SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVI, Issue 12, 22 July 1898, Page 31

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL.

PRO-CATIIEDRAL CONFERENCE, CHRISTCHURCH.

The following is the report and balance-sheot for year ending 13th July, 1898 :— Officers — Patron, Right Rev. J. J. Grimes, S.M., D.D. ; Spiritual Director, Very Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais, S.M., V.G. ; President, Bro. E. O'Connor, J.P. ; Vice-president, Bro. C. H. Evans ; Treasurer, Bro. J. J. Wilaou ; Secretary, Bro. G. C. Hay ward ; Wardrobe Keeper, Bro. J. Hennessy. Once again the time has arrived for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to place before its friends.benefactors, and the general community a report of its transactions for the year just ending. In doing so we look upon it as a first and paramount duty on behalf of the poor (the clients of St. Vincent), to return our sincere and grateful thanks to all who have in any way, whether at our last annual appeal or during the year, supplied the necessary funds and goods that have enabled the Brothers and members of the Ladies' Branch to accomplish so much necessary work. To our late reverend spiritual director (the Very Rev. Father Cummings) we owe a debt of gratitude it seems impossible ever to repay, for the unflagging interest always displayed in the affairs of the Society (and especially our branch), and for his ever willing assistance and ideal Christian charity. We, however, feel gladly compensated for the loss of so worthy a co-worker and kindly Father by having in the person of the devoted Vicar-General (the Very Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais, S.M.) a successor who already has endeared himself to the members, and who performs an immense amount of work in connection with the Society. We are anxiously looking forward to the return amongst us of his Lordship the Bishop after a prolonged absence. As we remarked in our last annual report, we have felt his absence very acutely, and are hopefully awaiting his cheery presence and kindly intercourse again at our meetings, at which he has invariably manifested the greatest possible interest. During the year, the work of St. Vincent de Paul has not been allowed to relax, neither has any want of energy been exhibited by the members of the Society. On the contrary, everything possible has been done to alleviate the wants of our poor people and render their condition more endurable, whenever brought under our notice. As showing the many cases always arising wherein charitable zeal may be displayed, we may mention that during the year arrangements have been made on behalf of several persons to establish them in profitable businesses ; men sent to join their families ; boots. clothing, and school books provided for a number of children to enable them to go regularly to school ; several families helped in the payment of rent ; men enabled to leave town to get work ; Christian burial of child ; five children sent to St. Mary's Industrial School, Nelson ; one member collected £7 to assist a deserving case ; the passage paid of a woman from one of the local institutions to enable her to rejoin her friends in another part of the colony, and the good officers of the Society sought in several individual instances of temporary difficulties and "embarrassment witli happy and successful results. Another matter that has engaged the attention of the Society is communication being opened up with the authorities of the Home for the Aged Needy in charge of the Little Sisters of the Poor, Auckland, with the view of having persons sent there. This opens up a question long in the minds of members, viz., the growing need of a similar institution in this city. We feel the timo Fa fast approaching when a Catholic Home, under the benign influence of religion, which should be used for the comfortable housing of our indigent poor, a temporary shelter for sick and friendless" persons, and a refuge tor orphan and neglected children pending their transmission to more suitable institutions, should be founded, under a band of devoted Sisters, such, for instance, as the Sisters ot Charity (founded by St. Vincent dt Paul), or Little Sisters of the Poor. The establishment of such an institution would supply a long felt and growing want. We have to acknowledge the receipt during the year of several much needed contributions in money, coals, etc., from a few generous benefactors, and cannot do better than urge many more to follow such good example. With the commencement of the new year it is gratifying to know that several gentlemen have joined our ranks as active members, and we look forward to the reception of many others from among our eligible parishioners. BALANCE SHEET. Receipts. Expenditure. £ ». d. £ h. dBalance forward ... 110 1 Donation to Ladies,' Members' contriba- Branch .. ... 5 5 0 tions y 4 4 Advertising and PrintResult of Annual ing Reports ... 1 9 0 Appeal 19 (» 0 House Rent 0 12 0 Donatons \\ 1G 0 Coals, Firewood, etc. 1 17 0 Groceries X 13 0 Drapery, Clothing , | Blankets, Boots, j etc r> 14 0 Meat 0 4 0 Sundries (including School Books, Stamps, Stationery, Uailage, Exchange, etc.) ... 010 2 Balance in hand ... 11 12 5 £35 16 5 £35 16 5

In addition to the above, and not included in the balance, the Very Key. Father Cummings (prior to his departure), the Very Rev father Le Menant des Chesnais, S.M.. V.G., and other priests of the Pro-Cathedral, have expended privately, but in connection with the Society, a considerable sum in relieving: ppecial and deserving cases which came under their personal notice between meetings. General Summary :— Visits made, 72 ; orders issued, 156 • clothing, boots, etc, provided, 27; cases relieved in various ways, 101. ladies' beakch : President, Mrs. Stratz ; vice-president, Mrs. Morkane ; treasurer Mi«.s hunston ; secretary, Miss Kearney; wardrobe keeper. Miss Shea. RAIiANCR SHEET. Expenditure. Receipts. T, , , , £ s. d. Drapery 8 9 <j Balance forward .-073 Boots, grocery, coal, etc 500 Donation from Con- Tramfare of Jubilee ference (Charity Memorial Home... Sermon) 5 5 0 Inmates to Church ... 110 0 Members' subscriptions Cash and medicine . 110 0 (Monthly) ... 15 4 6 House rent and bedi j ding 20 0 , Balance in hand ... 2 7 0 £20 16 i)| £20 16 9 In addition to the above, donations of clothing, bedding, etc I have been received and distributed to the value of £25. T v7 isit , s have been made to the hospital, Gordon street Refuge Jubilee Memorial Home, Deaf and Dumb ABylum, Sumner • and similar institutions at regular intervals, and numerous visits to poor people m their own homes. General summary :— Cases relieved in various ways, 50 ; visits made, 30. Goods distributed : 1G articles of bedding, 12 pairs of new boots, 00 yards flannelette, 50 yards flannel, 80 yards cotton material d 2 garments and 30 parcels of women's and children's clothiDg