GERALDINE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18356, 29 August 1929, Page 13

GERALDINE

DEBATING CLASS.

On Thursday evening in the Presbyterian Hall a debate was held between teams chosen from the senior boys and senior girls Bible classes. The subject chosen was: “Do motor cars hinder the work of the Church?” the affirmative being taken by the girls’ class, while the boys’ class championed the negative. Mr L. M. Brooke acted as judge, and, after an interesting discussion, gave his decision in favour of the affirmative side.

PRESENTATION.

On Tuesday evening Mr J. Fraser was the recipient, in view of his approaching marriage, of a presentation from the Presbyterian Young Men’s Bible Class. The presentation which took the form of a handsome dinner waggon and a silver “eversharp” pencil, was made by the Rev. W. J. Couling, who referred to Mr Fraser’s work as leader of the Bible Class and wished him happiness in the future. Mr Couling’s remarks were supplemented by several members of the class.

NOTES.

The flve-a-side tournament which will be held to-day in the Geraldine Domain by the Geraldine Hockey SubAssociation promises to be a success. Thirty teams have entered from various centres, and some keen contests may be anticipated.

PERSONAL.

Mr W. Sugrue and Miss N. Sugrue, of Geraldine, who were staying with Mr and Mrs G. Lange, Fendalton, Christchurch, returned to Geraldine by motor during the week.

ST. SAVIOUR’S ORPHANAGE.

On Wednesday afternoon in the Parish Hall, an address was given by Miss Havelaar, assistant-organiser for St. Saviour’s Orphanage. The Ven. Archdeacon Purchas presided, and in introducing the speaker, explained the position of the Geraldine parish in connection with the orphanage. The Geraldine parish had established a fund called the Special Relief Fund, from which was allocated by a committee —money for the support of the orphanage, foreign missions and kindred objects. Last year the contribution from the fund to the orphanage was £lll, and from the parish, from all sources, £2OO had been raised for the same object. It was found that the establishment of the special relief fund was the best method of supporting the orphanage, and obviated the necessity of sending collectors through the parish. Miss Havelaar said that before dealing with orphanage matters, she wished to make an appeal on behalf of the Guild of Help, an organisation which existed for the help of the orphanages. Geraldine was the first parish after Christchurch to establish a branch of the Guild, and had given good support, but recruits were necessary, and those wishing to become members could give their names to Mrs Burdon, who would enrol them in the Geraldine branch. Referring to orphanage matters, Miss Havelaar said that she had not come to make an appeal, but to return thanks for the help given by Geraldine, and to report on the work done by the orphanage. She had found that, without being asked, Geraldine had contributed £3O last year, more than the previous year and for this they were to be congratulated. The scheme of the special relief fund instituted in the Geraldine parish was a good one. Miss Havelaar then explained in detail the work carried on by the orphanage, the difficulties experienced, and the success obtained in many individual cases. The difficulties arising from the environment of those admitted were dealt with by Miss Havelaar, and examples were given, where despite these difficulties, success had been attained. Dealing with expenditure, Miss Havelaar stated that economy was the keynote. Everything possible was done to combine economy with efficiency, but still there was a debt, which until paid off, would be a hindrance to the development of the work. In conclusion, Miss Havelaar thanked Geraldine for the support it had given in the past, and invited those present to visit the orphanages either at Timaru or Christchurch. In reply to questions, Miss Havelaar stated that the debt at present was £6OOO, which it was hoped to reduce next month by £IOOO. There were 18 babies in the Babies’ Home, and the average weekly cut of the girl orphanages per head was 14/9, and of boys, between 14/9 and 15/- per week. No subsidy was received from the Government. Archdeacon Purchas thanked Miss Havelaar for her address, and on his motion, she was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.