o, ■*■ n IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) A :/. i/. 1.0 I.I 1.25 lis liio I- ,. 1.8 14 111.6 V] <^ /^ "c^l '^'^ ▼ 4^ ^ '/ M Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 #' \ V % V <> )i Adapted April, /Scj^^ OTTAWA C>TT\\\\ nkiNiiNi; Co. (I/in.). ^ Mo (;kovk Stkkkt. I He/) MMisnmiaiiwiwtwi* (•(iwi«i*ii«i«ii«. I *f^ I K REPORT or THK ANNUAL MEETING OF THE Associated Charities OF OTTAWA F-OR 1896-1897, Coustifution Adopted April, iSg^ i ( \ OTTAWA Ottawa Printixg Co. (Ltd.), 5 Mos-.rovk Stre 1896 EET. i / MEMBERS OF COUNCIL. OpFicJiRs : 1896-97. PATRONS : Thkir Excellencies, Earl and Countess of Aberdeen President : Hon. G. W. IKirbidge. Vice-Presidents : Sheriff Sweetland, M.D., F. R. E. Campeau, Esq., Lady Ritchie, Mrs. E. H. Bronson. Secretary-Treasurer. John Keane. Life Members: Their Excellencies; Earl and Countess of Aberdeen, Hon. E. H. Bronson, Mrs. H. F. I'l-onson. Members Ex-Officio : His Worship Mayor Borth- wick, Thos. H. Kirby, City Treasurer, John Henderson City Clerk, R. Surtees, City Engineer, E. E. Perreault Assistant Enghieer, A. Robillard, M.D., City Physi- cian. Thi<: City Clergy : Alphabetical List Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Rev. Ven. Rev. Dr. Armstrong. Jos. Hlackstock. J. J. Bo^^art. T. Bailey. J. C. Borth. Dr. Campbell. Rev. A. M. Mackay Rev. J. A. Macf'arlane. Rev. C. J. Miller. Rev. Dr. Moore. Rev. Father Moreaii, S.A. Rev. Canon McCarthy. H. A. Constantineau. Rev. Wm. Mcintosh. E. W. Crane. Rev. R. R. McKay. J. Elliott. Rev. H. Pollard. Thos. Garrett. . Rev. W.W. Quicke. J. F, Gorman. Rev. J.O. Routhier, V.G. E. A. W. Hanning-tonRev. Dr. Saunders. W. T. Herridg-e. Rev. E. F. Seylaz. Rev. J. M. Snowdon, Rev. M.J. Whelan. Rev. T. W. Winfield. Rev. D. Winter. Rev. G. de Zocher. S. J. Hughes. D. Jacques. R. E. Knowles. Archdeacon Lauder. W. M. Loucks. ^--•-^ 5 Au'iiAHiiTicAL List of Mi-mukks of Council NOMINATKI) MY TMK Mayor anp by rut: Skvkral CiiiiHciiiis and Sociftifs OF TiiF City. Robert Haird, Esq Hell st., Methodist Church. W. F. Hoardman, Esq St. Barnabas Church. A. P. Hradley, Esq Eastern Methodist Church. Patrick Hrankin, Esq St. Bridget St. V^incent de Paul Conference. Mrs. E. H. Bronson St. Andrews Church Poor Relief Socy. Hon. Justice Burbidge. . ..St. Georg-e's Church. . Mrs. Capreol Grace Church. Mrs. F. Codville K\n^\ Daug'hters. Octave Dionne, Esq St. Anne's Conference St. V^incent de Paul. Ormond Doherty, Esq Western Methodist Church. Mrs, R. J. Davidson Erskine Church, H. Fillmann, Esq St. John's Lutheran Church N. E. Mrs. C. J. Frith First Baptist Church. Mrs. Gwynne Pres. Humane Society. W. Kearns, Esq St. Patrick's Conference St. Vincent de Paul Society. Hon, Mrs. Lambart St Davids Church N. E. JM. Larochelle, Esq St. Jean Baptiste Cof. St. Vincent de Paul. J. A. J. McKenna, Esq St. Patrick's Orphan Asy- lum. ft , 6 Mrs. Arthur Lindsay. .... .Christ Church. Mrs. J. A. Macfarlane New Edinburgh Presbyrer- ian Church. Edward May, Esq St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Donald Masson, Esq Knox Church. Robert McGregor, Esq. . . .Second Baptist Church. A. T. McKInnon, Esq Glebe Mission Church. H. F. A. McLeod St. Alban's Church. Mrs. Pollard St. John's Church. Aid. Payment Mayor's Nominee. Geo. E. Preston, Esq St. Bartholemew's Church.. E. L. Sanders, Esq St. Patrick's Junior Confer- ence St. V. de P. Socy. Miss M. Frances Scott. . . .President, Friends of the Poor. Mrs. C. S. Scott Dominion Methodist Church M. O. Scott, Esq St. Luke's Church. Mrs. Seylaz St. Mark's Church. J. Hervey Spencer, Esq. . . .Emmanuel Church. Aid. Stewart Mayor's Nominee. Mrs. J. Thorburn Pt. Paul's Church (Presby- terian.) Mrs. J. Tilton St. George's Church. Richard Tobin, Esq St. Joseph's Church St. V. de Paul. C. F. Winter, Esq St. George's Society. A. S. Woodburn, Esq Home for the Aged. Wm Young, Esq Congregational Church. Mrs. James Young Bank St. Church. Elected to Council at Annual M EETING. Dr. H. M. Ami. A. Ang-el, Esq. John R Armstrong, Esq. N. A. Belcourt, Esq., M. H. H. Brennan, Esq. F. P. Bronson, Esq. A. Chisholm, Esq. J. M. Courtney, Esq. John M. Gorman, Esq. John Heney, Esq. James Hope, Esq. W Hutchison, Esq., M.P Mrs. E. G. Laverdure. Mis. F. McDoug-al. W. L. Marler, Esq. W. L. Moreland, Esq. P. John Munro, Esq. A R Macdonald Esq. A. Pratt, Esq. W. H. Rowley, Esq. W. L. Scott, Esq. A. P. Sherwood, Esq. H. B. Small, Esq. Dr. St. Jean. . Peter Whelan, Esq. A. H. Whitcher, Esq. H66ociateb Cbatities. <•» The Council of the above Society is exceedingly anxious to find as much occassional work for the poor and unemployed in the city as it is possible to give. This form of relief is by far the best and most effective way in