A NATIONAL MEMORIAL TO DR BARNARDO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13449, 24 November 1905, Page 10

A NATIONAL MEMORIAL TO DR BARNARDO.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,--As an immediate consequence oi the universally .lamented death of Dr Barnartlo, the responsibility of continuing his great work now devolves upon the council of tho Homes which he originated, and which for many years he controlled with such marvellous success. Tho council has received many suggestions as to tho founding of an adequate memorial to tho great philanthropist, and it has come to (ho conclusion that such a memorial should bo at onco in its scope and a fitting continuance of his labours in its character. May wo beg for admission to your columns in order to solicit the assistance of your readers 'in bur efforts towards the attainment of this object? It has already been decided by tho council that tho several institutions under its government shall again, and for the future, bo known under their original title of "Dr Barnardo's Homes," so that tho name of the founder may be inseparably associated with his work.

Her Majesty tho Queen, in a most gracious message of- condolence on tho death of Dr 33arnardo, " that great philanthropist, whoso existence was devoted to alleviating the sufferings of all -poor and forsaken children," prays "that his splendid life-long work may* l>c kept up as an everlasting tribute to his memory." Tho council feels that in this suggestion her Majesty expresses tho feelings of all who have supported the institutions. A memorial sehemo is called for; and surely tho most fitting recognition of Dr Barnardo's unique services to tho State and to humanity would bo the establishment of his life-work upon a permanent basis. The council feels assured that such a form of memorial would have had the hearty approval of Dr Barnardo himself. The Homes which ho founded appeal lo 110 scctional interest, but to the whole Empire. During tho past, fortnight Roman Catholic has joined witli Protestant, and Churohman with Nonconformist in an unbroken chorus of regret and sympathy. At tho time of Dr Barnardo's death his Homes had grown to a Nationaj Clearing llouso for Waifdom and Destitution. 12,182 applications wore made at their doors during tho course of last year. Tho Jewish children among tho applicants woro transferred lo the care of the Jewish Board of Guardians, and the Roman Catholic children wore passed on to bo cared for by their co-religionists; whilst for others suitable local or sectarian homes were provided whenever it was possible. Tho residue whom there was none to help—the absolutely destitute and friendless—were promptly admitted as members of the gigantic homestead of 140 branches, which are now peopled by 8400 boys and girls. Of these, 1300 belong to the helpless class—such as cripples, or the diseased, deformed, halt, lame, blind, and incurable.

How wisely and on what broad lines Dr Barnardo dealt with his mighty family is well known. For all alike thore has been warm-hearted practioal religious training. Industrial and technical schools were established for the able-bodied boys, and efficient domestic education was given to the girls. From the flower of the flock drafts were sent out yearly to Canada and tho colonies; where now 17,470 of these sometime waifs are helping to uphold tho Empire beyond tho seas, and among these, as tho Commissioner of Emigration for Canada, recently testified, less than two in a hundred have in any way brought discredit 011 themselves or the institutions. The. Homes have been pioneers in regard to boarding-out. Over 3000 of their protegees are living in country cottages, quietly growing up in healthy surroundings, and far removed from the dangerous and demoralising life of the slum. The total number of children rescued, trained, and placed out in life by tho Homes up to the 3tst. December. 1904. was 55.962.

The council feds that it comes Ijeforo the public with a very strong case when it asks for the financial support necessary in order to carry on the Homes upon the same principles as have hitherto proved so remarkably successful, tnd to do this both as a, memorial to the founder and aa supplying a great, national need. Dr Barnardo laboured not only for the present but also in constant, view of future requirements. The past incomo has sufficed for maintenance, hut not for brielcs and mortav: and hence has arisen a burden of mortgage, a. banker's overdraft, and other financial liabilities which, in the best interests of. the work, should be promptly extinguished. Tlio liabilities now existing may bo summarised as follow:— Mortgages, £100.500; special loans, £V 2,000; Canadian liabilities, £H,OOD; tradesmen's accounts, builders' contract?, bills pavable : interest created on morhra°'es. £99.700; and overdraft at bank, £22,800;— a total of £24-9,0(10. Against this amount must be placed as a set-off the value of the buildings, which, according to recent valuation, form an asset well in excess of all liabilities.

To placo the future of the I-liomes in aposition of security tlio council asks for a. National Mnmoriii! Fund oF £?50,000. and it earnestly commends this appeal not only to all who love little children, but to all Who arc concerned for the welfare of the Empire and for the continuance of this crcat undertaking of organised rescuo for the benefit, of so many future citizens.

Dr Harnardo laid the foundations of the Homes broad and deep. He did so, in a very real sense, at the cost of his own life, for" lie shortened his days by unremitting labour,

His abilities as an organiser would cortainlv have placed him at the head of anv business to which, he might baw_ devoted himself. Yet be did not die a. rich man, and it is only just to his memory to state that from t.hc foundim of the institutions in 18W> and until 1883 Dr Barnardo served the Homes in an honorary capacity, his money indeed following bis heart, for he himsolf contributed to their funds, Ho maintained himself by bis private medical practice and by his pen. Tn 18 Q 3. owing to the failure of an a<tent, be appealed to l is committee to give him more time in which to develop his medical practice as a means of private income, and lie promised that a co-director should be appointed so as partially to set him free. Tlio committee, reoognisin? Di' Barnardo's unique abilities, thereupon engaged the whole of bis services, and arranged to pav him £600 a year, Dr Barnardo reluctant lv gave up his title of honorary director: but he never ceased to regret, bis old relations wit-li the Homes, and ciuito recently ho gave notice that ho would in future accept only a much smaller sum. It, should lie added that the accounts of the Homes from tho year 1867 have been lcent bv professional accountants, all moneys and accounts being dealt with. 111dependcntlv of Dr Barnardo. by Messrs Carter, Clay, and Lintott, chartered accountants. Whilst the year's accounts are further subjected to a. separate examination and audit by the well-known firm cf Messrs Turnuand. Youngs, and Co., whose certificate is appended to each annual report. . . Contributions, either large .or small, in aid of this proposed national memorial should bo sent ill without, delay to the treasurer. Mr Howard Williams, at the head offices of the Homes as bclow.-A\e arc, Sir. your obedient servants, Brasset, President. AVjt. Bakf.ii, Chairman of Council. How \p.d Williams, Treasurer. ' Head Offices of Dr Barnardo's Homes, 18 to 26 Stepney Causeway, London, K October, 1905.