BRYANT HOUSE HOME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18889, 11 December 1924, Page 6

BRYANT HOUSE HOME.

BOY'S DREAM REALISED.

CONVALESCENT CHILDREN.

NATURE THE GREAT HEALER.

MAGNIFICENT SURROUNDINGS.

[BY TELEGItAI'H.—OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] RAGLAN, Tuesday.

i About three miles south-west of llaglan a long spur of Mount Katioi runs down to meet a little sand-fringed bight just ouisido the southern end of the harbour bar. Two liundred feet above the restless waters the easy grade of tho spur is changed abruptly to an almost precipitous descent. Four years ago tho whole t?f this slope was covered with giant teatree and towering riwa-riwas, like the surrounding country, but even then ;a lady of enterprising and prescient mind had divined tho possibilities of tho spot and acquired from tho native owners an option over about 70 acres. It was her intention to farm hero a little, and open tea and refreshment rooms. Her plans were, however never realisod. A gentleman from Hamilton came along, ysith an equal appreciation of the site and a wider ambition. He acquired the rights from her, and now Bryant House stands where the tea rooms were to have been.

It is a marvellous situation, a dream, such as, perhaps, a Scott might describe. Behind is tho dark imminence of the bushdad mountain, and in front tho picturesque little town of llaglan, resting by its gleaming harbour, gripped by the fingering creeks. Close beneath is the restless white line of the harbour bar, and reaching northwards from that the long coastline to the Manukau Heads. Many lives, wo will venture to hope, will catch inspiration from a few weekli spent in early life in such a favoured spot.

Building Well Equipped. On this commanding site a low bunga-low-like building has been erected with every modern convenience and providing accommodation for 50 children. It is for children needing rest, amid surroundings physically and mentally healthful, during convalescence after illness or operation. No charge is to be made, though gifts from grateful patients or their relatives may be accepted. Tiose suffering from infectious diseases are not provided for, nor will cases be accepted for which no hope of permanent benefit can bo entertained. Girls will be taken in between the ages of five and iourteen, and boys from five to twelve years, but under special circumstances mis rule may be waived.

The establishment of such a homo has been a haunting dream of the__founder, Mr. D. Bryant, since h<j was a boy. He is passing over to the trustees the income from all his land and property, having previously made ample provision for his family. The trustees are Dr. Hugh Douglas, Mr. C. L. McDiarmid, Mr. R. English and Mr. R. M. Madill, all of Hamilton. The staff to manage the homo will consist of a matron and nurse, the Misses Miller, from Scotland, who have had exceptional experience in the management of children. A married couple will be in charge of the outdoor arrangements. At present, and perhaps for the first year, only 25 children will be received. The ultimate capacity of the accommodation will, however, be for 50 inmates. Electric Cooking and Heating.

An up-to-date electric service is nowbeing installed, and the heating, lighting and cooking of the great house will be entirely carried out by electricity. Mr. N. D. Robertson, of Raglan, has offered to convev the little patients from Hamilton free of charge, but the trustees have thought the offer too generous to accept, and have arranged to pay a small f<e for each child. The total upkeep o:t the institution is estimated to cost about £3000 per annum, for which Mr. Bryant is making provision. A few children are already in residence, but the official opening will not take place until tho afternoon of December 27. It is hoped that the Prime Minister, Mr. W. F. Mas:sey, will be able to be present to perform the ceremony. The portion of tho 75 acres of beautiful grounds not immediately required for the service of the house is to be laid out as a park and thrown open to the public for picnicking purposes on payment of a small charge, which will go toward the general upkeep.