The New Orphanage for Boys at Takapuna

New Zealand Tablet, Volume LI, Issue 10, 6 March 1924, Page 25

The New Orphanage for Boys at Takapuna

(By telegraph from our Auckland correspondent.) On Sunday last, the 2nd inst., in brilliant sunshine, the blessing and formal opening of the new orphanage

for boys at Takapuna (to replace the building destroyed by tire some time ago), took place in the presence-of about 2000 people. On a raised platform outside the building, with many colored flags floating overhead, were seated his-Excellency Archbishop Cattaneo, Apostolic Delegate to

Australia and New Zealand, the Governor-General and Lady Jellicoe, Bishops Geary, Liston, and Darnand (Samoa), Mgr. Cahill, Mgr. Ormond, Rev. Fathers O'Connor, Bradley, O'Brien, Furlong, Murphy, and -Rev: Dr. Buxton, Rev. Mr. Monkton, Anglican Vicar of Takapuna, the Inspector of Orphanages, Mr. Savage, M.P., and Mr. J. J. O'Brien. His Excellency Loud Jellieoe was introduced by Bishop

Cleary. The Bishop, referring to the orphanage building, said it was originally -.'built by the French Missionaries under Bishop- Pompallier for educational purposes fifty years ago. When it later became the. orphanage two Sisters of Mercy rowed over with six boys, one of whom was ; np\v

present and to meet him was a pleasure/ Extensions were begun in 1922, and in the following year there came the destructive fire when was witnessed the fine example of discipline on the part of the boys. He complimented the Sisters on their excellent work and in that time of great danger the cool courage they displayed. The wonderful organisation behind the institution and the discipline within counts for everything in time of emergency, and also gives the country boys a high ideal of citizenship, and fits them to continue the traditions established by their fathers in the Great War. With regard to the boys, they could best show gratitude by fitting themselves to be loyal, good citizens, _ good men, and good Christians, and above all, gentlemen, courteous, civil, and kind. Civility is sometimes mistaken for servility. There could be no greater mistake made than to become rough and uncouth in an effort not .to appear servile. He would like to see a spirit of civility and courtesy cultivated by the boys so that when they took their place in the world they would prove worthy of those who had previously passed through the orphanage. The Mayor (Mr. Gould), on behalf of the people, of

Takapuna, welcomed Lord Jellicoe, the Apostolic Delegate,, and Bishops. He congratulated all who had .a share in, the erection of the new building which was not alone an ornament to the district but • also a well equipped institution. The work and heeds of the orphanage had (he said) outgrown the capacity of the old structure and its destruction could almost be regarded as a blessing in disguise. Dr. Liston then presented the key of the new building to Lord Jellicoe, who declared the orphanage open. Bishop Liston thanked Dr. Wheeler, Messrs. Brett, Bloomfield, Alison, and many others for much valued help, and commended the Sisters of Mercy for their thirty, years faithful vwork. The new building cost £23,500 of which £3500 still remained unpaid. It was intended later to build a technical school where boys would be taught a trade. His Excellency Archbishop Cattanco, Messrs. Savage, and O'Brien also spoke. The new orphanage is a solid, well-designed structure of three stories. The collection amounted to £OSO.