which help to those in distress can be given. Permanent employment we do not undertake to find. There are already a large number of names for work on our books. Any of our citizens having or contriving casual work or odd jobs of any kind for men or women to do would be doing a kindly and benevolent act by sending by post card or otherwise to John Keane, Secy. Assoc. Charities, Ottawa, Dec, 1896. City Hall. m^ ■S ■I I i ^ Hssociateb Cbaritie$. »•— — I ;5 Attention is specially and respectfully directed at page 17 of this report to the resolution adopted at the Annual Meeting, and substantially as follows : — Moved by Mr. N. A. Belcourt, M.P., seconded by Mr. A. S. Woodburn, ''In order to carry out the objects of this Society, it is of course absolutely necessary that material aid be forthcoming to maintain the organization in work- ing order. It confidently appeals to all citizens, who believe in its usefulness, to assist by their generosity and public spirit in enabling the Associated Charities to extend and develope to the utmost its beneficent enterprises". Any aid or contribution from those willing to as- sist in the work, in pursuance of the above resolution, will be gratefully acknowledged by the Society. Address — John Keane, John Keane, Sec.-Treas. Assoc. Charities, Secretary. City Hall. ■*' } >' ^. f : m \ ASSOCIATED CHARITIES. CONSTITUTION. I. The \:imc. The name of this Society shal be " The Associated Charities of Ottawa." II. Tho Olijoi'tm. The objects of the Society shall be : A. To secure the concurrent and harmonious action ■of the diflferent Charities of Ottawa, in order to (i) raise the needy above the need of relief, prevent beg-g-ing and imposture and diminish pauperism ; (2) to encourage thrift, self-dependence and industry through friendly intercourse, advice and sympathy, and to aid the poor to help themselves ; (3) to prevent children from grow- fing up as paupers ; (4) to aid in the diffusion of know- :ledg-e on subjects connected with the relief of the poor. f B. In order to promote these objects, the Society :shall be (i) a centre of intercommunication between the fvarious churches and charitable agencies in the city :with a view^ to fostering harmonious co-operation |among them and to check the evils of over-lapping of Relief; (2) shall investigate thoroughly, and without M - 9 lO charg-e, the cases oi applicants for relief which are referred to the Society for inquiry, and keep a correct rej^^ister of the same, and send the persons having" a legitimate interest in such cases full reports of the results oi^ investig^ation ; (3) shall refer deserving- cases to the proper charities : (4) shall keep a list of persons desiring to have work done and a list of applicants for work, and assist in bring^ing- these parties into commu- nication ; (5) and shall endeavor to promote the g-eneral welfare of the poor by social and sanitary reforms and by the inculation of habits of providence and self- dependence. III. In relation to the existing* Charitable Societies, the aim of this Society is to be auxiliary with a view to promote eflficiency and economy ; existing- Societies will retain and administer their own funds, entirely free froni the interference or supervision of thisSociety. The officers and ag-ents of this Society shall not use their position for the purpose of proselytizing, and it shall be the duty of the Council to see that this rule is strictly enforced. V. All who enroll their names (either with or without a subscription) in a book to be kept for this purpose, shall be members of this Society. Any person on payment of twenty-five dollars shall be a life member. i 1 1 i m shall Persons cHstinj^^-ulslied for service in the cause of <:harity or the advancement of sanitary knowledge or social science may be elected honorary members. VI. The annual meeting of the members shall be held in October of each year, the day of meeting- to be fixed by the Council. Only those members who have been enrolled at least ten days prior to the meeting- shall be entitled to vote. vSpecial meetings may be called at anv time after due notice by the President, or at the request of three members of the Council, or of any ten members of the Society. Ten shall form a quorum. 