VOICE OF CONSCIENCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 693, 19 June 1929, Page 7

VOICE OF CONSCIENCE

UNHEARD BY YOUNG PEOPLE

WORK OF ST. MARY’S HOMES “The need for the work is as great, if not greater, than ever. It is inevitable that with the growth of Auckland the number of inmates should increase, but other factors also determine the need for the homes.” rrAHis statement was made in the -** report of the chairman, Air. P. S. Smallfield, submitted at the annual meeting of St. Alary’s Homes, Ota—huhu, in Bisliopscourt Library, Parnell, last evening. “Alany young people now grow up without any religious instruction. ’ continued the report. “The Avavning voice of conscience is unheard by them; the only restraint on conduct they recognise is convention, and this restraint, never strong, is easily overcome by temptation. “Our Church, while deploring the practical infidelity of the age, recognises the imperative duty of seeking to uplift the fallen. The efforts of the staff are essentially reformative, and the number of inmates, helped in time of need and later restored to reputable liA'ing, should encourage a greater measure of support than the homes at present receive.” The working account showed a deficit of £3Ol 3s 9d, but £217 2s 3d had been carried forward from the previous year. Mouse accounts and salaries had increased by £292, due to the greater number of inmates. The income from the St. Alary’s Homes Association had increased by £S9. Donations and subscriptions had increased by about £IOO. that of interest by £ SO, fees £129 and the farm £2OO.

INCREASED INCOME In addition to increased income generally, a Government grant of £2OO had been made and legacies amounting to £1,176 5s 8d had been bequeathed. The balance-sheet shoAved that the capital account stood at about £21,000, as against £3 9.932 at the end of March. 1928. This sum included the value of the land and buildings. Members of the Shop Assistants’ Association had visited the homes at Christmas time, taking gifts for the children, inmates and staff. Appeals to friends for Christmas .comforts had met with a good response. The commercial travellers had later taken gifts and had also contributed £5 5s to the Christmas Cheer Fund. Other gifts were received during the year. The St. Alary’s Homes Association had given valued financial support and it was gratefully recognised that in almost every parish and district in the diocese and in the Waikato, there was a regular band of subscribers, AA'hose offerings afforded a source of regular income. The association owed much to the organiser, Aliss A. L. Wilson. In her report for the St. Alary’s Homes Association, Miss Wilson said the year’s Avork had resulted in a considerable increase in income, £6BO 2s being paid to the treasurer, compared Avith £6OO 31s Id last year. The sum of £6l 8s 2d had been received too late for the statement, or otherwise the total for the year would have been £741 10s 2d. DUTY OF STATE After expressing appreciation of the large attendance at the meeting, which showed great interest in the Avork of the homes. Archbishop Averill, Avho presided, said that once more the homes had received a Government grant. “It is the duty of the State to realise that the work is for the State as much as for the girls and the Church,” he said. “We are doing the State’s Avork and we are entitled to Government support for it.” Sister Hannah said that other denominations made no effort to do anything for the homes, even though girls of many denominations other than Anglican Avere admitted. Other churches should do something to help. The Rev. G. C. Cruickshank also spoke. The meeting passed a resolution of sympathy in the death of Airs. Hugh Campbell, an honorary life member, all present standing as a mark of respect.