ANGLICAN BOYS' MEMORIAL HOME.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18998, 20 October 1923, Page 2

ANGLICAN BOYS' MEMORIAL HOME.

ANNUAL MEETING. j .The filth annual meeting of those associated with (he Anglican Memorial Home lor Esoys. situated at Anderson's Bay, was hold in the Y.M.C.A. rooms yesterday afternoon, Bishop Richards presiding. Ihe Chairman, in opening the meeting, commented upon the importance of the work, which, he said, was of the highest order. The balance siieet, showed that the institution iVas financial, and it was rather difficult to find an institution with a credit balance in the bank. For the financial position they were greatly indebted to the chaplain, Mr G. E. Moreton. Wherever t'Jr Moreton went he got . a - favourable response to hie appeal, which spoke, well for the people and for him. One person had said he never could refuse Mr Moreton. During last year there had been two substantial bequests— one of a block of land and the other of £IOOO. Wherever Mr "Moreton went he spoke of the work of the Church in general, and people I.new more about the work the Church was engaged in by this means than they used to know. As one responsible for bringing out Mr Gerard to the home, he would say that he did not think they could have made a better choice. The work ho did there was entirely the work they wanted. The children felt that they had something like home life. He did not know of any skeleton in the cupboard in connection with tho institution. The work must be developed, and everyone would realise that this development -was going on. Hr Williams, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, said be had to thank various persons to whom they were indebted. He would thank the subscribers, and particularly those in the country. He also wauled to thank Mr Moreton and the country clergy, because he knew that Mr Moreton was something of a power when lie got amongst the country people, and came back with something in his pocket. They ’ had )>enefited last year handsomely through two bequests which had been very acceptable. There was a necessity to enlarge the home. When requests had come front social .workers for (he admission of children they had had to he refused because the number in the homo could not. be exceeded. 'I bey did not want to refuse. They felt that they could deal with another 20 boys if thev had the accommodation for them. They felt it their duty to enlarge the home in some way. but that would be discussed by (lie committee, 'ihe farm which had been presented to them required developing. and in time to come it was hoped lo utilise it as a farm training home for boys. There was a continual complaint in regard to people corning from the country into the town, and perhaps they would be able to compensate for that in some degree. 'lhe Rev. C. B. Whethey seconded the motion, and expressed gratification at (he work done and at the thorough methods employed by Mr. Moreton, It seemed one of- the wonders of the Church just now to see what had been done in tho way of collecting. Tho motion was carried unanimously. Mf L. D. Ritchie said that looking backover the history of the home lie could not but feel that tho Church bad succeeded in their venture. The more he saw of the venture the more he felt drawn towards it. Mr Ritchie went on to refer to the spirit and atmosphere of home in the institution, and said that in Mr and Mrs Gerard and Mrs Jarman the subscribers had a staff of which they might well bo proud. There was. of course. Mr Moreton, who was an institution in (he diocese.

Mr J. J. Clark- slid lie anti Mr T, Somerville had come, hist to represent the Presbyterian Social Service. They appreciated all the movement was doinc for the city. 'The home was not limited to one particular denomination. He could assure them that no on" appreciated more the work being done in the home than the Presbyterian Social Service, which was engaged in the same work. He eulogised the worth of Mr Morcton, wished them every success and prosperity, and trusted that God would speed' their work. The Chairman, in acknowledging the presence of Messrs Clark and Somerville, said he thanked them for the kindly words spoken. Social work generally would be a means of drawing them more closely together. He was not one of those who were optimistic about the union of the Churches, but one thing that would lead to it was gathering together in social work, i noy got to know each other better, and sympathised with each other more and got nearer that great ideal of union they desired, through social work. Mr T. Somerville very briefly referred to the healthy appearance of the bovs in the home A groat work facing the Church was to take those youths and maidens and give them a better outlook in life. He believed that looking after the children was a practical expression of Christianity that people wanted to sec. The Rev. V. G. B. King referred to the balance sheet and pointed out that it showed that the cost of the hoys per head per week was only 13s W. He proceeded to speak of Mr Moreton in very complimentary terms, sayino- that Mr Moreton had been a most loyal and faithful friend ever since he had started with him (the speaker). For over 15 years Mr Moreton had been bis strength and stay in times of trial and trouble. . The Rev. G. K. Moreton. chaplain in charge of the home, said he fob: quite unworthy of what had been said about him. lie had only tried to do his duty, and' had been greatly cheered by kindlv consideration and helpful words on all The meeting concluded with Bishop Richards pronouncing the Benediction, and afternoon tea was then partaken of.