NEW REFUGE FOR OLD MEN AND WOMEN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 98, 22 May 1900, Page 2

NEW REFUGE FOR OLD MEN AND WOMEN.

As will be seen in our report of the meeting of the Hjspital and Charitable Aid Board on Monday, a new site haß been negotiated for, and will no doubt be secured, whereon to erect a commodious refuge for the aged and destitute males and females' of the district. The plans which have been prepared by Mr. Sanderson give evidence of a cireful consideration of the requirements as sketched out by Drs. Lsatham and Walker. The building will have a splendid frontage of about 125 feet, and no less than 17 windows and two entrances are provided, for facing the sea. Along the whole frontage a spacious verandah is to be erected Bft. wide, and as this shelter is to return for some 30 feet on each wing the inmates will be enabled to bask in the sunshine and be protected from th> wind and weather. There is to be a separate entrance for each sex, the men's quarters being on the left and the women's on the right of the maiD building. Between the two entrances is a handy room available for a dispensary. The main passages which intersect the buildings are six feet wide. A complete suite of rooms are provided for the caretakers, but it would appear as if the bedrooms provided for these officials are somewhat small. In the men's quarters are 40 separate dormitories 10 x 7 each, a day rooja (with fireplace) 27 x 16, two wards for sick or feeble inmates (a fireplace being in each ward), and a box room. Disconnected from the building except by a passage are lavatories, bath room and offices. Both for this bath room and for that in the women's quarters a bath boiler is provided in an adjoining room, so that hot water may be quickly provided when i.eeded. In the central portion of the building are to be found a separate spa.:ious dining-room, for each sex, with kitchen, scullery, storeroom, etc, attached; also the cook's 'bedroom (no sitting-room for this functionary seems to be provided), In the women's quarters are 2 3 dormitories, a sick ward 14 x 12-6, a day room 14 x 14, and a box room. Similar arrangements are also made for bath room, etc., as in the men's quarters. Should it be decided to erect the building on a reduced scale there will be six dormitories less for the women and ten less for the men. The elevation has a pleasing effect and is well in keeping with the design of the hospital, and Mr. Sanderson is to be congratulated on the design. Doubtless the medical staff will have some suggestions to make i as to details and drainage, but in the 1 main the plan is one that, in the words of the Chairman of the Board, would provide a building creditable to Taranaki.