HOSPITAL PLANS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22974, 28 February 1938, Page 12

HOSPITAL PLANS

ARCHITECT'S VISIT KINGSEAT SCHEME PRAISED VICTORIA STATE BUILDINGS Architectural features and conditions ruling in Auckland and Wellington mental hospitals are to be studied during a brief visit to New Zealand by Mr. Percy E. Everett, chief architect of the Department of Public Works, Victoria, who arrived by the Wanganella on Saturday. As a result of his observations, some of the features, particularly in respect of the Kingseat Mental Hospital, will later be incorporated in a new State building programme in Melbourne, "I am treating my visit as more of a glorified week-end than anything else," said Mr. Everett last evening before his departure by train for Wellington. "I have seen a great deal of Auckland in, tho brief time I have been hero. Its architecture impressed mo considerably. Its sk3 - line and harbour aro extremely attractive, more so in my opinion than Sydney. The background is so much better. A Commendable Institution "The place in which I was particularly interested professionally was the Kingseat Mental Hospital," Mr. Everett added. "It is a commendablo institution, and the control exercised over the patients is admirable in every way. The most outstanding feature of the institution from the visitor's standpoint is the absence of fences. I doubt whether such a plan could be adopted in many cities. 'I do not think it could bo extended to Melbourne, for instance." Mr. Everett explained that it was intended in Melbourne to dispense with the huge Kew Mental Hospital in the centre of the city, replacing it with three buildings, one in the metropolitan are<a and one in each of the eastern and western districts. The Kew property would subsequently bo subdivided into a suburban area. Ho had been instructed to incorporate suitable features of the Kingseat Mental Hospital into the plan for the new metropolitan building. Ho had noted a number of ideas that should prove helpful. Elaborate Melbourne Schemes ' 'Melbourne has become very hospitalminded," added Mr. Everett. "Some very elaborate building schemes have been undertaken, running up to £2OOO a bed in some cases. I hope that in the buildings I have to plan the expense will not exceed £4OO a bed." Having been associated with the planning of recent reconstructions at the Melbourne Zoo, Mr. Everett was also interested in visiting the Auckland Zoological Park, which''he described as being in every way worthy of this city, its population being taken into account. Tho layout of the zoo and the variety of animals were said to bo in keeping with the best zoos in the world. After visiting Wellington Mr. Everett will return to Sydney by the Awatea to-morrow. He intends to revisit Now Zealand in tho near future.