THE ROSS FOR AGED & NEEDY

Progress, Volume XIV, Issue 3, 1 November 1918, Page 351

THE ROSS FOR AGED & NEEDY

On this page we illustrate a new home erected in Normanby, N.B. Valley, Dunedin and officially opened last month to be used as a home for the aged and needy. The land which covers 10 acres, was the gift of Mr. John Ross, whose public spirit has been shown on other occasions in a similar way. The building which was erected to designs by Mr. W. 11. Dunning, by Messrs. Fletcher Bros., faces west, the northern end being intended for female inmates

New Building atftortfianby, Dunedin

it. White tiles, resembling building bricks, surround these cooking appliances. In the centre of the room is a large table fitted with bunkers, each worked on a pivot from the bottom, and swing open when a brass button is released. There are quite a number of these and they are capable of holding over half a hundredweight of sugar, flour, oatmeal, rice, sago, currants, raisins, and such like common articles intended for culinary purposes; situated above each, of these bunker

Architect: Mr. W. H. Dunning] and the southern for those of the sterner sex, in addition to which accommodation is also provided for married couples. The rooms and living quarters of the old people are cheerful, and while small dormitories are to be utilised at present, the idea is that the inmates should have as much privacy as possible. In any case, the rooms which it is intended to use as dormitories will be partitioned off into suitable-sized cubicles, or small rooms, to accommodate one person. A portion of the upstairs part of the building is intended for the accommodation of the staff. Quite a series of bathrooms and lavatories are conveniently situated in the building, and there is not an inch of space in the interior wasted. The dining-room is the largest room in the building, and, in'addition to being well ventilated, is well lighted and cheerful. The pantry, servery, and kitchen are well arranged. The latter is fitted with a specially-made range, in addition to which there is a large gas cooker, and provision is made for the installation of a second one of these should occasion demand

[Contractors: Messrs. Fletcher Bros. compartments is a drawer intended to contain articles required in smaller quantities. Tn a long narrow room off the kitchen is the coal-house, + he interior of which is divided in some half-dozen small cubicles for holding coal. These are arranged somewhat after the style of coal bunkers on a steamer, the bottom of each cubicle being so fitted that the coal "feeds" to the front automatically, but in just sufficient quantities to fill a shovel. Other rooms include a laundry, or glorified wash-house, fitted among other things with electric irons; and a store room, which is an airy compartment, where meat and vegetables may be kept. Concrete verandahs almost surround the entire building above and below, which will be found of great benefit to the inmates, especially those who may be unable to get out of doors. Underneath the lower verandahs there is accommodation for an immense stock of firewood, and seeing that wood fires will ultimately be provided for in every room the provision is a wise one. Ample fire escapes are provided, and as all doors open outwards

on the verandah, almot absolute safety from an outbreak of fire is assured. It is intended to erect a hospital some 30 yards behind the present block of buildings, which after all will be the administration block when the scheme is developed and completed, connected by a covered-in right-of-way with the main building. For the present hospital wards and nursing accommodation are provided for in the front of the main building. The cost, including reading and asphalting is nearly £6,000, of which sura about £4,000 has been subscribed to date. The committee has in view the erection of further necessary buildings, such as a hospital, and additional living rooms, which will involve a further expenditure of £5,000.