SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 41, 11 October 1900, Page 30

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL.

PRO-CATHEDRAL CONFERENCE. CHRISTCHURCH. Patron, his Lordnhip the Right Rev. J. J. Grimes, S M.. D.D. Bishop of Christchurch ; spiritual director, the Very Rev. Father Le Menant desChesnais, S M, V.G.; president, Kro. E. O'Connor, J. P., *ice-prepidents, Bros, G. Hayward and J J. Wili-on ; treasurer, Bro. A. Mead ; secretary, Bro. W. Fox ; wardrobe-keeper, liro J. A. HTTiw*y • M«ist<4nt dr> Rro Jaw Power Repout and Balance Sheet fok the Ykak Fspino July IS, In presenting our report for the year ending last July at this late period it may be necessary to explain tout the delay was cnut-ed by the various events which took place at that time, among otherH the removal and subsequent re-opening of the Pro-Cathedral. Hitherto it has been customary on the publication of our annual report to make a public appeal to the generosity ot our lri*>nd«j, benefactors, and the charitably disposed gtnejaily, for fun^n to enable the Society to continue its woodwork anioni< the poor, the sick and destitute of whatever denomination or nationality. We do not intend, however, on this occasion, owing to the many calls on the resources of our people, to follow the upual practice of having' a charity sermon preached and a special collection made. Nevertheless, an opportunity will be afforded all tho-e. who are desirous of assisting in the noble work of fteding, clothing, tending and sheltering God's poor, especially those little ones so dear to the Sacred Heart of His Divine Son, for whom our venerablo founder, the great St. Vincent de Paul, was ever so solicitous. During the past year, as in preceding cues, we have endeavored to the best of our ability to carry on the work of our society with all ntceetary zeal and discretion, and trust our efforts have proved sucoewful. Much has been done, still undoubtedly much more oould be accomplished were our ranks strengthened by the addition of more active workers. May this reminder have the effect of inducing many with the time j»nd means at their disposal to become associated with the Society of St. Vincent de I\iul iv this or other branches. The establishment of a home, for thp aged and needy, for those temporarily distressed, and for numerous cases requiring immediate treatment, the urgent necessity of which has existed for years, is, we are extremely thankful to say, likely soon to be realised. Frequently, during the past year, the need of such a:i institution has been forced upon us, and at our earnest solicitation his Lordship the Bishop, always watchful over our interest*, communicated with the Mother house of the Sisters of Nazareth, those heroic and devoted religious who have so distinguished theumelves amidst the dangers of the war in South Africa, with a view of inducing a community to settle in Christchurch and open a Nazareth House. The oharity sermons on behalf of the fund of the society were preached last year by the Very Rev. Vicar-General and Rev. Father Crotty, to whom we are exceedingly grateful, their united efforts being the means of providing funds for the euccesaful carrying on of our work throughout the year. To his Lordship the Bishop, the Very Rev. Vicar-General, and the clergy of the Pro-Cathedral we return our sincere thanks for generous assistance and encouragement. We, likewise, thank all who have in any way contributed to our fund*, wardrobe, etc. Balance Sm kt. Receipts. Expenditure. £. s. d. ' £. R d. To balance forward 10 IU 11 ' P>y <Jrocery orders <; :; .} „ Collections at week- ] „ Coal and V* ood ."> 1 1 v ly meetings S 17 8 j „ Meat 0 12 f> „ Result of Annual | .. Tram fares to enappeal 10 0 0 able inmates of „ Donations 12 18 9 | the Jubilee Memorial Home j and Deaf and | Dumb Institute to attend Masa 3 1 1 7 „ Train fare 3to enj able men to go j to employment 010 H „ Boots, clothing-, and blankets 6 10 'J „ Meals, beds, and lodging 2 11 t> „ Housorent 3 14 »', ! „ Sundries, includi ing tools, school I books, printing . i reports, railage. \ ! cab fare of { patient to hosI pital, etc. T, 19 0 „ Balance in hand 7 11 9 £43 1G 4 £42 U, 4 General Summary : — Orders issued, 1159 ; visits, 107 ; school books, etc., supplied, 6 ; families supplied with clothing, boots, etc. to enable children to attend school, .1 ; men sent to employment, 4 ; situations obtained, 7 ; lost relations found, 1 ; children sent to Nelson Industrial School, G ; children adopted, 1 ; penitent to Mount Magdala, 1 ; several a^ed mea were equipped with new suits of clothes ; one patient was taken to hospital ; 11 men were provided with temporary board and lodging, whilst another waß f urnmhed with tools. In addition to the above, and not included in the balance sheet, the Very Rev. Vicar-General has privately relieved cases on behalf of the Society coming under his notice between meetings at an approximate coßt of £20.