THE ORPHANAGE ENQUIRY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7956, 3 February 1906, Page 5

THE ORPHANAGE ENQUIRY.

CONFLICTING EVIDENCE,

CHRISTCHURCH. February 2.

The Waltham Orphanage enquiry was resumed, to-day. Canon Coates spoke strongly in favour of the Matron. His experience had been that the children all respected and liked her. He thought the supplies tor the Orphanage were cut rather fine. Emily Black, a member of the Charitable Aid Board, said she visited the Orphanage many times, and everything seemed squalid and miserable, and the arrangements for bathing were very bad. The Board did not look kindly on tbe suggestions for reforms from the women members. Mrs Carpenter was not fit to be Matron, and did not appreciate her responsibilities. She was a fairly efficient inspector, but no Matron. Her conversation was coarse, and her reports were often ill-advised. The homes at which the ohildren were boarded out were not satisfactory. She believed the Secretary dominated th,e Board more than he should do.

LATER.

At the Waltbam Orphanage enquiry, to-day, evidence was given by Mrs Marguerite Williamson, formerly a member ot the Wanganui Charitable Aid and Hospital Board, in support of the cottage home system for children. Mr Thomas C. Norris, Secretary to the North Canterbury Charitable Aid Board, said there bad always been a great deal of trouble in connection with the Orphanage, the Master and Matron having been dismissed about 1890. Then the Board decided to adopt the bpardingou*; system, for children were best in homes. After the Board adopted the system some local bodies undertook the work of inspection. That practice fell into disuse, and the Board obtained reports from reputable people, in the various localities. The enquiry was adjourned till 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday,