STOKE ORPHANAGE

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 42, 15 October 1903, Page 19

STOKE ORPHANAGE

CIRCULAR BY THE BISHOP OF DUNEDIN The following circular to the clergy of the diocese of Dunedin has been issued by his Lordship Bishop verdon :— St. Joseph's Cathedral, Dunedin, October 9, 1903. Dear Reverend Father,-— The destruction of the Catholic Orphanage and Industrial School of Stoke by the on the 27th April last was a calamity affecting not only the Archdiocese of Wellington, but this diocese, and the whole Catholic body of the Colony. For fatherless boys from every part of the Colony were received within the walls of the Stoke Orphanage, and many waifs and strays from this province have been trained there to a life of virtue and made useful citizens, instead of being a burden to the community. Thanks to the zeal and energy of his Grace the Archbishop of Wellington, and the managers of the Stoke Institute, provisional accommodation has been provided for the homeless boys, and a substantial brick building will soon be erected in place of the structure that was recently destroyed. But to carry out the work successfully, ample funds will be required. In addition to money derived from insurance on the late building, a sum of £4000 will be required. Now as Catholics of this province have derived benefit from the Stoke Orphanage and Industrial School during the past years, and as we hope to make use of it in the future, it is only fair that we should contribute towards the erection of the new building. I therefore ask you, Dear Rev. Father, to appeal to your flock for contributions and subscriptions towardsthis most useful work, and I desire that a collection shall be made in all the churches of the diocese on some convenient Sunday before the end of November. I remain, Dear Key. Father, Sincerely yours in Christ, »£ MICHAEL VERDON, Bishop of Dunedin.