ST. MARY'S ORPHANAGE

Otago Witness, Issue 3396, 16 April 1919, Page 25

ST. MARY'S ORPHANAGE

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of those interested in St. Mary's Orphanage, Mornington, was held on the 3rd instant, Bishop Nevill presiding. The attendance was a large one, and consisted almost entirely of ladies. Bishop Nevill, in his opening remarks, said it afforded him great pleasure to see that the interest in orphanage was as much this year as in times past. That overcrowded gathering seemed to indicate that it had increased, and that those present were willing to undertake sacrifices to promote the wellbeing of the institution. He was very grateful to them for the fact that the interest in philanthropic institutions seemed to be growing from year to year. Whatever had been started in this direction had been very well supported. The speaker proceeded to enlarge upon the subject, and made passing reference to the Boys' Orphanage and other institutions, such as the Mothers' Union and the Girls' Friendly, and Various other organisations, the object of which was to promote the good of _ the whole community andplace our social life on the best lines. There still remained a good deal to be done. Mr J. S. Webb then read the report and balance sheet, the latter showing £2lO in the bank, as against £79 last year. H© moved the adoption of the report and balanoe sheet.

Mr G. Fenwick seconded the motion, and spoke most eulogistically of the work done by Sister Ernestine, the principal of the orphanage. He did not suppose that there was one who did not regret her departure. She had been in charge for a great many years, and under here beneficent rule the orphanage had progressed in a remarkable manner. With regard to such work as was carried on by the orphanage, they had seen during recent years a g_reat advance made, particularly among their friends the Presbyterians, and the Anglican Church was beginning to realise that it had not taken up a similar attitude in such matters in the past. The orphanage was only the start of a career Inphilanthropio work of which the Anglican Church would have every reason to bo proud. Mr W. Davidson said ho had opportunities of judging character-building in this place, and he was oonfident that children trained Jn the orphanage and going out into the" World would not easily forget their train-

ing. There was a link missing In our educational religion, and that was between 14 and 18 years of age, The majority of ohildren left school at 14 and received no further education. If they had that missing link they would find that what the Rev. Mr King had said, with whioh he largely agreed, would not be true. He regretted that Sister Ernestine was leaving them. The motion was then carried. Votes of thanks to the Primate, various oommittees, and others, proposed by the Rev. H. O. Fenton were carried by acclamation.

Bishop Nevill then presented Sister Ernestine with a handsomely bound book containing an engrossed address oouohed in terms highly appreciative of the value of the services she had rendered, and with a purse containing £SO. Mr O. E. Statham, M.P., returning thanks on behalf of Sister Ernestine, said she would carry away the kindliest recollections of the ohildren and those with whom she had been associated.

The proceedings ooncluded with the benediction being pronounced by Bishop Nevill, and afternoon tea was then partaken of.