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New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXII, Issue XIV, 2 April 1904, Page 24

amongst those present being the follow ing clergy:—Bishop Neligan, Archdeacon Calder, Canon Nelson, Canon Mac-Mur-ray, Revs. M. E. Lush, E. M. Cowie, J. Cowie, M. 11. Button, W. E. Budd and H. Mason. After the Home had been formally dedicated, Mrs Neligan unveiled a brass tablet containing the following inscription:—“ln loving memory of Mary. Ann Martin, wife of the first Chief Justice of New Zealand, who died at Torquay, January 2, 1884; and of Eliza Jane Cowie, wife of the Primate of New Zealand, who died at Auckland, August 18, 7902. ‘So He giveth His beloved sleep.’ This tablet is placed here by one who was privileged to share their work for flic rescue of their fallen sisters.”

The Bishop in the course of an address said that the object of St. Mary’s Women’s Home was not the herding together as outcasts, women who had fallen either from wilfulness or from ignorance or from frivolity,- but rather the gathering in of those who needed to be brought back into the Father’s family. Those who were sought out by God’s Church, through the ministry of faithful men and faithful women, would learn that they were still wanted in the Father’s home; that it was the Father’s love that impelled the search after the lost sheep or the lost coin; that the Father’s love and the Father’s heart was hurt and grieved at the wilfulness when the child would leave the Father’s home, and that there was always a welcome for the returning prodigal. The homes were some attempt towards national purity. The buildings consist of two portions, the first being of wood, and the Maternity Home proper being of brick. The brick building is built with double walls, and is plastered throughout. The sanitary arrangements to each building are most complete, the drainage being delivered to a large septic tank and filter beds. The water supply is from a good well, the water being pumped up by an aeromotor to tanks holding 4000 gallons. The whole cost will be about £3OOO. The architect is Mr Ashley Hunter, and the contractor Mr G. Handcock.

Before returning to town the visitors were given afternoon tea.