NEW ORPHANS' HOME

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 868, 11 January 1930, Page 10

NEW ORPHANS' HOME

IDEAL SITE OCCUPIED AT TAKAPUNA ADVANTAGES OFFERED Fifty smiling children, engaged for the time being in nothing more than the shifting of piles of furni- ! ture in many rooms—this is the ! impression at the Brett Memorial ! Home at Takapuna at the present time. Within a few days, the beginning of the activities of an orphans' home with ideal facilities and advantages will be in view. Orphans from the Richmond Road Home were taken to the new home*. “Te Kiteroa,” the residence of the late Sir Henry Brett, the other day. The house and its grounds were a gift to the work. The children are not failing to appreciate their new' home. They have delightful views from the high grounds, Lake Pupuke on one side and the sweep of the Hauraki Gulf on the other. Many shrubberies exist in the ground. A change from Richmond Road and a densely-populated area, and one which will mean the progress of the orphanage work under the Sisters of the Order of the Good Shepherd in admirable surroundings. The house and the property were given to the Church of England after the death of Sir Henry. “Te Kiteroa” is now a shelter for destitute girls and small orphans. MRS. COWIE’S PLAN There is a pathetic atmosphere to an orphanage, but the new home has such favourable features that the members of the staff say that the work will now be conducted under the happiest circumstances. It is a magnificent work. Auckland has known its benefit for about 40 years. Mrs. Cowie, wife of the Primate, Archbishop Cowie, began the home in Brighton Road, Parnell. It was later removed to Ayr Street, Parnell, then to Richmond Road, and now, to “Te Kiteroa.” Extraordinary tales of poverty and desperation lead to the result of having children lodged In orphanages. Stories of human weaknesses and struggling. But “Te Kiteroa’s” little community is not reflecting pathos of any sort. Care for so many children is, after all, a happy work in spite of the tragedy of circumstances. A new wing has been built on the side of the home, facing Pupuke, and a substantial brick block has appeared on the southern end. An old detached billiard-room has reappeared in the guise of a playhouse. Members of the staff have their accommodation on the first floor and, on the ground floor of the original house, there is a large community room. There are three large dormitories, modern and excellently lighted, for the children. The remodelling was carried out under a contract with Mr. S. E. Chapman and the architects were Messrs. Towle and Kissling. The spaciousness of the grounds has not been disturbed by the improvements. A basketball playing area has been prepared.

Renovation and construct in have been carried out successfully on the plan to have the institution almost completely under one roof.