GOOD SAMARITANS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14440, 5 February 1909, Page 2

GOOD SAMARITANS.

NEW MEN'S MI.SRION-lIorSE. Number 46 Filloul street is a house with a history. It has in its time been used :i5 ;i public-house, known as the Liverpool Arms. Yesterday afternoon it was opened as a, Mission-house for Men. Downstairs is a social room, a dining-iooin, the otike of the Key. V. (!. Bryan King, and the caretaker's quarters, while above are several small bcdrcom.s, ami the meeting room of the local branch of the ISrotliorhood of St. Andrew. i'lie opening ceremony was performed by his lordship the Primate (Bishop Nevill), and among Iho clergy pitsent. were Archdeacon Neild, Archdeacon Could, Dean I''itchott, Canon King, the Keys. .1. C. G. Cellie, V. C. I'.iyan King, and il. Pa rata. The laity was represented by a number of ladies and gentlemen, who tilled the ground lloor of the building and overflowed to the pavement outside. His liordtilnp said he felt certain thaiall present recognised this as a most interesting and important occasion on account of the kind of work it was intended to carry out, and he trusted thai manifestations ol sympatliy would continue to increase as time went on. 'jhey were beginning to move towards the further development of that work which the Church existed to perform. In time gone by this young diocese had been obliged to coilline its energies to erecting churches and schools, but, though this wort; had not been completed, it now felt itself in a position to begin upon other asi.-eeis of tiie same work, lie wished everyone to understand that the work of the Christian Church was the establishment of the kingdom of Cod. The first step ww> the building, of churches. Tlioy had to love God with all their hearts and with all their minds, and to love their brethren as themsehes; and a very important part- of the duty of the Churcli was to devise organisations to plant the kingdom of God. It was as well to have a separate place for those whom circumstances had estranged from religion and could not lie easily met with. They had, therefore, set up this house called

"The -Men's .Mission." Kxccllcnt work had been done by the devoted ones in charge of the institution for women, and good work hud also Ikhmi done in gaols and hospitals by the Itev. V. Bryan King, and to his energy the opening of this present building was mainly due. It was » great comfort, to recognise the glowing up of a band of young men who were anxious to fulfil thjr obligations to the Church of Christ, in England, America, in fact everywhere, were lo be found numbers of young men considering it their duty to devote their lime, energy, and ability to forwarding the kingdom of God ill this world. J'he Brotherhood of St. Andrew hail been begun in America, had spread to Knghiml. and now had branches in this dicec.-o, and it would be iwrfly under its auspice.-* that this work would be carried out, ami the Brotherhood would make this house the headquarters for its operations. The Brotherhood would help them ill their finance, and trusted to the generosity of the Christian people of Duncdin io carry it to a successful ifcue. They hail already received substantial evidence of lire kind-beiirl-edness of the [K-uplc. and much of the furniture of the house had been provided by tradesmen of the city. Tin; rent, at anyralc up to next year, had been secured by subscription, am! other subscriptions hud been niiwl by Dr llocken and Mr Rrcnl. The commonce-iiu-nt had been most hopeful. He hoped the movement would not- be spasmodic, but a. continued effort. There were sad instances of lapses on the part of young men as well as of young women. The first false step had led to the downward course, and it was proposed to seek such out, to encourage them to make, tins house their refuge, and to make a fresh start in life. When they thought of what had already been accomplished by the Rev. Vincent P.ryan King, they should thank Gcd for the good work that he hud been enabled to do. All the clergy, lie believed, had been inspired by a knowledge of that work.

His ■ Worship the Mayor (Mr J. M'Donakl) expressed his pleasure at being present. It was easy to fa'l, and if the mission was the means of redeeming one l>oor soul it would move than repay them. Dr llockon regarded the presence of such a number of warm-heart cd ladies as an auspicious omen. This movement deserved the sympathy and support of every citizen. If was not confined to the

Anglican body, a.nd would he conducted on tho lines believed in by the kite Mr Torrance. In the Rev. Vincent Bryan King he believed Mr Torrance had a. worthy successor. He had listened to his address at the recent. Synod, and it was with a sense of choking that he had heard him speak. Dr Uocken concluded by wishing him and the movement every success, and reminding hearers that the mission would be glad to receive any sum to fnrtheir this great, movement. Archdeacon Gould apologised for the. absence of clergy unable to be pie.-ent, and drew attention to a list, of necessaries required. Everything had been procured by means of voluntary contributions. There had been no grant of any kind. When people were anxious to do good and dill not quite know how to do it, h:« would ask them lo remember the Men's Missionhouse.

Mr A. Washer, a. member of the Brotherhood, said that many young men felt that the Church was neglecting the social part of life, l.'nless the Church found occupation for the young men they would be oil' to some other organisation. This place had lieen skirted in a small way. lie ]«>- lieved in small beginnings and steady im-

provomont, and. lie could assure them that this movement, had come to stay, lie wished to say that the house was entirely

in charge of the Jtev. V. 15. King. As fo gifts, bedding and matt roses were the principal- things required. Mr F. G. Gumming (Patients anil Prisoners' Aid Society) said that anything he could possibly do" to assist the movement would bo a pleasure and a delight. The Bishop then declared the lien's Mirsion-house open, and the proceedings, which had opened with a. hymn and prayers by Archdeacon Xeikl. closed with the benediction, pronounced by his Lordship.