CHRISTCHURCH CATHOLIC GIRLS’ HOSTEL AND CLUB.

New Zealand Tablet, 16 May 1918, Page 37

CHRISTCHURCH CATHOLIC GIRLS’ HOSTEL AND CLUB.

The third annual meeting of the Christchurch Girls’ Hostel and Club was held on Sunday afternoon, April 28, in the club room of the hostel. His Lordship Bishop Brodie presided. The Very Rev. Dean Regnault, S.M., the Rev. Dr. Kennedy, Adm., Mrs. G. Harper, president of the ladies’ committee, were present, and there was a good attendance of ladies and gentlemen interested in the work. Apologies were received from Mesdames S. Barrett and G. Dobbs. The annual report and balance sheet were read and adopted. The report referred to the progress made during the past year, and to the removal to the present commodious premises. Various functions had been held during the year, the most successful being the social held on May 9 last which realised £6l 12s. During the year an average of 13 permanent boarders had been maintained, and 180 visitors were accommodated, and with the increased accommodation in the new premises it is anticipated that all requirements will be met in the futme. Special mention was made of the keen interest taken in the work by his Lordship the Bishop and the clergy of the city parishes, and of the support and encouragement given by sympathisers in the purchase and renovation of the new premises, and all who had assisted the work were cordially thanked for their support. To the matron, Miss Johnston, a special meed of praise was due as her duties had been particularly heavy, and the committee desired to placed on record their sincere appreciation of her generous efforts. The balance sheet disclosed receipts for the year amounting to £7lO 8s sd, and expenses £668 9s 3d, leaving a credit balance of £4l 19s 2d. The balance sheet in

connection with the recent garden fete ,was read by th , secretary, Mr. T. Cahill, showing the handsome result'__ of £276 6s lid, the best return yet received from such a function in this city. The Girls’ Club stall headed the list with £74 6s, and the Cathedral and St. Mary’s stalls equalled for second place with less than £2 behind the leading stall. In moving the adoption of t e balance sheet his Lordship the Bishop congratulated . all interested on the splendid result, and spoke in glowmg terms of the enthusiasm and solid-work of the committee and all who had assisted them in bringing about such a satisfactory return. The Very Rev. Dean Regnault offered his congratulations on the success of the function, and on the general progress made during the past term and considered that the great interest displayed spoke in no uncertain tone for the future welfare of the Hostel. The new constitution drawn up by the sub-committee was submitted and approved subject to several minor alterations. The election of officers resulted as follows : President, Mrs G. Harper ; vice-president, Mrs J. S. Barrett: secretary, Miss W. Harrington committee— W. Hayward, Deamer, Watson, F. Delany, G. Dobbs, . Uoolan, Cotter, Misses B. M. Sloan, M. Harrington, and Nurse Doherty. Messrs. P. F. Ryan J. A. Henley, T. Cahill, J. McNamara, and J. S. Barrett were elected to represent the guarantors on the board of management. Mr. J. Curry was also elected to the committee. His Lordship the Bishop, in reviewing the work of the past year, congratulated the committee and all who had assisted them on the excellent and practical work accomplished. The purchase of the new property had evidently caused a greater interest in the work, and now with the increased accommodation, and with the Hostel so conveniently situated, he hoped the interest would continue and increase. He desired to express his appreciation of the good work of the house committee and matron during the past year, which had on account of the removal been a most arduous one, and to all who had in any way assisted this diocesan work he was deeply grateful. Personally, he viewed the prospects for the future of the Hostel and Club as excellent, and he would continue to take a deep interest in its welfare. At the conclusion of the business, his Lordship made a presentation of a wristlet watch to Miss W. Harrington, hon secretary to the house committee, who has held that important position since the inception of the Hostel. His Lordship eulogised her valuable services, and congratulated her on her re-election to office, which was the best tribute of appreciation that could be bestowed upon her, and wished her continued success in the future. , . The , ™ ee ting concluded with a vote of thanks to his Lordship the Bishop for presiding.