TOWNLEY MATERNITY HOME

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2707, 11 January 1910, Page 4

TOWNLEY MATERNITY HOME

THE NEAV BUILDING

Bv the time the end of the present month is reached Gisborne will be supplied -with a long-felt want in the Maternity Home which is now rapidly approaching completion. The • building, -which is to he sty Jed the Elizabeth Townlev Alaternity Home, is situate on the'left hand side of Childers Road, just beyond Stanley Road, and faces the north. The outside work and. most of the inside has been completed, and painting operations are at present in progress. The building is a most roomy and comfortable one. measuring over all 76ft by 41ft, and is built on brick foundations, stands from three to four feet off the ground, and the oiitside timber is all first-class kauri, with the inside fittings of selected rimu. Leading up to the front verandah is a set of solid concrete steps, and the verandah itself. Bft in width, runs along the front and both sides of the building. On the eastern corner of the verandah built outside is a convenient room Bft by 10ft, which will be used as an office by the matron. Large double swing glass doors provide the main entrance in the centre- of the building, into a lofty vestibule lift- by 13ft, which will be handsomely decorated. On each side of the vestibule is a room measuring 14ft- by 13ft. That on the left going in is a private ward, fitted with wardrobes in recesses, large windows, with fanlights for ventilation purposes, and containing a fireplace.’ The other room will be used as a nursery. _ Double swing doors auain lead from the vestibule into a 6ft passage, running the entire length of the building. The rooms are on either side of this passage, opening into it. The first on tlie -left is the "matron’s sitting room, 14rt by lift, fitted with wardrobes, etc., and a fireplace, and adjoining it is the matron’s bedroom, 14ft by 10ft, also conveniently fitted. Next comes the dining room. 17ft by 14ft. with two windows, two large cupboards, and a service slide, giving communication to the kitchen adjoining. The kitchen is 14ft by lift, and is also well appointed. It contains a 4ft Shacklock range, with two ovens, and behind the range is a boiler for use in connection with the hot water supply. There is also set into the wall, high up, a copper circulating cylinder, which is filled from the boiler, as the cold water runs into that receptacle. Leading off the kitchen is a convenient scullery provided with sinks and all necessary fittings. This room has also an exit on to the verandah at the end of the building. A pantry is also proivded, off the kitchen. Behind the pantry and scullery is a large bathroom, fitted with hot and cold water, shower, etc. On the right-hand' side of the hall, coming from the vestibule, the firstapartment is a large wardroom, 25ftby 19ft, containing four large windows and fanlights, and with a pair of casement doors opening on to the verandah on the western side. Leading off this room is another wardroom, exactlv similar, which has also a door into the passage, and the next room is a private ward, loft Gin by 12ft, access' to which is gained from the second ward, and also directly from the verandah. Passing along the hall to the back of the building, there are next two roomy linen presses, and the last room on that side of the house is a servants’ room, 12ft by lift Gin. The roofs of all the rooms are felted, and tlie T will he covered with ornamental steel ceilings. Gas will be the means of lighting, and a system of electric bells has been installed throughout the building. From the main building a covered footway gives access to a squarelybuilt two-storev structure in brick, containing four rooms. The first of these, opposite the end of tlie main passage way, is a large lavatory 12ft by Bft, excellently equipped. It- contains, in addition to the necessary conveniences, two flushing cisterns, bath, wash-hand basins,' and a housemaid's sink. Double swing doors lead from this room into another 14ft by 12ft, which will be tised for the reception of the most recontlv arrived patients. This room is provided with two windows. and to ensure dryness the walls are all brick cavity. An outside staircase leads to the upper portion of this building, which contains the nurses’ quarters, two rooms, each measuring 12ft by lift, one facing east and the other west. All the rooms in the two-storev structure will be plastered. Outside this building at the eastern end is a brick tank-stand, which will hold two tanks of water for the washing of clothes. A cool chamber is provided under this stand for the reception of perishable articles of diet.,Apart from the main building, on the eastern side ol the section, is another smaller one, containing three rooms. The first is a wash-house, 14ft by lift, containing a copper set- in, and tubs, with water laid on. The next is a wood and coal room, lift by Sft-, and at the southern end is an isolation ward, 12ft bv lift. The floor throughout this building will be of concrete. Special attention lias been paid to ventilation and drainage. Each room is well ventilated, and on the roof are placed two large Bovle patent- ventilators. The building will ho well drained throughout, bv means of glazed cast iron pipes, leading into a septic tank, the effluent from which will bo carried out into th 6 adjoining paddock. The site for the building is an excellent one. being high and- dry. The home will be ready for occupation some time next month. Already n matron has been engaged by Dr Valintine, and she will arrive at the end of the month to qdvise as to the necessary fittings and’furnishings.