CONVALESCENT HOME

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 134, 9 June 1942, Page 4

CONVALESCENT HOME

DOMINION TROOPS IN BRITAIN

The splendid work being done at the Warbrook Convalescent Home in Hampshire, which has been made available for New Zealand members of the, forces through the generosity of Mrs. Humphreys Owen, an English doctor, was the subject of favourable comment by the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones) yesterday. The Minister said that although the Second Echelon had long since left England for duty in the Middle East, there still remained In the United Kingdom a considerable number of New Zealand service personnel. The, convalescent accommodation at the home would add still further to the general care taken for the welfare of Dominion forces serving in that part of the world!

The home had ideal surroundings and was particularly well suited for convalescents. The British Red Cross and St. John Ambulance Association supplied the Civil Nursing Reserve nurses, who gave their services voluntarily, and thus the drain on the New Zealand forces for the supply of personnel was small. The food was excellent, thanks to the competency of Mrs. Humphrey Owen's cook, who was able to provide most attractive dishes even with the handicap of rationing. The home was centrally heated. NEW ZEALAND STAFF. The home was first opened on August 27, 1940, and during the first year of its operation accommodated 377 members of the New Zealand military forces, all of whom benefited considerably from their stay there. The New Zealand staff consisted of the commanding officer, Major H. D. Robertson, late of Wanganui, the matron, and five non-commissioned officers and privates. Mrs. Humphreys Owen assisted with the medical work when her help was required.

Mr. Jones spoke appreciatively of the work being done by the New Zealand medical unit in England, particulars of which had been supplied to him by the Director-General of Medical Services. He said the New Zealand Government was grateful to Mrs. Humphreys Owen for her generosity in providing the home, together with many members of the. staff, and also to the ladies of the district who ran a canteen for the benefit of the men.

In view of the shortage of petrol the Lower Hutt City Council has decided to increase the number of horses employed in City Council work.