Accommodation At Bethany Strained

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31349, 20 April 1967, Page 2

Accommodation At Bethany Strained

Accommodation was short at the Salvation Army’s maternity hospital, Bethany. Thirty-two unmarried mothers were in residence and staff bedrooms and smaller rooms had been put into use, the matron (Major Gwenyth Grieg) told representatives of women’s and welfare organisations yesterday.

“Plans for our new 12-bed block, incorporating a lounge and clinic, are coming to a head. They have been approved by the Health Department and the Child Welfare Department and we hope to get started soon for the extra beds are very much needed,” she said,

The Salvation Army’s assistance to unmarried mothers, which began 100 years

ago, had become a “big and vital work in the community. “There is no longer the problem of the servant girl who was cast out when she became pregnant, nor of just the poor or backward girl. “It belongs to every type of home, every creed and sect throughout the community. Now there are so many more young people needing this care,” she said. “Many are girls who are following some professionnurses and schoolteachers. “Wherever there are men and women there will be mothers without husbands, and children without known fathers.”

The increasing number of schoolgirls who became pregnant was causing much concern. The greatest majority of unmarried mothers were now aged between 16 and 20, and this was so overseas as well as in New Zealand. This group presented special problems and needed much care. Girls of school age continued their education by correspondence. In New Zealand the Salvation Army ran six maternity hospitals for unmarried mothers. They were in Auckland, Napier, Gisborne, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. All had accommodation problems.

Guests at the function were shown around the hospital and after afternoon tea the Mayoress (Mrs G. Manning) congratulated the Salvation Army on its work and service to the community. Brigadier S. A. Smith welcomed the guests. Mrs H. J. Walker, wife of the member of Parliament for St Albans, was hostess.

Guests included the Mayoress (Mrs G. Manning); Lady

Adams, Brigadier E. Drummond, a former matron; Brigadier and Mrs S. A. Smith, divisional commander; Lieutenant-Colonel and Mrs L. L. Millar, and representatives of the Plunket Society, Federated Business and Professional Women’s Club, National Council of Women, the Society for the Protection of Home and Family, the League of Mothers, the Townswomen’s Guild, the Country Women’s Institute, the Child Welfare Department, Women’s Division of Federated Farmers, Young Women's Christian Association. Save the Children Fund Society, Girl Guides' Association, Red Cross Association, the Victoria League, Mrs L. Pritchard.