Huntsbury becomes a home again

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 38183, 24 March 1973, Page 14

Huntsbury becomes a home again

Huntsbury Home on the Port Hills has found a use worthy of its long record of service to the children of Canterbury. The “ Little Acre ” home in Lincoln Road, run by Mr and Mrs R. Miles, became over many years a refuge for physically and intellectually handicapped children. Friends and well-w ishers have helped to make possible the steady expansion of what remained a private home dedicated to caring for unfortunate youngsters. With the help of the Presbyterian Social Service Association *’ Little Acre ” can now move its 25 children to the spacious and attractive surroundings of Huntsbury. Many uses had been suggested for this former home for children whose parents were prevented by medical reasons for caring for them: the North Canterbury Hospital Board, which owns Huntsbury. has considered uses as varied as a geriatric home and a hostel for drug cases since it closed the home for economic reasons in July. 1971. The transfer of Little Acre ’’ to a site where its " chesty ” children will have a more salubrious climate is a welcome solution to the hospital board s dilemma of how best to make use of a valuable asset. Through the Presbyterian Church and the service clubs which have agreed t> assi.'t in running and maintaining the home the people of Christchurch will have an onoortunit'. ti assist in maintaining a valuable xten.'ion of the welfare services for under-privileged children in the community.