UPPER TUTAENUI LADIES AND DR. BARNARDO'S HOMES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11698, 19 October 1916, Page 4

UPPER TUTAENUI LADIES AND DR. BARNARDO'S HOMES.

By Claudius Clear.

°. n Jy. tTl °s6 acquainted with the social rife of London as it affects the poor classes can have any idea of the splendid work done by Dr. Bar* nardo’s Homes, and from all sides comes nothing hut praise for the heroic efforts of those responsible for tiie general work which lias brought much happiness into many a home. Despite the many claims made by tbe war the ladies connected with the Upper Tntaenui Dorcas Society have relaxed none of their zeal for Dr. Barnardo’s Homes, and their seventh annual Garden Party and Sale of Work held yesterday, despite the unfortunate weather, must again be counted a success. I have such pleasant recollections of last year’s that it was impossible to refuse the invite so courteously extended this time. A more delightful spot than “Greystoke Bush” could not be wished for; on all sides one saw Nature at its beet, and in a corner screened from the wind the ladies had pitched their camp,- and I got together a collection of useful and fancy goods without which such a gathering would be incomplete. There was the flower stall: laden with lovely blooms, a tempting sweet stall, fancy goods of all kinds, and a Christmas Tree, each in charge of ladies who had a busy time, and though one went"with the severest ideas of economy, it was impossible not to fall a victim to one of Eve’s charming daughters and spend money. During the afternoon tea was handed round by the many willing helpers, while the Marton Junction Band, under Mr Savage’s capable leadership, played selections of music. It was, perhaps, the informal nature of the gathering that made one feel at home, and despite the inclement weather there was that happy note throughout that made one realise the noble part women are doing just now, and to Mrs Bartlett, this year’s President, -and her band of willing workers, whose names are too numerous to mention, the gi’eatest praise is due for producing , such a splendid financial‘result.

During the gathering Mr .T. T. Bartlett, on behalf of the ladies, extended a hearty 7 welcome to the visitors, and hoped that despite the bad weather they would have a successful afternoon. They were fortunate in having as a visitor that day one of Dr. Barnardo’s workers, Miss Carden, and it was this lady’s charming speech tuat captivated the audience. In language simple and telling, she told from practical experience, as a worker for many years in the Homes, of what was being done. She was delighted to have the privilege of meeting those present and to thank them for the practical way in which they had expressed their sympathy with Dr. Baruardo’s Homes. She could tell them that there was no bar to any child entering: the Homes, and since they were started 50 years ago some 82,000 had entered. Miss Carden then explained what was being done in the training homes where the boys were taught a trade and fitted to earn their own Bving, and at the present time some 70,000 odd Barnardo boys were serving their country at the front, either in the Army or Navy. Then there was the Village Homes specially for the girls, where real home life was taught. As regards emigration those boys who had gone to Canada Had done well, and.no less than 98 per cent, had come out on top. It was the Young Helpers’ League that she was specially interested with., a League to which many thousands in England belonged, young and old, and by their subscriptions they 7 bad been able to provide over 500 cots in the Homes for those who needed them, and she hoped that they would some day have the “Tutaenui” cot in one of the Homes. Rev. Hunt, always a welcome speaker, said the present was tpe first time he had attended their gatherings, but he hoped it would not be the last, and he told of some of his experience in visiting slums of London when on a visit, and bis observations showed that he has quite an up-to-date knowledge of what is going on in that distant land. One result of the war when it is over would be, he said, that tbe social life would be altogether altered;. the infant mortality amongst the poorer classes was simply appalling and a disgrace to the nation, but with brighter times and new conditions every one would get a chance to get to the top and' justify their existence. He had the greatest admiration for the work Dr. Batnardo’s Homes carried on, and such should have all the support they could give. As one came away it was impossible not to realise that, though some 14,000 miles from the centre of operations where the work is carried on. Dr. Barnardo’s Homes have no more enthusiastic supporters than tbe ladies of the Dorcas Society of Upper Tutaenui.

The total amonnt received for SJle of prodnee, etc., and admission waa> £37.