NEW "DOSS HOUSE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 966, 8 May 1930, Page 1

NEW "DOSS HOUSE”

INSPECTED BY MR. H. E. HOLLAND SHELTER FOR HOMELESS Mr. H. E. Holland, Leader of the Labour Party, together with Messrs. W .E. Parry and Walter Nash, M.P.’s, inspected the new City Mission “dosshouse” at the cornel- of Lome and Wellesley Streets, at the invitation of the Rev. Jasper Calder, shortly after noon today.

Mr. George Davis, Mr. George Phelan, and Mr. Bart. Clark, organising secretary of the misison, were also present, and all details of the working of the “doss house” were explained to the Parliamentarians.

When the shelter opened last Thursday, 4S men sought beds. Last evening 102 men rolled up, but as there %re only 70 beds, many of them had to be accommodated on “shakedowns” on the floor. More than 50 per cent, of the men have seen war service in the Australian, New Zealand, South African, or Canadian forces. In addition, a fair number have seen service in the Royal Navy and the mercantile marine during the war. Taken all round, tho men have caused no trouble, and the mission has been successful in obtaining work for about a dozen of them.

The shelter opens at eight o’clock. Supper is served at nine o’clock, and lights go out at 10. In the morning breakfast is served at 6.15 a.m., and the men have to leave the premises by 6.45. The Government subsidy of £SOO to this work is expected to influence the public to contribute more liberally. There is a great shortage of “shake-downs,” and the mission is appealing to the public to assist in any way possible.