The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957)(about) |
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Tuesday 16 August 1887
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THE ELIZABETH AUSTIN COT-
TAGES AT GEELONG.
(FROM OUR. CORRESPONDENT)
GEELONG, Monday.
The formal opening of the Elizabeth Austin Cottages erected at South Geelong, near to the railway station, with the view of providing homes for the female aged poor, took place to day in the presence of ft large number of ladies and gentlemen. There are 12 cottages altogether, each containing two rooms. Each cottage is fitted up with every household requisite, and they have been made very comfortable, The buildings were erected at the cost of Mrs. Austin, of Barwon-park. After inspecting the cottages, a meeting was held in one of the large classrooms of the South Geelong state school, where the formal open- ing ceremony was performed, the room being crowded. Mr. William Bell, mayor of Geelong, occupied the chair. He said that the question arose as to how the funds were to be raised to maintain the cottages. He thought the corporation were the proper parties to find funds for the maintenance ol the aged poor, and that unless the corpora- tion and adjoining municipalities found the money the buildings would not be maintained. The Rev. Canon Goodman stated that on the 14th August, just a year ago, being the anniversary of the Birthday of Mrs. Austin, they assembled to lay the foundation stone of the cottage homes which they had that afternoon met to open. It was Mrs. Austin's wish that the ceremony should take place that day. The cottages would provide homes for 12 aged persons, who would be made happy by entering into possession of
them. He waa not in accord with the mayors idea of appealing to the ratepayers for sup- port. They rather desired the Christian people of Geelong to support the institution. He further stated that the cottages cost £2,400/ In addition to the cost, Mrs. Austin had given £500 towards a main tenance fuud, and £500 had been raised by jubilee subscriptions, making £1,000 in all. They had already 11 persons, whose ages ranged from 65 to 8O years, to place in the cottages, and these inmates would be allowed 3s. 6d. per week by the Ladies
Benevolent Association. Mrs Austin then handed over the keys of the cottages to Mrs. Hitchcock, the president of the Ladies Benevolent Association. Mrs. Hitchcock warmly thanked Mrs. Austin for the gift. She hoped the people of Geelong would sub- scribe liberally to their support. Mr. G. F.. Belcher followed, and in the course of his re marks paid a compliment to Mrs. Goodman, wife of the Rev. Canon Goodman, who had obtained £200 towards furnishing the cot- tages. Mr. Churles Andrews, M.L.A , spoke a few kind words in regard to the objects of the home, and hoped the public would generously render the necessary support. Dr. Pincott stated that he would be glad to give his services gratuitously to any ot the inmates whenever required. Mr. G. M. Hitchcock spoke in terms of praise of the establishment ot the home, and sug- gested that the name should be altered from "Elizabeth Home" to "Austin Home.
Mrs. Austin agreed to alter this name to the " Elizabeth Austin Cottages." Hearty cheers were then given for Mrs. Austin, and a vote of thanks having been passed to the chair man, the proceedings terminated.