Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

The Costley Home For The Aged Poor

The Costley Home For The Aged Poor. A Home for the Aged Poor was founded many years ago by the ladies of Auckland, led on in the matter chiefly by Mrs Philson. They carried on this humane work for a number of years prior to 1883, when the Government handed over the charitable institutions to the care of the people of Auckland, and the Home then came under the control of a committee of management, which in turn was superseded by the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board in 1885. The first Home was an old wooden building in the Hospital enclosure, originally erected and used as the Lunatic Asylum. In 1890 the inmates were removed to the present building at Epsom, erected entirely out of funds provided by the late Mr. Edward Costley. The Home is beautifully situated on thirteen acres of volcanic soil, and is surrounded by undulating and charming scenery. There are twelve rooms, including the manager's office, private apartments, waiting-room, four dormitories, kitchen and scullery. The dormitories, including two used for maternity wards, provide accommodation for fifty female inmates. Detached from the main building there is a block containing six dormitories, with accommodation for 132 male inmates. There are also isolation and refractory wards. Well lighted, ventilated, and heated reading and sitting-rooms, and a small miscellaneous library are provided for the use of the inmates. There is also a place of worship capable of seating 100 worshippers. The average number of inmates is about 175, and their general comfort is admirably provided for by the Auckland Charitable Aid Board.