The work of erection was started only seven weeks ago, but very rapid progress has been made, and the brick walls have already reached a height that gives an adequate idea of the extent and massiveness of the building. It is a two-storey building with dormer gables and no fewer than 57 separate bedrooms, in each one of which a wardrobe is provided. The cost of the building will be between £14,000 and £15,000. The architects are Messrs Mandeno and Fraser, and the Fletcher Construction Co is the contractor. The site of the new home is just across the street from the back of the Karitane-Harris Hospital and a little higher up the hill. Its main purpose is to provide accommodation for nurses from all over New Zealand who will take here a special short intensive course of training in Plunket Society methods. The Government, recognising the splendid work so far done by the Karitane-Harris Hospital, was handing over to it this very important matter of trying to reduce the unfortunate maternal mortality that had been taking place. It was providing £12,000, the estimated cost of this building. The very fine property on which the building was being erected was a gift to the society in memory of the late Mr Horatio Massey, of Invercargill. His widow and daughter were giving the sum of £2000 to be expended for this purpose. Mrs J.A. Johnstone, as president of the Plunket Society, then requested his Excellency to lay the foundation stone. In a ringing, clear voice his Excellency declared the stone "Well and truly laid." It had been one of his greatest pleasures at Government House last week to hand to Sir Truby King his Royal patent of knighthood. The thanks of the whole dominion were due to Sir Truby and Lady King for their work. Not only the dominion but the whole world owed a debt of gratitude to those whose minds conceived and whose energy carried on the wonderful work which was centred in this Plunket Society.
Construction zone
It was agreed at last night’s meeting of Exhibition directors that the final day on which the public will be admitted to Logan Park will be June 22. Mr Hainsworth stated that a certain amount of pilfering on the grounds had been reported. Workmen had missed tools, etc, and some of the trees had been damaged.
Guides getting prepared
The Girl Guides’ Association annual report stated that there were five companies actually registered, three companies awaiting registration, and three companies in the course of formation in the division of Dunedin. The total strength was Commissioners three, guiders 15, guides 131 and recruits 71 — a grand total of 217. In addition to this, small companies had been registered in Waipiata and Patearoa, and a company had been formed at Oamaru, but these could not be registered as they were waiting the setting up of a local association for Waitaki. The Dunedin companies were one company attached to a school, two Anglican and one Presbyterian. Already there were several enthusiastic youngsters called "brownies" because they were too young to be guides They had just managed to get leaders trained and willing to organise special "brownie" packs. — ODT, 12.7.1925
Compiled by Peter Dowden
