HOME OF COMPASSION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 106, 6 May 1936, Page 2

HOME OF COMPASSION

GOOD WORK IN WANGANUI Fur several years now the Home of Compassion has done humanitarian and merciful work among the aged, sick and afflicted, and others who need tompassion. This wonderful work was started by the late Rev. Mother Al. J. Aubert, who is always spoken of as “the Reverend Mother.” Recently an appeal was made for funds for the home so that very necessary alterations could be carried out and the building given a new coat of painc. A gathering of helpers and representatives of the city took place yesterday in order that an accounting of the work done and money expended be made known to them. Among those on the verandah with the official party were the Rev. Mother Cecilia, head of the order, from Wellington, and Father Alalonty, who recently returned after an absence of over 20 years. Mr J. biddells welcomed those present and also extended a sincere and warm welcome to the Rev. Moth-.-r Cecilia. In an introductory address, the Mayor (Mr W. J. Rogers) expressed his pleasure at being present and recalled the opening ceremony, saying that it seemed only yesterday since they were there for the function. He paid great tribute to the sisters for the wonderful work they were doing in their service for others, work that was inshrined in the hearts of the people. Mr Siddells, prior to reading the report also spoke of the great and noble service done by the visitors. He read apologies and greetings from Mr Ormond Wilson, M.P. for Rang.tikci, Air and Mrs C. W. Poynter, and Mr Fulton. Mr J. B. Cotterill, M.P.. in a short speech, voiced his pleasure at being able to be present. He »poke of the appeal to renovate and paint the Home of Compassion, so that the sisters could the better able carry out their useful work. He praised the groat amount of work done by the organiser, Air J. Siddclls, and all helpers, and in paying tribute to the sisters said that all recognised the wonderful work carried out in the home. Called on to speak, Mr R. G. Talboys, the architect, said his part had been small compared to what Mr Siddells had done, but it had been a very happy part and he had bad great pleasure in doing the work of renovation. 'The Rev. Father Hoare expressed his gratitude to Mr Siddells and all the helpers who had contributed so greatly to help along the work of the Home of Compassion. In referring to the work of the sisters he said that those who were not Catholics would wonder why the sisters did so much without remuneration- They had given up their lives to do the wonderfully humanitarian work. They had no money, but plenty of faith that help would be forthcoming for the work. Natural charity we admired, but this work was super-natural charity. It was w r ork for God and that had its own reward. The sisters’ reward lay in the fact that what they were doing for the poor, aged and sick was being done for God. The sisters were doing a great deal and noble work and his poor thanks were nothing, and those who had helped would also have their reward. Mr Hope Gibbons also spoke. Mr Rogers moved a vote of thanks to Mr Siddells for his report and this was passed with aeclamat on. Afternoon tea was served by the sisters and helpers, those in charge of arrangements being Mesdames Kitchen, Winstone, McCarthy, T. Souter, Price, Fitzgerald, Sister Coe and Misses Heagney and Gudsell. Among those present were Mrs J. B. Cotterill, Mrs W. J. Rogers, Mr and Mrs J. Robertson. Mr and Mrs R. G. 'Talboys, Mr and Mrs Siddells. Mr and Mrs H. C. Jenkins, Mr and Nirs C. F. Millward. Mr and Mrs W. J. Gilberd, Mr and Mrs W. L. Young, Mr and Mrs F. Treloar, Mr and Mrs C. M. Strouts, Mr and Mrs Weekes, Sergeant and Nirs Burke, Miss Newcombe, Mr Hope Gibbons, Mesdames Hansen, F. L. Peck, L. Brinkman, C. G. Ross, D. Mason, Dwyer, P. Lewis, J. A. Glen •. Burr, Nurse Callahan, Miss Long, Mr O ’Meara. Report Presented The report presented by Mr Siddells was as follow; — ‘‘Some months ago I was asked by Father Hoare whether 1 would undertake the task of appealing for funds to carry on the work connected with the upkeep of this home. I was somewhat flattered and undertook to do so. My first job was to interest some of my fellow citizens. I soon found that a number of prominent gentlemen were more than willing to assist and a public appeal was issued under the names of the Mayor, Mr Cotterill, ALP., Messrs J. D. Crowley, E. O’Meara, A. R. Donaldson, C. W. Poynter, C. I. ■Spillane, and W. J. Feeney, with the result that money flowed in freely. We started out with the object of raising £lOO to repaint and renovate the building. but funds came in allowing us to do other very necessary work. In all, donations received amounted to. £l63s Id. Painting and renovating cost £B2 13s 9d, carpentering and fittings, £47 10s 9d; postage, connected with appeal and this function, 8s 6d, leaving a balance of £3l 10s Id, which, on behalf of the organisers, I Lave much pleasure in handing over to the sisters. I cannot conclude thij statement without giving my personal thanks to all those who so liberally contributed to the funds, and to Mr R. C. Talboys, who took on a big job in drawing up specifications and supervising the work. You can see how faithfully he has carried out his part, free of anv cost. A special word of praise is due to Mrs N. M. McCarthy in assisting as she herself was responsible for collecting £42. The two newspapers gave valuable publicity free. I have also to thank Misses Newcombe and Soeberg for printing the appeals and invitations, and Miss J. Falconer for typing all correspondence. Mr W. J. Gilberd donated a valuable box of assorted soaps to the fund, and on behalf of ihe home I thank him. In conclusion I. nn behalf of the organisers, wish the sisteis every success 'in their noble work. That the said work is appreciated by the publit is