HOME OF COMPASSION, WELLINGTON

New Zealand Tablet, 29 February 1912, Page 43

HOME OF COMPASSION, WELLINGTON

OPENING OF THE JUBILEE WARD /' : ’ (From our own correspondent.) February 24. Included in those present at the opening of the Jubilee Ward at the Home of Compassion on Monday afternoon by his Excellency Lord Islington, were Archbishop Redwood, Lady Ward and Miss Ward, Messrs. T. G. McCarthy, and H. S. Warded. . Lord Islington was formally welcomed by his Grace Archbishop Redwood.

His Excellency expressed the pleasure it gave him to take part in such an interesting ceremony. He regretted 'that owing to an outbreak of illness in that part, the main building could not be thrown open to visitors. It was a matter for regret, as no doubt it prevented a larger gathering of people from showing to the Rev. Mother Aubert and her colleagues the deep interest in the work done in connection with the home. In outlining the jubilee movement that resulted in the new wing, his Excellency said that the sum of money collected was something like £2300, but the amount actually at disposal was something under £IBOO. That amount had been absorbed in the erection of this admirable building. The money was raised willingly by people of all ages and all creeds, to enable this splendid and wonderful work that had been done in this town and in New Zealand for practically fifty years to continue. The money was given to the Rev. Mother to do with as she thought fit. With that wonderful indifference to personal position that had always characterised Mother Aubert's life, she immediately devoted her mind to the allocation of this money to some public purpose in. connection with, the, home and its work. All present would agree that the new hall would be a great addition to the future needs of the institution. From now onwards the hall would be devoted to practical and kindergarten work for children, and the various forms of recreation and education which were part and parcel of the work for children. His Excellency asked permission to dwell for a few moments on a summary of the splendid work that had been carried out by the Rev. Mother and "the Sisters in connection with the Home of Compassion. Stressing the need for its maintenance, his Excellency pointed. out the five branches of the institution. There were the incurables, who certainly demanded full sympathy, compassion, and careful nurture. The next might He called the children's hospital branchchildren being admitted and receiving full medical attention and care when otherwise they would have no |hope of this owing to a lack of accommodation in the general hospital. Mention was made of the large new ward at the general hospital. This, when completed, would materially relieve the pressure in this branch of the home. Then there was the Convalescent Home, which took children who had left the general hospital incompletely recovered in health. Under the influence of good food and close attention they were here restored completely to their former health. There was another branch of particular value known as the ' Temporaries ' —which enabled children of parents of the industrial class who were unable to give full and proper attention to receive that attention at the home. This was an inestimable boon to many poor families in the city of Wellington. Another branch was devoted to foundlings. Since 1905 sixty-eight'children had been admitted to this part of the home, where, rescued from a cruel and unmerited fate, f ; they would grow up in the full enjoyment of life, and in time be; of service to the State. > ' V ;'■'

All must agree, added his Excellency, as to the splendid work being carried on in the home. It was charitable in the highest sense, and was carried out on practical lines. His Excellency eulogised the intimate knowledge, and sympathy of Mother-V Aubert and the Sisters in this work of upliftnient. It was in a true sense economic and of great value to the State, and had the effect, in preventing in many instances what

might be described as nothing more nor less than human waste. They could not afford to allow derelicts in their midst to accumulate and multiply. His Excellency suggested that the home might in future assist in providing some amelioration of the lack of domestic help. Small children on attaining a certain, age were to be taught various sorts of domestic arts. Not only was this institution altruistic in its practice and methods, but he would venture to sayand it was what appealed to him particularly—it was conducted with a true sympathy and true understanding of ! human frailty. Mother Aubert provided for the children that protection and encouragement they were, of . all people, most in need. By means of this home. they were enabled to resist the temptations of the world and overcome the frailties to which, after all, we were all in a greater or less degree prone. In conclusion, his Excellency congratulated -Mother Aubert and the Sisters on their disinterested and unostentatious work. He then formally declared the hall open. His Grace the Archbishop suitably responded on behalf of Rev. Mother Mary.' The new wing is 60ft by 30 ft, with 10ft verandahs along each side, and is set in a large playground enclosed by an Bft iron fence. It has been built for the use of the children as a day ward, and with the playground will provide ample room for exercise in all conditions of weather. The building which has been erected by the Rev. Mother Aubert has, at the request of her friends, been named the ‘ Jubilee Ward,’ to com mem ate her fifty years’ residence and work in New Zealand.