111. OfllccrM. There shall be a president and four vice-presidents, to be elected by the members at the annual meeting, and a secretary-treasurer appointed by the Council. VIII. The affairs of the Society shall be manag-ed by the Council, which shall be constituted as folio *vs, viz : — The president, vice-presidents, secretary-treasurer, mayor and two aldermen, to be nominated by the mayor, the sheriff, city treasurer, city clerk, city engineer, assistant eng-ineer, city physician, city clergy and one representative from each Charitable Society, all life members and twelve other members or more to be elected at the annual meeting. Five shall form a quorum. la The Council shall have power to appoint sub-com- mittees, and to adopt such by-laws as they may deem necessary, subject to the revision of the Society at any annual or special meeting-. IX. The secretary-treasurer shall be paid a salary, the amount to be fixed by the Council, and it shall be his- duty to keep fnll minutes of the proceedings at the meetings of the Society and the Council ; to notify members of the time and place of meeting" ; to superin- tend the work of the Society ; to make, or cause to be made, all required investig^ations, and to keep a correct record of the same and to report ; to act as secretary to all standing committees of the Council ; to work under the Council in any department in which his ser- vices may be required ; to devise, subject to the approval of the Council or its sub-committee, all forms of blanks, records and reports ; to superintend all printing, to edit for the Council all public reports and circulars, and ta do an3'thing the Council may deem to be in the interests of the Society. As treasurer, he shall receive and keep account of all the funds which shall be paid or contributed to the uses of the Society ; and pay out the same under the rules which shall be adopted by the Council. R E RO R X -OF Tin: — SECOND ANNUAL MEETING -OK IIIK — ftSSOCIftTeO Ctt/\RITieS. i ' m City Hall, Oct., 27TH, 1896. The Second Annual meeting of the Associated Cha- rities of Ottawa convened in the City Council Chamber pursuant to notice to receive the reports of the last year to elect officers for 1896-7 and transact any other busi- ness that mig"ht come before it. There was a large attendance of ladies and gentle- men. It is impossible to give a complete list of those present, there were, however, the following amongst many others : Hon. Mr. Justice Burbidge, the President in the chair. Vice-presidents : Mr. Sheriff Sweetland, F. R. E. Campeau, Lady Ritchie and Mrs. E. H. Bron- son. There were also present Rev. Archdeacon Lau- der, Rev J. J. Bogart,, Rev. Dr. Saunders, Rev. H. Pollard, Rev. J. F. Gorman, Rev. T. Garrett, Rev. J. C. Borth, Rev. C. J. Miller and Rev. G. de Zocher, Mrs. Gwynne, Mrs. Perley, Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Armstrong, 13 »4 Mrs. Thorlnirn, Mrs. C'aprcolt, Mrs. C. C. Ray, Mrs. Scott, Mrs. Clou^'-li, Mrs. ^'ollnJ,'•, Mrs. Ami, Mrs. C\ul- ville, Mrs. McLeod, Mrs Robertson and Miss M. Frances Scott, Miss Nicholson, Miss Ritcliie, Miss Driimmonil, Miss Robertson, Miss Cole, Miss Carlin^'', Won. \i. II. Hronson, N. A. Ik'lcourt, M. I\, His Worship Mayor Borthwick, K. R, Latchford, Or R. Bell, Dr. Ami, Dr. Wicksteed, Aid. P'orde, and Messrs. John (lorman, W. Kearns, I*'. L. Sanders, Patrick Brankin, (leo. K. l^vston, C. v.. Clarke, Peter Whelen, John R. Arm- stroiiL''. lohn Munri>, M. O. Scott, A. R. Macdonald, 'j;'' W. l'\ Boardman, Chief Vounir A. T. McKinnon, J Hervey Spencer, C. l\ Winter, J. H. L. McLeod, H. I*^illman!i, A. H. Whitcher, John Davis and the secretary J. Keane. The President opened the meetini*"at 8 o'clock by a few appropriate remarks and then called on the secre- tary to read the report oi' the Council of the Society. The Garden Plot report which had been presented to the Council on Oct. 7th was then read to the meet- ini;- for its information. (Reports are appended. After reading- it was moved by the President, second- ed by Sherirt' Sweetland that the report of Council be adopted. Carried. Letters ot^ reg^ret at not beini;- able to be present and wishiui;- the society every success, were announced fiom Rev. \'icar General Routhier, Rev. Father Cons- tantineau. Rev. Father Jacques and Mr. Geo. O'Keefe, M. P. P. - I »5 His Worship Mayor I^orthwick then moved, stcondcd by Yen. Archdeacon Lauder, the follovviiij^ notion : — I " This meeting' desires t*.) place on record its hearty approval ot ihe efforts u( the Associated Charities dviring- the past year to carry out the aims tor which it was established, is i^ratified at the very satisfactory results which has attended this, its first year oi' opera- tions, and trusts by the active co-operation oi all bene- volent organizations in the city «tnd by the citizens g^enerally, it will be enabled to still more effectually deal with the problems of the poor and imemployed in our city." 4 His Worship spoke briefly but forcibly in support of ihe motion, reg-arding- the work done as eminently satisfactory and that the society had reason to be gra- tified at the results. He thoug"ht