Story: Voluntary welfare organisations

This account of the annual general meeting of the Onehunga Benevolent Society in January 1867 gives details of its work over the previous year. Most of those receiving aid appear to have been women and children – typical of the approach of such early charitable organisations. The poor were often thought to be lazy and improvident, and men were expected to provide for themselves and their families. Women and children were more likely to be seen as deserving help.