SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9797, 22 July 1893, Page 6 (Supplement)

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL.

The annual meeting of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was held in St. Joseph's Schoolroom on Wednesday evening. The president (Mrs A. J. Ferguason) occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance. The following report was read: — The president and officers of the Society of Sfc Vincent de Paul, in presenting the report for the year, desire to thank all those who have helped on the work of the society by their donations, either in money, clothing, coal, or reading matter, or who have by their kind, services helped in any way to make the undertakings of the members a There are at present 258 hon. members on the roll of the year and 14 active ones. The work of collection, which now falls so heavily on a few, would be more equally divided by the addition of some active members j also by such addition the poor could be more frequently visited, more Bewing done, and, in short, all the practical works enjoined by the spirit of the society could be more fully carried, out. Of course the work of active membership entails some little self-denial, but surely the thought that "even a cup of cold water given in His name shall not be unrewarded" would incite us to work cheerfully for the poor He loved so well. It will therefore be seen how gladly new members, both honorary and active, will be welcomed by the society. In anticipation of the greater distress of the winter months, the society decided to hold their annual concert for 1893 a little before the usual time; thereby they were enabled to have funds in hand to meet the;heavier work and more frequent calls during the cold season. And hero we desire to thank those who have given such generous donations of coal, for during this period of sickness warmth is more than usually necessary. The receipts for the year have been £234 4s 6d and the expenditure £226 IBs, the items of which are appended. During the year nine children have been sent to St. Mary's Orphanage, Nelson, the society paying their fares by steamer. It is to be hoped that this work may commend itself to those who take an interest in poor and often neglected children. We would take the present opportunity to thank Messrs Callan and Gallaway, who have so kindly given their services on behalf of children brought before the court. We feel sure that all present ■will appreciate these kind services, which have in all cases been given gratuitously. It has been our privilege to send four penitents to the shelter of Mount Magdala, where they are being taken every care of by the nuns of the Good Shepherd.: There have also been five baptisms brought about by the zeal of members. As in previous years, the Hospital and Benevolent Institutions have been visited, and books and newspapers distributed to the patients. Also visits have been made to the homes of the poor during the year, and in their interests generally. The society particularly wish to thank the bishop and clergy for their practical help (in the midst of their many and arduous duties) in furthering the work of the members. The following ladies have been appointed office-bearers for the ensuing year .-—President, Mrs Fergusson ; vice-president, Mrs Connor; treasurer, Mrs Woods; hon. secretary, Mrs Cantwell; wardrobe keeper, Mrs Barnes. Meetings during year, 49; visits, 1057; Mount Magdala, 4 ; Nelson Orphanage, 9; baptisms, 5; active members on roll, 14; honorary, 258; grocery orders, 441; coal, 77. In addition to above, six tons of coal (donation) has been given away. List of articles given awayduring theyearending July 19,1893:—91 pairs boots, 102 petticoats, 70 dresses, women's and children's; 48 undergarments, do do; 111 stockings, do do, 65 men's trousers and coats, second; 55 underftannels, new; 15 vests, 54 singlets, 6 boys' suits, second ;16 jackets, 35 new overalls, 23 new aprons, 10 pairs blankets, 2 pairs new sheets, 2 new quilts, 4 ulsters, Becond; 9 new night-gowns, 52 shirts, men's and boys'; 54 yards calico, unmade ; 29 do flannel do; 9do print, do ; 2 capes, 1 cloak, new; 1 shawl, new; 4 yards tweed, 2 ulsters, new; 8 bonnets and hats, 4 boys' Ruits, new ; 6 towels, new; 4 large panels mixed clothing, 1 box tea 10 dozen eggs, 121b sugar, 1 table, 3 chairs, 2 bedsteads, 2 mattresses, and various articles of furniture; also a number of prayerbooks, rosaries, &o. Nourishment: Wine, fruit, soup, cake, beef tea, custard, &c, &c.

On the motion of Rev. Father Lynch, seconded by Mr D. W. Woods, and suppsit:d by Mr J. J. Connor, the report was adopted. ■