SALVATION ARMY HOME.

Otago Witness, Issue 2804, 11 December 1907, Page 12

SALVATION ARMY HOME.

I MIDDLEMARCH PROPERTY PURI . CHASED.

A HOME FOR INEBRIATES OR BOYS.

The efforts 'of the Salvation Army in aid of suffering humanity are increasing, and the latest step hju been the purchase of the house and property of the late Mr Gillies at Middlemarch, to be used either ax an inebriates' home or v a home for boys. This question has not yet been decided. Both a home for boys, to enatch them from the perils of prison life, and a haven for inebriates from temptation are. badljr -wanted; and the Salvation Army authorities have come to the conclusion that their recent purchase will an6wer the purpose admirably. The residence of the late Mr Gillies is a single storey building, handsome and roomy, standing in 17 acres' of excellent land 600 ft above sea level. There are lawns, gardens ready trenched, and a young orchard. The house forms three sides of a square, and ooirfaariß 15 living rooms, offices, and bathrooms, 'besides' good ' stables and outbuildings. Water is supplied by windmill. There will be ample employment for the inmates, whoever -they are, and Staffcaptain Lonnie, 'divisional officer, informs us that euch a' place can easily be made self-supporting. -Colonels Fieher and Knight and "Captain Lonnie have made a thorough inspection of the property, and were greatly taken with what they caw. The house ?s handy to the station, and everything is there ready to hand, and whether used for boys or inebriates, the alterations required will be small. For the employment of the inmates strawberrygrowing, fruit culture, and dairying are proposed. THe work, however, is to be on the light side. This home will be an excellent place for boys of any age, especially when the dark alternative of gaol is considered. Formerly the drawback -to these homes in the country has, we are informed, been the expense entailed by railway fares. This, however, in a great measure, seems to have been overcome. The Army experiences a good deal of difficulty with habitual drunkards whom they are seeking to reclaim. Many after a period of abstinence at the homes give them the slip, and relapse into their former lamentable condition. The inebriates are by no means prisoners, but have to be watched, and are expected to be inside the gerunds by 9 p.m. Though theTe are some cases where the unfortunates have lapsed, the majority of the reforms are permanent, and the one-time drunkard, thanks to the home, lives to be a healthy. hanrjv man and a respected member of the community. The want of a home for local inebriates has been urged time after time by citizens and by the Bench: and as far as this district is concerned, there is more need for an inebriates' home than exist* for a home for boys. The question will be decided probably within a fortnight, and the Army inters into possession of the Gilhes property on December 1. Speaking of the great work being done by the Salvation Army, the following list of their institutions throughout Npw Zealand may be found of interest. Paketoa, or Bell Island, has already been obtained, and will in a month or two be ready for the reception of inebriates. Those committed by magistrates will be treated in the reformatory section. Others may, if they wish, apply to be committed to the island, and will be placed in a separate building. Mr Findlay, a prominent Salvationist, has given 13* acres at Remuera for the erection of a home for destitute or orphan girls. Mr Jenkins, of Eltham, has given a large furnished house and some land at Eltham for a boys' home. At Wellington there is the Salvation Army's borne for girls, and the big Metro Dole in course of construction. The Army has also men's homes and prison gate hom.es at Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland, and women's homes at Wellington, Dunedin, Christchurch, and Auckland ; besides these there are four maternity homes, whose capacity is always taxed to the uttermost. The acquisition of the Middlemarch property is the latest step, and the purchase will be regarded with general satisfaction.