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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

The Home for the Aged Needy

The Home for the Aged Needy, which is situated on an elevated spot at the back of the Wellington District Hospital, off Adelaide Road, is a credit to the Empire City. Erected in 1888 by voluntary contributions presented by Messrs. Joseph Burne, W. H. Levin, C. J. Pharazyn, John Plimmer, and other citizens, the Home has been a great boon to many deserving though unfortunate people. The first trustees were Messrs. H. S. Wardell (chairman), S. Danks, T. W. McKenzie, W. R. Williams, J. E. Nathan, and the Rev. H. Van Staveren. The present Board consists of Messrs. C. E. W. Willeston (chairman), J. Danks, E. Smith, F. H. Fraser, T. W. McKenzie, and the Rev. Mr. Van Staveren, with Mr. C. P. Powles as secretary to the Trust. The late page 359
Home For The Aged Needy.

Home For The Aged Needy.

Mr. Joseph Burne endowed the Institution by a legacy of £2000, which is invested on its behalf. The building, which was opened in February, 1889, is of brick relieved with Oamaru stone facings, and is entirely free of debt. It stands on four acres of ground which is tastefully laid out in flower borders, walks and drives, and at the back of the Home a good vegetable garden is used to provide table necessaries. Many generous friends have contributed largely to assist in beautifying and rendering the Home as comfortable as possible. The cork carpet laid down in the corridors, was the gift of Mrs. Williams. There is a capital piano in the Home which cost seventy guineas, and a small harmonium for use at divine service, which is held every Sunday by Mr. Hall, City Missionary, and by the Anglican Church on Thursday evenings. There are eighteen rooms in all in the institution, and these are usually fully occupied. Thirty inmates can be cared for in the Home, which is well worthy of the name, being most comfortably furnished and appointed in every respect. Of the twenty-nine old people who find refuge there, three are under sixty, ten are between sixty and seventy, eleven are from eighty to ninety, and one is more than ninety; the average being seventy-one-and-a-quarter years. The establishment is most economically managed, the total expenditure for the year ending July, 1895 being £420, and the average cost, including salaries and wages, £14 4s. 1 1/4d. per head per annum, or 5/5 1/2 per head per week. The old people seem to be very happy and contented, as they have every reason to be midst such tidy home-like surroundings. The dormitories are remarkably comfortable, if not luxurious. The Home is supplied with a high-pressure boiler which provides hot water for bathrooms and lavatories.