collectors, who have with great regularity visited their several districts, and been so largely instrumental in giving effect to the objects of the society; also those residents in Roslyn who, 111 addition to their monthly subscription, have made donations of food and clothing, mattresses and bedding during the year. The committee would gladly see this good example followed by others, as by such donations tho purpose for which the society exists is greatly furthered, as hitherto the society has been conducted .pn thoroughly unsectarian principles, help having been given irrespective of nationality or creed, io be in need has been the one condition to receive tho sympathy and help of your committee. To help the needy is a great Christian duty, and not a duty only but a privilege also. In this light it is essential that all should regard the opportunity given them to assist in the work of this society. In conclusion, the committee would acknowledge the kindness of the mayor and council of lioslyn in granting them free of charge, the use of their hall for the monthly meetings of the committee and tho society's annual meeting. The balance sheet showed the income to have been L 45 18s 3d, and the expenditure L 42 9s 4d, leaving a balance of L 3 8s lid to begin this year with.