the society deserving of every encouragement from the public. He believed that the Corporation would assist in every way in its power, and would probably take off the hands oi' the society any broken stone it might have to dispose of, if the Associated Charities would undertake a portion of that work so as to g^ive work to the reall)' needy. Ven. Archdeacon Lauder strongly supported the motion. The society had reason to congratulate itself upon its good showing for the first year. He discussed ably the problem of practical charity and how best to relieve pressing want. \ z6 Rev. Mr. Gorman, Rev. J. J. Bogart and others also spoke to the motion which was adopted. - ^ 1 Hon. E. H. Bronson, M. P. P. moved, seconded by Mr. John Gorman, the following motion : y " Whilst we admit that almsgiving and aid to the poor without return is unavoidable and commendable in many cases, yet we are of the opinion that indis- criminate charity breaks down self-respect and tends to degrade the recipient ; that the truest benevolence is that which fosters a spirit of self-help and self-depend- ence amongst our indigent population. We would therefore strongly urge our fellow- citizens to assist the Associated Charities in this branch of its work, by sending to the secretary an intimation of any work or odd job for men or women that they may desire to have done." Hon. Mr. Bronson in introducing this motion most strongly urged the desirability of getting as much work for the poor as possible. He had long ago come to the conclusion that a certain class of those in want so long as they were certain of obtaining what they required, without working would never work and so be a constant charge on the communitv He felt encouraofed at the satisfactory result of the Garden Plot scheme. All should labour to induce some of our people to ^o back to the land, and that the Local government might assist in the same. 17 Mr. John Gorman in seconding" the motion spoke of the excellent results that might follow getting employ- ment for the really destitute, by diminishing suffering and helping the poor to help themselves. He thought that with proper encouragement from the citizens and the civic authorities a forward step might be taken in this direction this winter. Rev. C. J. Miller, Dr. Wicksteed and Mr. John Davis spoke to the motion, after which it was carried. Mr. N. A. Belcourt M . P. moved the following seconded by Mr. A. S. Woodburn : — *' In order to carry out the objects of this society it is of course absolutely necessary that material aid be forthcoming to maintain the organisation in working order. It confidently appeals to all citizens who believe in its usefulness, and to the civic authorities to assist by their generosity and public spirit in enabling the Asso- ciated Charities to extend and develope to the utmost its beneficent enterprise." Mr. Belcourt complimented the members of the Society on the work they had accomplished. Owing to the growth of the city he fully recognized the necessity for such an organisation. Indiscriminate almsgiving, he believed was productive of harm. The great want in this country is a common spirit between the different races and he believed that such societies as this would foster that spirit. In closing he promised to do all he could to help the society in anyway in his power. The motion carried. i8 A letter was read from Mr. W. Edgar Buck offering to donate free of expense one half of the net proceeds of certain operatic performances in the city to be given m the beginning of December. Mr. Peter Whelen moved, seconded by Mr. A. S. Woodburn, that the officers of 1895-6 be re-elected for 1896-7. Carried. (For list of officers, &c., see p. 3). Rev. H. Pollard moved, seconded by Mr. Patrick Brankin, that the following be elected members of the Council for 1896-7. (See page for full list of Council). On motion of Rev. J.J. Bogart, the meeting ad- journed. John Keane, Secretary. Several ladies and gentlemen at close of meeting signed the roll of membership and the sum of $2.00 .as donated to assist in a fund for the purchase of w stone. J. K. REPORT OF COUNCIL. The Council of the Associated Chanties of Ottawa, desires at this, the second annual meeting of the So- ciety, to call the attention of its members and of the public to its objects and aims. In a paper which Her Excellency the Countess of Aberdeen read at a meeting- of a committee 'convened on the 13th February 1895, to take the necessary steps to org-anize the Society, the objects to be kept in view were, it was suggested : 1. To make the Society a means of communication between charitable associations, churches and indivi- duals in their labors for the welfare of the poor, and to prevent duplication or overlapping in giving relief. 