SOCIAL SERVICE

Southland Times, Issue 25363, 15 August 1935, Page 8

SOCIAL SERVICE

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING' OF ASSOCIATION YEAR’S WORK REVIEWED The annual general meeting of the Presbyterian Social Service Association of Southland was held last evening in the First Church vestry when the Rev. W. J. Robertson presided over an attendance of 17 members. The annual report was as follows:— “The committee in presenting its annual report would anew acknowledge its indebtedness to God for His, constant guidance and favour. The period under review is the first complete year since the reconstitution of the association and has been one of considerable interest and activity. There have been matters that have required careful consideration and have necessitated important decisions. During the year one member of the committee, Mi - A. A. C. Lion, having removed from the province, resigned, and Mr D. Macpherson was appointed to succeed him. In pursuance of the procedure laid down by the new constitution that one third of the retire annually and in order to bring the rotation into operation the following are balloted to retire this year: —Appointees of Southland Presbytery, the Revs. W. J. Robertson and L. G. B. Whitehead, and Messrs J. S. Baxter and D. Macpherson; Mataura Presbytery appointee, the Rev. G. D. Falconer, association appointees, the Revs. E. Gardiner, W. Tanner and J. H. Thomson and Mr D. McFadzien. These are eligible for re-election. Increased Number In Homes. “This has been a year marked by a considerable increase in the number of children in the homes. We began with 28; to-day we have 35 —an increase ot 25’ per cent. During the year there were admitted six boys and five guts, while three boys have been placed in situations. Of these latter two have been apprenticed in town and are boarding in the home. Two boys having reached the age when they may seek their discharge have done so. Of those who have passed through the homes and have taken their discharge we are rejoiced to hear good reports of their progress in their various spheres of life. In connection with those who have been placed in situations after coming to the age when they are able to work for their living, it has come to the notice of the committee that a misunderstanding has found credence abroad regarding their financial ' responsibility to the homes. They have absolutely none. The only responsibility we ask them to take is to be a credit to themselves and to the association. When they are placed out in situations they are allowed a certain amount of pocket money. The balance of their wages they are required to pay over to the treasurer to be held in trust for them at the current rates of interest, and from these funds any requirements in the way of clothing, etc., are met from time to time, the remainder accumulating until such time as they seek their discharge. It will be noted from the balance-sheet that we, at the present time, hold in trust in this way a sun. approaching £4OO. “As was indicated in last year s report the committee had been much exercised in mind regarding the boys home at Gladstone. It had long been felt to be unsuitable for our purpose. The building itself was an old one, and urgent extensive repairs and alterations were necessary if it was to be continued in use. Early in this year the association was advised that the late Mr John Allison, of Gummies Bush, had made the Presbytery of Southland residuary legatee of his estate, after some minor legacies had been deducted, ‘to be used by the Presbytery in connection with and for the benefit of the Invercargill Presbyterian Orphanages.’ After long and careful deliberation it was decided to propose that the whole of this bequest be used for the furnishing of a more suitable boys’ home to be called the Allison Home in memory of the donor. This proposal was approved by the Presbytery and a valuable and suitable property of 161 acres was purchased in Bainfield Road, Waikiwi, by the association for the sum of £2150, the vendor taking over the property known as the Gladstone Home as part payment. Ideal Location. “The new property was officially opened on November 30 by the Moderator of the General Assembly, the Right Rev. Principal John Dickie, D.D. The new home is ideally located and is eminently suited for the purpose. Both house and land are beautifully environed and cosily situated. The house is an up-to-date brick bungalow and although not a large one, is sufficient for present needs and lends itself quite well to extension. The land is of particularly fine quality and has been kept in exceedingly go6d heart. A large shelter belt running down the whole length of the property gives excellent protection for house and stock from the prevailing winds, while a considerable area of virgin bush fronts the house across the road adding" to the beauty of its surroundings. Here in ideal conditions z we are seeking to rear the young boys that come under our care. Here they have freedom and scope to find interest and exercise for their developing bodies and minds. Here they get an introduction to farm life and conditions that will stand them in good stead in future years as citizens of this agricultural and pastoral Dominion. The effect of the new environment has already been most marked, not only upon the physique, but also upon the intelligence of these young lads. “This new departure involved certain expenditure upon labour which, however, is offset by the produce of the farm. Eight cows have been milked all summer, the place not only providing grazing, but winter feed for these besides some 25 ewes with lambs. Pig yards have been erected and both pedigree pigs are being bred and a number of stores reared and fattened. A considerable area of raspberries has also added to the revenue produced. It is our hope and expectation that the farm be selfsupporting. Its value to the boys in education and general development constitutes a great asset to the association. There have been no changes in the staff during the year except for the addition of Mr John Bell who has been employed for the work of the farm and care of the stock. Mr John Watt continues his good service as superintendent. We desire again to express our appreciation of the insight and zeal with which he throws himself into his work and the way in which he commends his cause as well as himself to congregations and contributors generally. We also wish to testify to our appreciation of the good services of the matrons, Miss Taylor and Miss Henderson, and their assistants, Miss Penman and Miss Robertson. Their work has often been exacting and somewhat aggravated by the passage of epidemics of sickness through the homes. On the other hand the new surroundings in the boys’ home and the improved conditions have brightened the lives of those whose lot is cast there.

