AWAPUNI REST HOME.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 69, 18 February 1939, Page 14

AWAPUNI REST HOME.

WOMEN’S DIVISION ENTERPRISE. Picturesquely set amid fine old trees and sweeping velvet-like lawns broken by flower beds, tile former Girls’ Flock House, recently acquired as a rest koine by the Women’s Division ol the Fanners’ Union, is built in the finest tradition of colonial architecture. Approached from tiie tall dignified gates, its black and white timbering and graceful gables present a picturesque appearance. The whole house appeared to be bathed in sunlight when a “Standard” representative . visited it yesterday. The visitor is immediately captivated by its air of. warm hospitality, which nercases when one enters the large hall. The members of the W.D.F.U. have spared no pains to make the home comfortable and attractive, and many generous donations have been received. In the hall, lor instance, are a handsome clock donated by Mrs Moore, of Wairarapa, and a desk and chair given by the Palmerston North branch. The table supporting the visitors’ was also given by the Palmerston North branch.

Opening off the hall is the spacious drawing room tastefully furnished in autumn tones of brown and amber. The deep carpet fits right up to the walls and is admirably matched by the comfortable lounge and arm-chairs. A beautifully-toned radio set adds to the amenities of the room; this also was the gift of Mrs Moore. Behind the drawing room is the staff room, for which a bureau was given by the Palmerston Nortli branch, and several of the bookshelves have been partly filled by Mesdames J. A. Harris (Turakina) and H. It. Green and the Regent Library. The long dining-room is a very pleasant room from which a passage leads to the pantries and the up-to-date kitchen. Here an electric stove has been installed. All the kitchen utensils were given by the Feilding and South Taranaki branches.

Upstairs the bedrooms present a delightful appearance. They are all large rooms, which have been attractively furnished in pastel shades and they look most inviting and restful. Everywhere the visitor cannot help noticing the big sunny windows, each presenting a delightful vista of the lovely old garden which is the pride and care of Mr L. Fenton. Mr Fenton has looked after this garden almost continuously since 1912, when he was engaged by the late Mr Strang, the former owner. There are three bathrooms in the home and many capacious cupboards to please the eye of the housewife. Although much has been generously given, the committee hope to add considerably to the comforts and conveniences, blit they intend to proceed cautiously and make their improvements gradually. The official opening of the rest home took nlace this afternoon.