THE CENTRAL MISSION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21773, 12 October 1932, Page 2

THE CENTRAL MISSION

' SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

AN OUTSTANDING EFFORT. The report of the Social Service Department of the Dunedin Central Mission discloses a year of unusual activity and progress. The acquisition of the new property at the corner ol Stuart ‘street and the Octagon, by the Central Mission Board of Trustees, made possible specialised social service of far extending influence. The premises occupied at present serve merely as a temporary expedient and ultimately will be replaced by a commanding block of buildings centralising the institutional work of the mission. Since the beginning of the year a capable staff has rendered valuable service in ministering to the needs of thousands. During the peak period 1000 families every week were being assisted, and the number at present is 400 weekly. When it is stated that firms have given goods to the value of £2OOO, and that £3OOO in monetary donations has been received, making a grand total of £SOOO expended, some idea will be given of the beneficent service rendered by this particular organisation. Throughout the year the have been fully occupied in giving counsel and encouragement to many who have sought the assistance of the mission.

Early in the year it was recognised that provision should be made for the distribution of fuel, and accordingly arrangements were made with the Government to provide eight men under the 4a scheme to cut down manuka at Maungatua, where the mission had established a camp. -This provided employment of a productive nature for several men, and a further number was engaged in carting and distributing the wood. The necessary plant, electric motor, circular saw, storeroom, etc., was purchased and installed, and a secondhand truck bought to facilitate the service. No attempt has been made at competitive trading, the maid object being to provide free wood to necessitous cases, and to sell eueji quantities as would meet the expenditure incurred .by the scheme.

During the winter a women’s sewing guild has been organised by Sister Lenna, having as its object tuition in sewing craft and assistance to mothers who have no machines at home. Assisted by expert dressmakers;and tailoresses, women are taught to make garments out of old clothing, and to fashion garments out of new materials provided by the Social Service Department. The guild meets every week and is well attended, and at present donations of old clothes or new materials will be gratefully received.

At present a staff of 17 is engaged by the Central Mission Social Service Department, and, apart from those employed under Government schemes the workers give their Service voluntarily. Unstinted praise is due to Mrs J. Grant and Mrs A. M’Auslin, who, for the second year in succession, have given their time and energy to the work and have sdught opportunities’ bf inspiring confidence and goodwill tb many people in dire need. Their genial disposition and general • ability have greatly contributed to efficiency and harmony. Throughout the year the unprecedented economic position has created increasing demands upon the work of the organisation, but business men apd private citizens in Dunedin and throughout the Dominion have sent generous donations in money and goods, enabling continuous service to be rendered. Almost every case assisted has. been carefully investigated and checked by the 1 staff no as to jaVpid overlapping ' with the ’ work of other organisations; The,types of cases afforded assistance are as fpllow;—Aged and lonely people; deserted wives not receiving sufficient to maintain themselves and children; temporary relief to discharged hospital patients, who, during a period of convalescence, are unable to work; pensionless widows Without children; widows not receiving., sufficient assistance to meet life’s requirements; middle-aged sub-normal people whose mentality precludes employment; those in need who are oh the No. 5 scheme; and widows with children over the age of the sustenance allowance by the Government, a great deal of very valuable service has been, and still is being, rendered, to the community. The greatest problem that has faced the mission officials throughout the year has been that of financing the work, and in views of its magnitude it is pleasing to record that on. an expenditure of £SOOO there is a debit of only £240. It. is anticipated that when the work of this organisation is known, many in, the city will be only too pleased as an expression of appreciation and goodwill” to send an amount to liquidate the comparatively small deficit. So far, few bequests have been made to the Central Mission, which for. 43 years has made a worthy contribution, to the welfare of tlie city social life, irrespective of creed or class, and ministered to the temporary needs of thousands. It would greatly relief the strain of those engaged in this work if those who can afford to do so would apportion, to the Methodist Central Mission, Dunedin, a share ,5n moneys allotted for charitable purposes.