The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
The Dunedin Benevolent Institution Home
The Dunedin Benevolent Institution Home is erected on eight acres of land at the corner of the Main South Road and Alexandra Street, Caversham. The grounds are fully fenced and utilised as kitchen and flower gardens, the latter being tastefully laid out. The building is a three-storey brick structure with basement, and contains about fifty rooms. On the ground floor are the apartments of the manager, matron, women's day-room, family hospital ward, and a number of dormitories. The dining-rooms for the men and women are situated, respectively, at each end of the building, and the first and second floors are occupied almost entirely by sleeping apartments. The original building erected in 1865 contained but three rooms, but the present building has accommodation for about 300 inmates.