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Tenth Annual Report of the Committee of Management

Of the Otago Benevolent Institution

February, 1873.

1. The Committee of Management have to report that during the past year they have been called upon to relieve a very large amount of distress, especially during the winter months, which were more than usually severe. The disbursements for Outdoor Relief, however, were £160 less than the sum so expended in 1871, owing to a general reduction having been made in many of the cases on the 30th September, from an absolute want of funds. The principal causes of distress arose from a dearth of employment during the winter months, and the desertion of wives by their husbands. In the country districts also there were many cases of distress relieved by the Institution. In the month of October, the Committee finding that the funds at their disposal would not meet the heavy demands made upon them, caused a special appeal to be made to the Clergy and Laity for help, and they regret to state that, with few exceptions, they met with no response, only eight of the churches throughout the united Provinces of Otago and Southland having as yet contributed, viz., Knox Church, First Church, St. Paul's, All Saints', North Dunedin Presbyterian Church, St. Luke's, Oamaru; Presbyterian Church, Tapanui; Presbyterian Church, East Taieri; the first four of which are in the habit of making annual collections in aid of the Charity,

2. A great many of the cases at present on the books are likely to be permanent, and in some, the size and real indigence of the families, have obliged the Committee to administer aid to page 11 a more than ordinarily large amount. At the close of the year there were on the Relief List 250 persons, entailing a weekly expenditure of £13 14s; of this amount £2 11s is distributed in the country districts.

3. The Committee would again draw attention to the fact that in a majority of cases the distress originates in the desertion of their wives and families by the husbands, and they trust their successors in office will continue to impress upon the Government the necessity for the introduction of such measures as will enable the police to deal more effectually with such offenders. (Vide Report for 1871.)

4. The average number of inmates in the Institution during the past year has remained about equal to that of 1871. viz., 77. The cost of each inmate per week during the year was six shillings and eightpence three-farthings,

5. The appointment of Mr J. S. Hickson as Secretary, in the room of Mr J. A. Webb, resigned, has been made since the last annual meeting, and the vacancies of Master and Matron have been tilled, the former by Mr Jno. Morrison, the latter by the re-appointment of Mrs Turner.

6. The Committee have much pleasure in testifying to the diligence of the Governess, Miss M. A. Coxhead, whose proficiency as a teacher is established by the apparent advancement of the children under her charge.

7. The Committee have also to record their satisfaction with the assiduous attention of Mr Macfie to his duties as Religious Instructor, and have reason to believe that much good has resulted from his labors.

8. During the year five children were placed out at service, and one adopted. The total number now at service and adopted, to 31st December, 1872, is:—At service, 9 boys and 11 girls; adopted, 4 boys and 6 girls. In each instance the Committee have received satisfactory accounts of their conduct and progress. Three children were forwarded to their grandfather in America, where they have been kindly received and provided for.

9. By reference to the Balance Sheet, it will be observed that financially the Institution has retrograded during the past year. It will be necessary for the incoming Committee to endeavour to induce the Government to make a more liberal provision for the relief of the destitute, as otherwise it will be impossible for them to carry on effectually the business of the Charity. The Committee regret to report that the Colonial Parliament has not yet consented to the vote for the endowment of Public Charities, page 12 They trust, however, that their successors in office will use every endeavour to obtain this necessary provision for charitable aid from this source.

10. The Committee desire to place on record their satisfaction and appreciation of the manner in which Mr Hocken has performed the arduous duties of Medical Attendant, not only at the Institution at Caversham, but amongst the numerous Outdoor cases throughout the City and Suburbs. The zeal and judgment displayed by Mr Hickson, the Secretary, in the performance of his duties call forth from the Committee the highest praise, and they feel that the Institution has benefited from his appointment to the office he holds.

11. Attached to the Report will be found the Medical Report, Balance Sheet, and Tabular Records of the operations of the Institution.

12. The Committee now resign their trust—they are, how ever, eligible for re-election.