THE KNOX HOME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15701, 31 August 1914, Page 3

THE KNOX HOME.

FORMAL OPENING CEREMONY.

"WEALTH NOBLY USED."

RELIEF FOR THE HOSPITAL.

The formal opening of the Knox Home at West Tamaki took place on Saturday afternoon before a largo gathering. 'Hie ceremony was performed by tho Mayor of Auckland, in tho absence of the Prime Minister, who was unable to carry out his original intention to bo present on account of the war. Between 600 and 700 invitations to the opening had been issued to prominent citizens, and between 400 and 500 attended.

The Knox Home, which has been erected at a cost of £20,000, is named after the late Mrs. Knox, whose generosity in bequeathing the necessary funds enabled tho homo to be built. It is admirably situated on a flat tableland, 80ft above the level of tho surrounding' country, a short distance from the main Panmuro Road. The home has accommodation for between 50 and 60 patients in three wards, two for males and one for females. Wido sunny verandahs, with shelter screens, are provided, and there are two large diningrooms, which can bo converted into one room by means of folding doors. On Saturday tlio homo was all ready for tho reception of patients, and the furnishing and equipment evoked general admiration.

Tho Rev. G. B. Monro, chairman of tho Knox Trust Board, presided at tho opening ceremony. In a preliminary statement ho said that a sum of £47,900 had been realised from the estate of the late Mrs, Knox, The home, together with tho water, gas, and drainage system and the furnishing had cost £25,000, leaving over £20,000 for its endowment. The Hospital and Charitable Aid Board had agreed to send 25 patients to the home, who.would bo received at onco.

Mr. Thomas Peacock, on behalf of tho Trust Board, then handed to the Mayor a gold key, with which Mr. Parr opened (ho main door of tho homo.

In a short speech Mr. Parr said that wealth was a noblo thing when nobly used; .and tho Knox Homo was evidence of wealth well used. Tho citizens of Auckland owed a great debt of gratitude to the Trust Board for tlw admirable manner in which they had carried out tho building of tho home. Mr, Charles Clements subsequently unveiled a Btoue erected to tho memory of the late '.Irs. Knox, and short speeches were given by Dr. W. H. Parke?;, president of tho New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association, Mr. J. M. Mennie, chairman of (ho Hospital Board, and Dr. MaguLre, medical superintendent of tho Auckland District Hospital. Dr. Parkes congratulated the trustees upon tho completion of the hone, and described the buildings as up-to-date in every detail. He was pleased that the word " incurable" had been left out of the inscription, for those who had to do with tho sick knew how precious hope Was to tho sufferer, eVen when ho was not likely to recover. The word " incurable," in connection with a home for such people was ft relic of barbarism, and should bo at all times suppressed. Mr. Mennio spoke- of Iho valuo tho homo would prove to tho hospital by releasing more beds for use, and his remarks were supported by Dr. Maguire. The question of the accommodation of patients suffering from chronic and incurable diseases was, said Dr. Maguire, one that gave anxiety to governing boards of general hospitals, for hospitals wore primarily for the reception and treatment of acute cases which eoidd bo cured, and the sufferers restored as soon as possible to their f'.milies. The occupation of hospital beds by incurable patients blocked admission to the hospital, which meant" loss of time, money, and labour, not only to the individual sufferer, but also to the general community. The removal of such patients from general hospitals into homes such as the Knox Home, would mean that the doors of the hospitals could be opened more widely. On the motion of Mr. J. H. Upton, seconded by Mr. J. Raid, a vote of thanks was passed to tho Mayor, and the ceremony concluded, tho company subsequently taking afternoon tea at tho home.