NOISE AT BABIES’ HOME

Taranaki Daily News, 25 June 1931, Page 13

NOISE AT BABIES’ HOME

LIFE IN THE VICINITY. “AWFUL AND UNBEARABLE.” ./ A letter, signed by Air. K. H. Chapman and ten other ratepayers- living in the neighbour of the Alethodist Badies’ Homes, South Yarra, Alelbourne, was received recently by the Prahran council, complaining of the “awful and unbearable noises” that emanated'from the institution. « The letter continued: —“We demand that something be done to stop the noise and nuisance. It is evident that the management of tlie home is not capable of understanding the requirements of babies, and we suggest that the institution be placed under the supervision of a matron and nurses who do understand them. Otherwise the place should be fitted with sound-proof windows and doors, which should be kept shut. If this is not possible, the place should be converted into a hospital, caring for other than noise and nuisance-producing inmates. We object to having the noisy nuisance of a babies’ home dumped down in our midst.” A supporting letter was received from the Property Owners* Defence Association. which asked that steps, be taken to abate the noise, which, it was claimed, amounted to a nuisance. Some time ago, when similar complaints were received, the town clerk brought the matter -under the notice of the authorities of the home. In reply, the honorary secretary of the home wrote:—-“It would seem that Mr. Chapman is superseiisitive. It is well known [that some people get used to a noise, while others, by brooding over it. numnify and exaggerate its effects. Unfortunately, it is beyond our power to (regulate or control the times and seasons

of an infant’s crying, but we do what we can to alleviate the trouble, and wo have the full co-operatiou of the matron and staff. On a recent Sunday Mr. Chapman called at the home, and rather noisily voiced to the nurses his object- - ions. We hope the young women will be spared such scenes in future.” The council referred the matter to the Health Committee.