ST. ANDREW'S ORPHANAGE.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13109, 18 May 1911, Page 2

ST. ANDREW'S ORPHANAGE.

OPENING OF THE NEW RECEIV-

ING HOME,

The official opening of tho new Receiving Home in connection with St. Andrew's Orphanage took place yesterday afternoon in the presence of a large attendance of the public. His Lordship the Bishop, before declaring the building open, called upon the Rev J. P. Kempthorne (the hon. secretary) to read an account of the institution since its inception, which was as follows :—

"Previous to 1885 there had been a growing anxiety in the minds of many members of the Church with reference to providing a homo for orphan and destitute children. In the Diocesan Synod of 1885 it resulted in a resolution being carried by which a committee was set up to consider the best means of establishing such a home. In accordance with the report by the oomn) it tee, the Synod agreed that a separate institution should be formed under the provisions of the Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act, 1885, and to be called St. Andrew's Orphanage. This was carried into effect, the Governor's assent to the incorporation being published in the Government "Gazette" of June 2nd, 1887. In ;.c----cordanco with the Act six trustees were appointed, and they adopted the principle of boarding out any children committed to their care^ in approved homes. They secured a house in Waimoa road for a receiving home, and where- the children have been under the charge of a matron. This system _of Rome enabled the children to receive homo training under the cai*> of foster parents, which oan.iot be given in large institutions where great numbers are congregated, and cmw:quently no attention can bo given ;-n individual children. As the work of the Orphanage grew, it was found cc • pssarv to have an up-to-date buildi '% in a better situation. An appeal was made to the public for funds to mable the trustees to do this, anc a small sum was raised. It was ro-iliy owing to the munificent bequest of ti.e Into J. K. Harris, Esq. which, with the subsidy granted by the '.Joveminent amounted to over £1200, ai,fi with smaller bequests justified ire trustees in proceeding with the eroo tion of the present building, which is to-day to be dedicated for the work of tho Orphanage. The cost of the building, including contract, architect's fees, and extra work authorised is about £1300. There is still a sum required to complete the payments for the erection of tho building, furnishing the home, and putting the ground in order. In accordance with the 'lew Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act, which came into force in April 1, 1910, there are now nine trustees, who are: The Bishop of Nelson, the Rer/s. W. S. Lucas, B. L .Thomas, and J. P. Kempthorne, Mosdames Mules and Realv, and Messrs W. W. Snodgrass, T. Field, and F. I. Ledger. Wehave now a fine building excellently adapted for the purposes for which it v<as erected, but the trustees wish to -oniind the public that tho St. Andre,'.* Orphanage has no endowments. It is supported by subscriptions from the public on the amount of which the Government grant the usual subsidy. They would therefore appeal to the generosity of the public of Nelson and of those districts from which orphan and destitute children have been received, to support the institution liberally so that they may bo able to provide for all those children who may bo entrusted to their care."

A hymn was then sung, and the Rev W. S. Lucas having read a passage of Scripture. His Lordship the Bishop of Nelson delivered the following prayer :

".Almighty God, our Heavenly Father,'we,'Thino unworthy servants pray that Thou wilt accept the dedication of this Home to Thy glory. Bless it to the succour of the children needing its support and shelter. Grant that all who may dwell hero may <!;■- ---part from all iniquity, and devoutly servo Thee to their lives' end. Help them to remember that Thou seest them always, and that every deed mny be done, and every pleasure enjoyed to Thy glory, as well as to their good. Keep thorn always in safety under Thy protection, and preserve them from all evil accident, whether to body or soul. Should they sin against Thee, remember not their offence, but grant_ them true repentance, a hearty desire to sprve Thee, and strength to accomplish that desire. Grant that those who rule them may rule in Thy fear. Govern without harshness, and control with motherly regard and tenderness. Grant to the children that they may render to those over them duo and hearty obedience, and respond with ready' affection. May they be apt to barn, and grow day by day in needful learning, and above all in Thine wisdom. Guide them when they choose their future lot in life, and when sent forth into the world, may they Jill their allotted place to Thy glory, doing good in their generation, and having compassion in their turn on children who are needy, or are afflicted, or are orphans. We thank Thee for all who having lived as children in our Orphanage have passed away in Thy faith and fear. We thank Thee also for our many benefactors, and specially on tin's occasion for him by whose cift wo now particularly own this Home. May Thine blessing rest upon •ill such, and do Thou put it into the hearts of Thy people to continue to

f-uprily all needful help and support. Guide and bless all those who control the institution, and enlarge it with over widening and increasing usefulness. We ar.lc all for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savio'iir."

Addressing the' assemblage, His Lordship said that they had an exceedingly nice building which reflected groat credit on the architect and the builders, and one which would prove a help to the institution. In this country, he said, they were very much more fortunately circumstanced than a great number of people in the Old Country, where, a short time -ago, some 30 ; 000 children slept out of doors every night, in weather much severer than that experienced in Nelson. There were also between 300,000 and 400,000 people destitute of moans of support nnd some 300,000 who were supported by rates. People in Nelson had contributed to institutions established at Home to ameliorate distress, and the speaker mentioned Dr Barnardo's Home, which was now practically a national institution. In Nelson they were doing what they cou'.d to assist children who had lost one, or in some cases, both parents, and the system which Dr. Barnardo had found most successful, of scattered homos, was being adopted. The new building which he was about to declare open, was the receiving home only for St. Andrew's Orphanage, which was at Whakarewa, near Mbtueka. His Lordship concluded' by thanking all those who had contributed towards the building fund and who had in any way assisted the institution.

Another hymn having been sung, His Lordship pronounced the Benediction, and the formal proceedings closed.

Those present wore then invited to inspect the building, which is located on a sunny section in Kawai street, nonr the general hospital. The Home, a description of which was published in these columns on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone in December last, is comfortably furnished throughout, and is fitted with every modern convenience. At present there are fourteen children in the Home, which has accommodation for 25. Afternoon tea was provided by the matron (Miss Martin), lady friends kindly [supplying the comestibles.