2. To make it a means of communication between the applicant and employer of labor, and in that way to enforce and realize, so far as possible, the principle that employment should be the basis of relief. These objects and the way in which it is proposed to carry them out are stated in the constitution of the Associated Charities in the following terms : — " A. To secure the concurrent and harmonious 19 20 action of lliu difTerent Charities of Ottawa, in order to (r) raise to needy above the need of relief, prevent bef^^in^'- and imposture and diminish pauperism ; (2) to encourage tlirift, self-dependence and industry throug^h friendly intercourse, advice and sympathy, and to aid the poor to help themselves ; to prevent children from j^rovvinL;' up as paupers ; (4) to aid In the diffusion of knowledge on subjects connected with the relief of the poor. M. In order to promote these objects, the Society shall be (1) a centre of intercommunication between the various churches and charitable ag"encies in the city with a \ lew to foslerini^* harmonious co-operation anu>ni;' them and to check the evils of overlapping of relief ; (j) shall investigate thoroughly and without chaige, the cases o\' applicants for relief which are reterred to the Society for enquiry, keep a correct register o( the same, and send the persons having a legitimate interest in such cases full reports of the results of investigation ; (3) shall refer deserving cases to the proper charities ; (4) shall keep a list of persons desiiing to have work done and a list of applicants for woik, and assist in bringing these parties Into commu- nication ; (s) 'iiid shall endeavor to promote the general w eltare of rhe poor by social and sanitary reforms and In the inculation of habits of providence and self- dependence. In relation io the existing Charitable Societies, the aim of this Society Is to be auxiliary with a view to pron\ote etVicicncy and economy ; existing Societies 21 will retain and administer their own funds, entirely free from the interference or supervision of this Society." The Society, it will be seen does not itself under- take the work of distributing relief. It undertakes to investigate any case of want or need to whieh its atten- tion is called and to communicate in confidence the result of the inquiry to the association, church or indi- vidual at whose instance it is made ; and in all deserving- cases to commend the person in need of assistance to the generous charity of the association, or church upon which he or she appears to have most claim. It may sometimes happen that there will be no charitable association or church to which the applicant may be sent, and then the Society seeks to put such persons in the way ot securing aid in what at the time seems the best way, but it does not come within the objects of the Society, or in the scope of its action directly to give relief to those in need of it. In a few cases that has been done, as for instance when the case was very pressing or when some friend of the society has made a subscription to the funds on the express condition that it should be so expended ; but in general the Society does not itself dispense charity. For ins- tance ; by reference to the Annual Report, which was approved of at a general meeting held at the City Hall on the 22nd May last, and which has been printed and will be laid before this meeting, it will be seen that of the sum of three hundred and twenty-one dollars and twenty-three cents, which up to that date had been dis- 22 bursed by the Society, the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars was expended in payment of the Secre- tary's salary, fifty-three dollars and eighty-eight cents in printing and advertising, and only seventeen dollars and thirty-five cents in charity. With reference to this branch of the Society's work, it is proposed to have printed forms supplied to members of the Society and others, to be filled in with the name and address of and other particulars respecting any applicant for relief and then to be transmitted to the Secretary of the Society. In that way it is thought that much time may be saved in the work of jtigc mvesi tion, and a very sure means be found to prevent fraud and imposture. Another branch of the Society's work is to assist those who arein want — and whoare willing to work^ — to get employment. The Council hopes' that much more may be done in this direction than the Society has as yet been able to accomplish. That hope, however, will not be fully realized unless it meets with the hearty co-operation of our citizens in general. They are