MAORI PRE-NATAL REST HOME AT HOSPITAL OFFICIALLY OPENED

Te Ao Hou, July 1958, Page 45

MAORI PRE-NATAL REST HOME AT HOSPITAL OFFICIALLY OPENED A well-finished and excellently-equipped Maori prenatal rest home, located in the grounds of the Hokianga Hospital at Rawene, was opened recently. The home provides accommodation for five women in one double and three single bedrooms, all of good size. There is a spacious, comfortable sitting room, and facilities are available for the preparation of light meals. Inmates will join hospital patients for main meals. The overall cost of the project was in the vicinity of £4000, Maori welfare leagues in North and South Hokianga and Bay of Islands raised £1100 towards the cost and the balance was contributed by the Health Department. The women of the leagues had worked steadily since 1951 to raise funds through dances, basket socials and other types of functions. The home will eliminate the last-minute transport difficulties suffered by Maori women awaiting confinement from isolated districts. The home will be administered by the Northland Hospital Board.