Dunedin Female Refuge.

Report for 1881-82.

The Committee, in submitting their annual report to the public, feel that, though the work entrusted to their care progresses quietly, and somewhat slowly, they can yet give proof of good having been effected during the past year through the agency of the Institution, now under the management of a most devoted and efficient matron, seconded by an equally efficient laundress.

At the commencement of the year, beginning June 1st, 1881, there were ten inmates in the refuge. Twenty-one were admitted during the year, five with infants. Of these, eight are at present in the Institution, one with an infant a fortnight old.

Of one inmate, by circumstances transferred to a Refuge in another province, the Committee have received an excellent report: that she is now in a situation, giving satisfaction to her employers, and evincing by her conduct a thorough change of heart. Three other young women have gone into situations, and six have been restored to their friends, forsaking the career of vice on which they were entering, and, the Committee have reason to hope, striving to regain the path of virtue and respectability.

This pleasant picture has, the Committee grieves to say, its reverse side, and no less than fourteen women have returned to their old life. No doubt such a result is sadly depressing, but, perhaps, not surprising, considering all the difficulties attending on an effort to reclaim those so utterly page 4 given up to self-indulgence, and consequently very intolerant of necessary discipline and restraint. The work is the Lord's—let us seek to labour in faith, for in due time He will give His blessing if we faint not.

The Committee have to express their deep regret at the loss of their kind and generous friend, Dr. Borrows, who, from the opening of the Refuge till his lamented death, gave his services gratuitously to the Institution. They also beg to offer their warmest thanks to Dr. De Zouche, who has most kindly consented to replace Dr. Burrows on equally liberal terms. The Committee also offer their grateful thanks to the Rev. C. J. Byng for his unwearied and regular ministrations to the inmates of the Refuge.

The Committee beg to acknowledge with thanks a donation of twelve Bibles from the Bible Society; a gift of books and papers from Mrs. Holmes, and a donation of coals from Messrs. Martin and Watson.