invited to aid in the work by communicating with the secretary of the Society, and letting him know of any employment that may be found for those who without it may be in actual want. In connection with this question of supplying labor to those in need of relief, it was thought that perhaps the Society might establish a woodyard where employ- msnt might be given in the sawing of wood. But, on «3 enquiry, and upon the advice of those in whose expe- rience the Council felt it could rely, it was thought that there were dfficulties in the way of successfully carrying- out the plan that could not be overcome. Another plan that has been discussed is that of having- a stone yard, where work will be given in the breaking of stone. This plan cannot, of course, be carried out without some arrangement with the City to purchase the broken stone. It is hoped, however, that some such arrangement may be made with the City for the coming winter, and in that way the Society may find some work for those who need it, and at the same time a means by which it may readily discover whether an applicant for relief is willing to work or not. During the summer, through the kindness of St. Andrew's Church, and the generous subscriptions of His Excellency the Governor-General, the Hon. Mr. Bronson, Mrs. Bronson, and other kind friends the Council of the Society were enabled to make a first at- tempt at allotting a number of small plots of ground to be cultivated by the poor. The report of that work will be read to the meeting, and making any fair allow- ance for any error there may happen to be in the esti- mate of the crop raised, the result will, the Council of the Society feels sure, be thought to be a fairly good one. The thanks of the Society are due : To their Excellencies the Governor-General and the Countess of Aberdeen for the interest they have 24 taken in the work of the Society and for the material assistance they have given thereto ; To the Council of the City of Ottawa for a grant of two hundred dollars in aid of the Society's funds, and for the use of a room in the City Hall ; To His Worship the Mayor for the valuable assis- tance he gave in the organisation of the Society, and the aid he has since rendered to it in many ways ; To the press for the kindly interest it has at all times taken in the work of the Society ; To the charitable associations and churches of the city for their co-operation and assistance ; To St. Andrew's Church for the use of the lands which were put at the disposal of the Society in carry- ing out the Garden Plot Scheme ; To Mr. James Davidson and others who offered land ; To the Hon. Mr. Bronson, especially in suggesting and promoting the matter of the cultivation by the poor of the vacant lands in the city — and To many other citizen sand friends for aid and assis- tance freely and generously given. All of which is respectfully submitted by the Coun- cil of the Associated Charities of Ottawa. John Keane, Secretary. Geo. W. Burbidge, President, Report ON THE GARDEIIM RL-OX SCMEIVIE:. The attempt to assist the poor and unemployed to help themselves by allotting to them for cultivation small gardens or patches of ground v/ithin the limits of the city, has for the first time been fairly tried in Ottawa and the results are now to be considered. When the proposition, to give to the Associated Charities Block D, on the east of Bank street was made in April of this year by the Trustees of St. An- drews' Church, it was decided, after some hesitation, to accept their offer, and make a trial, in a limited way — it is true, but initiate fairly a scheme that has been attended with a good degree of success in some other cities. Your secretary immediately sent circulars to quite a number of parties whose names were on the books, asking them to an interview, in which the plan proposed to be adopted was fully explained, with the result that some 85 names were registered, and declared themselves willing to accept the offer and cultivate plots. When, for a variety of reasons, it was found im- possible to avail ourselves of other land in various por- tions of the city more conveniently situated to the parties working them, quite a uumber begged to be 25 26 allowed to withdraw, and, as time went on, from one cause or another, some quite snfficient and some not so clear the actual number who adhered to their original intention was brougt to 48 families. By the exertions of Hon. Mr. Bronson who took a very active and generous interest in the inception of the scheme, we were enabled to secure an additional tract of g-round on the west of Bank street near the Mutchmor street public school. Mr. Jas. Davidson also gave some lots on