ORPHANAGE OPENED

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20458, 9 November 1934, Page 13

ORPHANAGE OPENED

Methodist Institution at Papanui. A LARGE ATTENDANCE. The fine new Methodist Orphanage, which commands an attractive site in Harewood Road, Papanui. was officially opened by the Rev Clarence Eaton, president of the Methodist Conference, before a large attendance of representatives of the Church and laity this morning. Architecturally the building ; s very attractive, and it is one of the most up-to-date institutions of its kind in the Dominion. Proceedings opened with a welcome to the visitors by Mr Eaton, who expressed his pleasure at the large attendance and at the fact that fortune in the form of beautiful weather had smiled upon them for the occasion. Amongst those present were the Deputy-Mayor (the Rev J. K. Archer).. Mr R. W. Hawke, M.P., Dr J. Might, Rector of Canterbury College, Mr G. J. Lancaster, headmaster of the Christchurch Boys’ High School, the Rev I. Lawson Robinson, representing the Presbyterian orphanages, the Rev C. H. Olds, Dunedin, the Rev W. Wills, Blenheim, the Rev J. D. M’ Arthur. Timaru, Mr J. L. Hay, representing the Orphanages Appeal Committee, and clergy from country districts. Asset to the City. Mr Archer apologised for the absence of the Mayor, Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P., and Mrs Sullivan, who, he said, were at present on their way from Australia to the Dominion. He expressed his pleasure at being present, both in the capacity as a representative of the city, and personally. Mr Archer said he felt sure that the whole of the city would wish the institution every success in the future, and he took the opportunity to congratulate all those responsible for its erection on thc.r business acumen and success in b u!>ling such a fine institution. The Rev \V. Wills said the Nelson and Marlborough provinces, which he represented, contributed liberally to the orphanages’ fund, but he intended to ask them on his return home to do a little better still. He congratulated the Orphanages’ Board and those associated with it, on the conception, planning and erection of the building. lie claimed that orphanages were essentially Christian institutions, brought into.being and sustained by Christianity. One of the responsibilities of the Church was to take care of the children, and no church could consistently serve the age and the people to which it administered if it neglected them. In conclusion he trusted that God’s richest blessings would rest on the institution and similar institutions. Property Free of Debt. Mr Eaton said that great work had been done by the Orphanages’ Board, but he believed 'that no better work had been done than that of their honorary treasurer, Mr George Bowron. Mr Bowron had prepared a statement which showed that when building operations were commenced in October last year, accumulated funds available for the home amounted to £19,942, and tb this amount had been added £2710 during the current year. Actual payments to date had been £19,003 for buildings, £666 for grounds and £717 for furnishings, a total of £20,386. This left a balance still available of £2296, but against that stun liabilities still to be paid amounted to £2320. Thus with a total expenditure on the twelve acres of land, improvements, buildings and furnishings of £2G,6SO, they entered into possession of their beautiful property free of debt—a great achievement attained only by the generosity of so many friends throughout the whole of the South Island during the past twenty years. “ The Fine Gold.” Mr Eaton said it must be confessed that even the Christian Church had been slow to realise that the children were “ the fine gold of the universe.” Although religion had done much for orphanages, the work in that direction had also done much for religion. They rejoiced htat they were showing such practical Christianity in opening the new building, and he undertook the task of performing the opening ceremony with a cheerful heart. He congratulated the builder and architect on their work on the building, and mentioned in passing that during the course of its construction a sum of £SOOO had been spent in providing work. Mr Raton then opened the door of the main entrance to the building, and hundreds of people proceeded to inspect the fine appointments. During the service, prayers were offered and hymns appropriate to the occasion were sung, a feature of this part of the programme being the singing of the children of the institution. The ceremony was preceded by a thanksgiving service, held in the Papanui Methodist Church.