PRESBYTERIAN SOCIAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22266, 19 May 1934, Page 10

PRESBYTERIAN SOCIAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION

MONTHLY MEETING OF COMMITTEE The monthly meeting of the committee of the Presbyterian Social Service Association was held on Wednesday last. The following members were present: — Mr T. Somerville (convener), Revs. W. Saunders and G. L. Taylor, Messrs J. Rodger, Ewen Cameron, P. W. Curtis, T, C. Ross, P. S. Belt, W. MTlutcheson, C. Bussell Smith, J. A. Wilkiusou and K. L. Eairmaidi Mr Fairniaid moved the adoption of the Children’s Committee’s report, and this was seconded by Mr M’Hulchcsou and carried. In speaking to the report Mr Eainuaid intimated that during the month three of the children had returned to their father, one senior girl had gone to work, and that eight new children had been admitted, and the number now stands at 53. The health of the children was good. The quarterly school examinations had been held, and on the ■whole good' progress had been made, and the children were at present enjoying term holidays. Three children from the country whose mother died recently were admitted. Mr Fairmaid said that in regard to the children of separated couples it was a matter for congratulation that, as a result of different interviews, the father of one family who had lately been deserted by his wife, had signified his willingness to do his utmost to carry on and provide a home for his fhmily. These cases had been very carefully considered and, always bearing in mind that, if at all feasible, we should endeavour to bring husband and wife together and thereby help to build up the home and all that it moans to the family as well as to the parents rather than assist' parents to get rid of their legal and parental responsibilities, and after taking into account all the pros and cons of these cases, the admissions of this class were deferred sine die.

The matter of children returning to non church attending father or mother was also referred to and, in all probability in the near future when children are admitted to our homes, it will be a sine qua non of the contract that their parent or parents must at once resume church, attendance and thereby fit themselves to receive their children who have been in the nurture of a Christian home.

It is very gratifying to know that church harvest thanksgiving gifts have been coming in very steadily for the past three months. Accounts amounting to £lO4 Os 3d were confirmed and passed for payment. , ' Rev. W. Saunders moved the adoption of the Ross Home report, which was seconded by Mr W. M‘llut<jhcson and carried. In referring to Ross Home, Mr Saunders said that there wore 50 old folk in residence and this included six women and two men in the sick wards. The general health was very fair. During the early days of the month one of the old folk, who came from Invercargill and had been a resident in the home for 11 years, passed away. Accounts amounting to £llO 11s 7d were confirmed and passed for payment. The Finance Committee’s report was moved by Mr Smith and seconded by Mr Cameron. The monthly statement, showing a debit balance of £lB5 16s Id, was noted. It was decided to help with the installation of a talkie picture plant for the Seacliff Mental Hospital. The Works Committee’s report was adopted on the motion of Mr Rodger, seconded by Air Curtis. Mr Rodger said that the gas range lately installed at Ross Home was giving satisfaction, and indications showed that the cost of cooking with gas would be considerably cheaper than with coal. The buildings and furniture at all the homes are in very good order. Accounts amounting to £ll6 4s 6d were confirmed and passed for payment.