BRETT MEMORIAL HOME.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 7, 9 January 1930, Page 10

BRETT MEMORIAL HOME.

ALTERATIONS COMPLETE.

SUCCESSFUL REMODELLING.

Children moving in.

"Te Kiteroa," Lake Takapuna, was. so long the residence of the late Sir Henry Brett, and its grounds were so noted for the wonderful display of bloomingflowers, that many people wondered what it would look like when transformed to house the children from the Richmond Road Home. Considerable remodelling was necessary, and Messrs. Towle and Kissling, the architects, must be congratulated on the result. A wing has been thrown out on the side towards the lake,, and a new brick block has been built on the south side, while the old detached billiard room has been removed to the back for use as a playroom. These additions improve the general appearance of the house that has been a landmark for so many years.

After the death of Sir Henry Brett the family made a gift of the house and property to the Church of England as a home for orphans. It has been named Brett Memorial Home, and to-day the inmates of the home in Richmond Road arc moving in. They are indeed very fortunate youngsters, for no children in Auckland will have more delightful surroundings. The house stands high, has beautiful grounds with plenty of lawn, and the views all round are superb— ranging from Auckland right round the com pans. Seaward the outlook is particularly lovely, embracing th,e wlfolc of the Haumki Gulf from the Little Barrier dawn as far as Waiheke.

On the ground floor of the original house Messrs, Towle have provided a large community room, and complete administrative and service oflices. On the first floor is the staff living accommodation. In addition an isolation wing has been provided. The new brick block to the south of the house contains two dormitories with staff supervision rooms and a laundry wing. Tins block is connected with the main building by a covered way, so that everything is practically under the one roof. This remodelling and new block will give accommodation f r "' sixty children, The contractor for the- work was Mr, S. E. Cbappeil,

As mentioned ■ before the fine grounds have not been affected •by the building operations, and the only alteration in the garden portion has been to lay out the old rose garden as' a basket-ball ground. One great advantage' of the property is the wonderful scope for the outdoor life which is so essential if children are to grow up fit and well. And there is sea-bathing, within a few minutes. Altogether the site is ideal for such a home.

Although the Richmond Road children are "shifting house" to-day the official opening of the home will not take jdace until the return *of Archbishop Averill.