“The Rev. J. H. Thomson continues in an honorary capacity his work as

chaplain to the hospitals, a work that is much appreciated. So far the committee has not seen its way to do more than give him a small honorarium to cover his expenses. We would again commend his self-sacrificing zeal m this matter. We desire to express our gratitude to Dr Jennings and Dr Gibson who have acted as honorary physicians to the Allison and Cameron Homes respectively. Mr R. J. Cumming continues to discharge the offices of secretary and treasurer with efficiency and acceptance.

“We are still feeling the strain of the financial stringency. Our position was considerably improved by the legacies received from the estates of the late Messrs A. Gerrard and J. Allison. By the Allison bequest we were enabled to purchase our new home, thereby adding very materially to our assets. We were also enabled to pay off our overdraft at the bank by taking over the existing mortgage with sinking fund on the property at Waikiwi. There is still, however, a sum of £340 out on mortgage due to us from the Allison bequest which may or may not be realized immediately but will come in eventually. We have still need to exercise the strictest economyin an effort to make ends meet. Owing t-. the continued depression we find considerable difficulty in collecting maintenance due. With better times, however, and the continued generosity of subscribers we hope that the situation will ease and the committee find more freedom in carrying out its work efficiently. Thanks Expressed. “We desire to express our gratitude to all who have contributed to the work of the homes, both in cash and kind; to the ladies of the city and suburban congregations who give of their time to mending the children’s garments week by week; and to the ladies of Knox and St. Stephen’s churches, who provided Christmas treats at the homes. We would also express our appreciation of the way in which Messrs A. C. Millar’s Ltd. have enabled us to continue throughout the past year to issue coupons for bread to needy families recommended by the city churches and our indebtedness to Mi- J. S. Haywood for the trouble in issuing them. Finally we would commend anew the work of the association in all its branches to contributors and the public generally and pray for their continued liberality. We would draw attention to the resolution of our General Assembly at its last meeting when a proposal to establish old people’s homes in the different centres was approved and commended to the consideration and generosity of its members throughout the Dominion. This is a goal we in Southland have looked forward to for a long time and hope for its early realization. The work of these homes for both the young and the aged carry with them not only the approval but the demand of the Master as the expression of our Christian life and service.” Officers Elected. On the motion of Mr Robertson, seconded by Mr W. F. Bisset, the report and balance-sheet were adopted. Mr Bisset said that the balance-sheet might have been a little better, but the Allison Home bad interfered with collecting. Next year a better position was hoped for. The following office-bearers were appointed: Representatives from the Southland Presbytery, the Revs. W. J. Robertson, R. Dun (Oreti), and Messrs J. S. Baxter and D. Macpherson; representatives from Mataura Presbytery, th; Rev. G. D. Falconer; appointed by the general committee, the Revs. E. Gardiner, J. H. Thomson, T. A. Speer (Bluff) and Messrs D. Fadzien and W. A. Dickie (Tuturau). Votes of thanks were passed to the chairman and members of the different committees.

It was decided to send a letter oi appreciation to various members of the staff.

At a general committee meeting held after the annual meeting the Rev. W. J. Robertson was reappointed chairman. The following executive was also elected: —The Revs. W. J. Robertson and G. D. Falconer and Messrs W. F, Bisset, J. S. Baxter, W. H. Boyes, W. Farnie, J. S. Haywood, C. A. Stewart, James Holland, D. Macpherson, D. McFadzien and A. W. Taylor.