A NEW STOKE ORPHANAGE. NELSON, May 24.

Otago Witness, Issue 2672, 31 May 1905, Page 12

A NEW STOKE ORPHANAGE. NELSON, May 24.

NELSON, May The new Stoke a brick building 228 ft by 130 ft, providing dormitory accommodation for over 100 and all the necessary provisions, including chapels —was opened this afternoon by Archbishop Redwood in the presence of a very large number of people, and 10 clergy, in addition to the local clergy, took part. The Archbishop referred to the grief caused by fhe destruction by fire of the old building-, but said all felt proud of the new one, which was a credit to the ' architect (Mr J. S. Swan, of Wellington), and a credit to Father Mahony, who had had the management through a period of vicissitudes and a most trying time. He claimed that the institution had been successful in carrying out the great purpose for which ifc existed, the training of waifs and the neglected to be good and useful citizens. Out of the 700 who had gone inlo tho world, pver 90 per cent, had given full satisfaction a3 useful members of society. That rewarded the conductors for all their efforts. He thanked all who assisted. — Colonel Pitt heartily congratulated those in charge o£ the institution on its success. He alluded to the difficulties experienced in establishing £he place, and the anxieties borne and difficulties met with, for children of fill ■bort=; of physical condition and moral worth, or the reverse, .were seat there.

Such institutions were sometimes criticised without these difficulties being- understood. A great work was being done by these institutions, and those' conducting them I deserved the sympathy and support of the community. The Rev. Father JMahony read apologies from his Excellency the Governor, the Premier, Sir J. G. Ward, the Bishop of Nelson, Mr J. Graham, and i a number of others, and thanked the people for their support.