the corner of Bank street in Block D. We were thus practically restricted to the glebe lands and so work was immediately started by getting the grounds ploughed and harrowed both with disc and drag harrow. In furtherance of the enterprise a public meeting* was held in the City Hall on May 22nd. Sheriff Sweet- land, in the absence of the President, in the chair. His Excellency the Governor General, Hon. Mr. Bron- son, His Worship Mayor Borthwick several of the c ty clergy and other gentlemen delive red addresses in favor of trying the scheme, and $191 was subscribed towards that object. Plots of about 90 feet square were staked out on the east part of Bank street and of 80 feet square on that part west of Bank on Mutchmor street with an open walk of three feet wide round each lot. Mr. H. B. Small of the committee spent great trouble and time is assisting your secretary in the prosecution of this 27 work, and his son Mr. W. Small » Don n'on l.fMid Surveyor, rendered valuable service. Wha' seer lifwry was authorized to employ a competent ^ardenc t ms- truct the parties practically in plantinj^" and piv...rly cultivating^ their plots during the season and the services of Mr. D. McGregor o\' h'irs Ave. were secured. Seed potatoes were j^^iven free to all, enoui4"h for each plot, His Worship the Mayor and Mr. Jas. Hickey of the Bank St. Road donatin<4' a considerable quantity. The rest had to be boui^^ht. Hoes were also furnished to some who claimed to be unable to buy them. Of the circulars, written notices, cards and o( the personal visits — on an averag^e four or five times during- the season to each family to spur and urg"e them to promptness and energy in working the plots when re- quiring attention need not be here dwelt upon. Four plots were reserved and worked by the committee. It has been found that this was a wise precautiou. From causes, in several plots, for which the ones working them were in no way blamable, the resultsdid not come up to the average ; we have from these reserved ones been able to assist those when through no fault of their own their plots did not turn out well and so in a mea- sure recouped them for their labor. Mr. McGregor estimates that the yield will average about 50 bush, of potatoes per plot, some, of course, a g^ood deal more and some a good deal less. Certain 28 plots were hindered in their produce by couch-grtiss and others in damp localities have resulted in a consi- derable number of diseased potatoes. All these have been assisted from the reserved plots so as to help them against their probable loss. In all about one fourth did not come up to the average. A few from the causes above mentioned, others by reason of there being only women to work the plot and in others still by sheer neglect of the par- ties themselves. Yet, on the whole, the scheme may be considered as fairly successful when, for an outlay of say $220, produce to the amount of $700 or $750 under some very unfavorable conditions was the result. Turnips, corn, beets, beans, cabbages, citrons &c. were also raised, but not in such quantities as to re- quire enumeration. One family decided to take up farming permanently and accordingly, havmg procured a farm left the city with that object in view. What influence this scheme may have had in their comiug to this determination cannot be known, From the experience of this season a good deal of insight has been gained as to what would tend to make the scheme still more successful another year. What- ever may have been the result in any case a most va- luable point has been the work-test by which those anxious and willing to help themselves have been by practical demonstration singled out and known, and those not so willing had also to come to light. ^9 From the number In each family about two huiulretl and lift) persons participated in the benefits. There seems to be no ^ood reason why, with hir^er experience and wider interest and an earUer start next year, the garden plot scheme may not be highly suc- cessful and eventually become a valuable aid in helping many a poor family over the most trying season of the year. All of which is respectfully submitted. John Keane, Sec re fury. Ottawa, yth October 1896. C/5 c/5 < o Q o o o o o o o o o o o^ o o O o O O 'O ir. 1 lO lO »o O lO »0 lO M lO ^ lO n O a> hb .^ 1 1 {J -lr-> U <1> o ^ '■'■^ a; t! ^ c 9 W b/} -t-j o : 0) 4-" (1> - u O >^^ '-^ !^ ^ V- C/) ^ C TS '^ O ^ U ID O W W C o c ^ < S o ^ d^ 13 .^ •r 'J) rj) C T. i o 5- s 5 vl ,H ^ '^ -=. T3 C M l^ c^ a^ ro a^ c^ 1—4 ^ oi ^xx^^^^^ q:Sp^ W<^U :: c^ 7) c o ^ o ^ U- 1 (U o dJ 0) 0) >■ O O O n3 H 7) H GO >» 0) i 31 c< O «o O O O t>. 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