933
33.
THE VICTORIA HOME & ORPHANAGE
While the Diocesan Orphanage, opened as part of the old Diocesan School in 1869, has almost lost its identity by absorption (see 20-12-34), the Church Missionary Society's institution, known as the Victoria Home and Orphanage, has retained an individual existence since 1887. This is probably because it has for a long time confined itself to the care only of Chinese girls, thus allowing a specialised line of activity.
It was little more than a year ago that this Home situated at Kowloon City, had to set about looking for a site for new premises, as the old house (built in glad 1901-1902) is to be taken over by Government and demolished, in order to prepare the site for aerodrome purposes.
The move to Kowloon City was made in 1902, but prior to that the institution was situated at West Point, on the Hongkong side of the harbour, in premises at Bonham Road. The full title then was the Victoria Female Home and Orphanage. In 1889, Rev.J.B. and Mrs. Ost, were in charge, assisted by Miss Hamper; and ten years later we find Miss Hamper in full charge, the name of the institution having been shortened by the exclusion of the word "female."
For a summary of the history of the Home, I cannot do better than give the following extracts from an article which appeared in the monthly magazine of St. Andrew's Church, Kowloon, in November 1953. The extracts, written in diary form from the old records were given in part below.
1884-6.- Two C.M.S. Missionaries, the Rev.J.B. and Mrs. Ost began the work of receiving orphans and rescued mui-tsai on a small scale in their own premises at West Point, Hongkong,
1887.- The Home was opened and received the name "Victoria' from the Queen who was celebrating her Golden Jubilee.
1888.- Lady Des Voeux, wife of our Governor, came to distribute the prizes, and expressed herself as very much pleased, We shall soon be very full as we hear of so many who want to send their daughters.
1889.- Received a destitute English child who will live here, and be fed and clothed by the Home, but will go daily to the "Diocesan Home for Boys" where the teaching is in English and girls are received as day pupils.
Six of our girls were baptised and five confirmed. Nineteen girls pay their support wholly or in part and the remaining thirty-six are orphans or otherwise destitute.
No records can be found in the archives concerning the next ten years of life in the Home, but afterwards with the exception of the years 1904-1906 both included, there are no gaps in the records.
1898.- During the past year we have gained by needlework sufficient money for the support of one girl. We shall be most grateful if friends will again help us by sending us plain work and chair coolies' liveries.
933
33.
THE VICTORIA HOME & ORPHANAGE
While the Diocesan Orphanage, opened as part of the old Diocesan School in 1869, has almost lost its identity by absorption (see 20-12-34), the Church Missionary Society's institution, known as the Victoria Home and Orphanage, has retained an individual existence since 1887. This is probably because it has for a long time confined itself to the care only of Chinese girls, thus allowing a specialised line of activity.
.
It was little more than a year ago that this Home situated at Kowloon City, had to set about looking for a site for new premises, as the old house (built in glad 1901-1902) is to be taken a er by Government and demolished, in order to prepare the site for aerodrome purposes.
•
The move to. Kowloon City was made in 1902, but prior to that the institution was situated at West Point, on the Hongkong side of the harbour, in premises at Bonham Road. The full title then was the Victoria Female Home and Orphanage. In 1889, Rev.J.B. and Mrs. Cst, were in charge, assisted by Miss Hamper; and ten years later we find Miss Hamper in full charge, the name of the institution having been shortened by the exclusion of the word "female."a pod
For a summary of the history of the Home, I cannot do better than give the following extracts from an article which appeared in the monthly magazine of St. Andrew's Church, Kowloon, in November 1953, The extracts, written in diary form from the old records ¿ere given in part below.
1884-6.- Two C.M.S. Missionaries, the Rev.J.B. and Mrs. Ost began the work of receiving orphens and rescured mui-tsai on a small scale in their own premises at West Point, Hongkong,
1887.- The Home was opened and received the name "Victoria' from the Queen who was celebrating her: Golden Jubilee.
1888.- Lady Des Voeux, wife of our Governor, came to dis- tribute the prizes, and expressed herself as very much pleased, We shall soon be very full as we hear of so many who want to send their daughters.
1889.- Received a destitute English child who will live here, and be fed and clothed by the Home, but will go daily to the "Diocesan Home for Boys" where the teaching is in English and girls are received as day pupils.
Six of our girls were baptised and five confirmed. Nineteen girls pay their support wholly or in part and the re- maining thirty-six are orphans or otherwise destitute.
No records can be found in the archives concerning the next ten years of life in the Home, but afterwards with the exception of the years 1904-1906 both included, there are no gaps in the records.
- 1898.- During the past year we have gained by needlework sufficient money for the support of one girl. We shall be most grateful if friends will again help us by sending us plain work and chair coolies' liveries.
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