A VISIT TO THE OLD FOLKS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1739, 11 October 1917, Page 3

A VISIT TO THE OLD FOLKS.

Our representative paid a visit to Hie Old .People’s Home at Awapuni on Tuesday afternoon. The lioine is situated among pleasant surroundings. and the arehitcelurial appear-a.m-e of the building is very striking. it is one of the best appointed homes for indigent old people in the Dominion. Our representative was met by Sister Kilg'our, Ihe matron, than whom it would be dillicult- lo find a belter (puddled person for the position. The matron prior to taking up her present appointment under the district Hospital Board, laid an excellent record in hospital nursing, and was also on the stall of the district hospital. Her services were requisitioned by the Military authorities for transport work, and she did good service among the wounded following the Somme push, crossing and recrossing Ihe Channel with wounded. It was a strenuous lime for Ihe nurses at that period, but Nurse Kilgour said no sacrifice was considered too great by the nurses on behalf of our wounded men. On her return to the Dominion, the Board was fortunate in securing her services as matron of the Home, and results have more than instilled the appointment. The interior of the Home is as elcan and sweet as it is possible to bo, and (he thirty odd inmates of both sexes and varied temperamenls are indeed fortunately situated. The old workhouse idea is as tar removed from the Awapuni Home as is the environment of the mud lull Inna the jw'iision. Large, well-lighied and ventilated rooms, broad corridors, sick wards, smoking, silling and dining rooms, broad sunlit and well sheltered verandahs, ample bath rooms and lavatories. In fact, every convenience. The environment i-> in keeping with the building. The old people looked happy and-well noun-lied. Gf course, little breaches of discipline some! innstake place, but on the whole the old folk- are a happy family. Them is no iron rule of restraint, and while discipline is main!ained, the inmates have u great deal more freedom of movement than probably would ob-

lain in private, and everything is done to make them feel it B their home. Little odd jobs a.re found for those able to do them, and there are also opportunities afforded tor recreation of mind and body. There are several bed-ridden patients, with whom we chatted lor a lew moment.-'. Books, papers, and.

magazines are provided, and occasionally a eoncerl parly visits and criteria his the inmates. At ['.resent (lie home contains wil iiin two of ils maximum capacity. The old people enjoy a" chat wilii personal friends. Attached lo (he Tfomo is a dr-pen-sarv. soli.at ailments and accidents arc provided for. and treated without loss of time. The Homo is a splendid nmtihil ion, and a credit to the dislrici, and a ble.-sing to miv indigent homeless old folks dining’ the sunset of their lives.