CHILDREN’S HOME.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 22 October 1930, Page 3

CHILDREN’S HOME.

TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW. AN INTERESTING REVIEW. The following interesting review of tho Masterton Methodist Children’s Home is taken from a publication issued in connection with a worthy appeal for this splendid institution: — •, Disraeli said: —“The present interests me more than the past, and the future more than the present.” Just a word about the past: The Masterton Methodist Children’s Home w r as built as the result of the enterprise and foresight of the Wellington Methodist Charitable and Educational Endowments Board during the years 1920 and 1921. Mr C. E. Daniell, the contractor, who was deeply interested in the work to be done in the Home, was at considerable trouble in preparing the design of an ideal building, and he produced one in every way satisfactory. With considerable rejoicing it was opened on October 29th, 1921, by the Hon. G. J. Parr (now Sir James), who was then Minister of Education. At the time of the opening there were six children in the Home.

In October, 1919, a Committee of Management, composed of five members, was formed in Masterton to work in co-operation with the Wellington Board. This Committee quickly grew in numbers until it arrived at its present number —14 members. The chairmen of Committee during the eleven years have occupied the positions in the following order: —Rev. J. Cocker, Mr 0. N. C. Pragnell, Rev. W. Beckett, and Air S. J. Smith. The Rev. B. J. Rothwell was the first vice-chairman. The Rev. J. Cocker has been secretary since the first committee meeting in 1919, except when incapacitated for nine months, when Air R. J. Young occupied the position. MATRONS. •We liavo had only two matrons in the ten years and they have filled the position with*every satisfaction. In October, 1920, Sister May Aloriarty was appointed, and she spent a year visiting the circuits within the area to be served by the Home and collected a very substantial sum for the furnishing fund, making her home at the parsonage. She occupied the- position of matron for six years. Sister Annie was second on the staff for about five years, while Sister May was matron. Miss Allan succeeded Sister Alay as matron four years ago, and gives every satisfaction.

Looking over the history of. the 9'B children who have been admitted to tho Home, one in a measure realises what a blessing it has been to them, and how much better have been their lives, and that they will become better citizens for their training. Air S. J. Smith, the present chairman, writes: —“Youth is a millionaire in hope. In the charge of our staff and committee are 42 children who have been deprived, through no fault of their own, of the helpful influence of home life. Still, they abound in abundant life, they hope great things, and have their dreams. We are endeavouring to shape their lives to foster that hope of great things, to direct their desires and aspirations. It is a great work. Will you help and back up the efforts of those who so freely give their time and thought to help these helpless ones? ” THE STAFF. Miss Mead, the first assistant, is well qualified for tho position because of her experience In Alethodist Orphanages. Agnes Charman, one of the elder girls of tho Home, has become a junior member of the staff during the year, and in this way is being developed for

future usefulness. A cook is employed; also a seamstress as required. The matron is an enthusiastic gardener and supervises the work of the boys and girls, so that we have no need to employ a gardener. The grounds are kept in good order, and it is a pleasure to visit both the flower and vegetable sections of the garden. THE CHILDREN. There are 42 children in the Home, and 36 of them have lost one or both parents. In the instances where both parents are alive the circumstances of the eases have 'been so distressing as to fully justify the admission of the children. During the year seven children left the Home, mostly to fill useful occupations. Ron Thompson matriculated, and was the first boy in the Home to do so. He has been appointed to the Government Agricultural Laboratory, and we are hopeful that he will make progress. Seven children have been admitted to the Home during the last 12 months. It may be interesting to note that Louie Churchill, J;ke first girl to enter the Home, lias been married during the year, an : resides in the Masterton district.

On the whole, the health of the children has been good. Several children have suffered from scarlet fever. Again wo thank Dr. Prior for his services as honorary physician, a position he has occupied since the Home was opened. He has been most- liberal in giving his services because of the deep interest he takes in the Home. The children look upon him as a friend. During the year a number of the elder boys became Boy Scouts. The Scripture examination of the elder children revealed a knowledge of the Bible which will be helpful to them in future days. The object of our work is not simply to find the children a home, but to train them to become followers of Christ, the Great Example. If we fail in that, then our work is a failure indeed, no matter how efficient other parts of it may be. During the year the Rev. E. O. Blamires has been appointed chaplain. HELP THE WORK. With every confidence we make our annual appeal. We thank you for help during the previous years. Officers and members of Alanagement Committee, 1930. —'Chairman, Mr S. J. Smith; secretary-manager and treasurer, Rev. J. Cocker; hon. physieian, Dr. N. H. Prior; members of committee, Alessrs C. E. Daniell, A. H. Daniell, A. J. Donald, S. J. Smith, J. 11. Handyside, F. E. Wells, W. 11. Judd and Dr. Prior, Revs. E. O. Blamires and J. Cocker, Mesdames J. Cocker, J. Elliott, A. Pragnell, E. 0. Blamires and Aliss Burton. The staff: Miss Allan (matron), Airs Boyland, Miss Alead (first assistant). Will the Sunday school scholars help us? Will the teachers arrange for collections in the Sunday schools on Orphanage Sunday, or arrange for an Orphanage concert or picnic? Such efforts are already made in some circuits. Will the Christian Endeavours arrange to make efforts on behalf of the Home? Think of others less fortunate and help to bear their burdens. We shall be pleased to receive donations of cash, clothing or produce. Will you endow the Home if you have the means to do so? You need not wait until you pass on to the Better Land; have the pleasure of distributing your wealth; you cannot help a better cause. To train boys and girls in the way of righteousness will bear fruit in days to come.. Both the children and the staff look forward to a change at Christmas. In the past many persons have taken the boys and girls to their homes during the holiday season. Will you take one to your home? If so, please send word to either the secretary or matron. A child with you from the Home will increase J'our interest in the work.