PRESBYTERIAN SOCIAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21988, 24 June 1933, Page 7

PRESBYTERIAN SOCIAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION

MEETING OF COMMITTEE The monthly meeting of the Presbyterian Social Service Association was held on Wednesday laist, when there were present the Rev. W. Trotter (convener), the Revs. George Miller, W. Saunders, and G. L. Taylor, Messrs T. C. Ross, J. Dick, E. Camerori, P. S. Brett, J. M'George, R. L.* Fairmaid. P. W. Curtis, A. M. Cameron, J. A. Wilkinson, C. Russell Smith, and W. M'Hutcheson. This was the record attendance of members of committee for the last 12 years. A letter was received from the Dunedin Presbytery agreeing to and confirming the appointment of Mr James Rodger as a member of the committee. As intimated at the last meeting of the association, the Rev. W. Trotter tendered his resignation as convener, which was accepted with much regret, and the following resolution was unaniniously carried: — “ The Presbyterian Social Service Association Committee desires to place on record its high _ appreciation of the splendid . services rendered by the Rev. W. Trotter to the association during the eight years in -which he has acted as the convener of the committee. The association’s work is a varied one, providing for training and educating the children in our homes; caring for the bid people in Ross Home; and supplying the needs of many who, especially in this time of economic depression, are in need of assistance. Mr Trotter has taken a deep interest in this work. His love for the children, his interest in the old people, and his sympathy with those in dire need have made him an ideal convener. At the meetings of the committee, and in all matters where advice was needed, and in all urgent cases where an immediate decision had to be made, his mature judgment, administrative ability, and sound common sense have been invaluable. The committee regrets that Mr Trotter has had to send in his resignation owing to the state of his health, but hopes that he will be restored,, and continue to , enjoy good health, and that it will have his wise counsel in all the matters with winch it has to deal.” Mr Trotter thanked the members tor their loyalty, their keen interest in the association’s work, and for their good wishes. _ „ It was then agreed that the Rev. George Miller be appointed convener, whereupon Mr Miller took the and thanked the members for appointing iSm convener. The various committees for the year were set up:—Children’s Committee, with Mr T. Somerville as convener, and Mr R. L. Fairmaid as deputy convener; Ross Home Committee, with the Rev. W. Saunders as convener; Finance Committee, with Mr C. Russell Smith as convener; and Works Committee, with Mr J. Rodger as convener. On behalf of the Children’s Committee Mr R. L. Fairmaid reported that all the children and the staff were in good health with the exception of a few minor troubles. Alexander Haldane, one of the boys attending the Technical School, met with a serious accident while cycling home from school on May 23, and was admitted to the Public Hospital and placed on the dangerously ill list, but he had so far recovered that he was now back at the home and would resume his school work next week. ‘ The secretary, the manager of the Children’s Homes, and the general convener were asked to visit the farm at Tahakopa during November and report on things generally as they found them there. The appointment of 'sub-matron for Glendining Home was referred back to the Children's Committee. Accounts amounting to £ll9 7s were passed for payment. On behalf of the Ross Horae Committee, the Rev. W. Saunders reported that there were 29 women and 24 men in the home and of that number five men and three women were in the sick wards. Many of the old people were suffering from coughs and colds, but otherwise the health -was good. Entertainments given during the month by the North-East Valley Busy Bees and the First Church Young Women’s Club were very much appreciated by the old people. Accounts amounting to £126 9s 8d were passed for payment. The convener reported that the Public Questions Committee of the Dunedin Presbytery would like to meet the committee in conference and this was left with the convener to arrange. It was suggested that July 5 might be a suitable date. The secretary reported that the special thanks of the association wore due to the different congregations throughout Otago which had responded so liberally during these lean years. Besides those that had given money, there were many that felt they could not spare money and both classes had sent liberal supplies of fruit, vegetables, produce and meat. In fact, the supplies of fruit and produce had been so abundant this year that it had been possible to send a fair quantity tothe deaconesses of the church, who had passed them on to needy families. The primary work of the association was to provide homes for needy children mid old folk, but many needy people came for help, and nearly all these cases Were referred to one or other of the deaconesses, who were always keen and eager to help any really deserving cases. Hearty appreciation was extended to that splendid band of deaconesses who were doing such good work amongst the poor. Mr W. C. Roberts was authorised to visit the Middlomarch Cottage at an early date. |