From History of Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board 1847-1914, Archives New Zealand (Auckland), A493/166 R20388482
Very little maternity work was ever carried out at the Hospital. However cases of unfortunate and destitute persons were treated there in 1884. (1) A small detached cottage, originally erected in connection with the Lunatic Asylum, was used for this purpose, and it was the duty of the Resident Doctor to attend any obstetric cases admitted. (Sixteen cases were treated in that financial year).
Two years later a ward was established in the Upper Refuge, and although the Board attempted to close it in 1887, and discontinue admitting such cases, public agitation induced them to keep it open (2) and until 1890 this ward served for the few who required it.
With the removal of all 'Refuge' patients to the Costley Home in 1890, it was decided that this work also be transferred, although some members of the Honorary Staff protested, as they considered the nurses were losing an opportunity of learning this branch of their profession. (3)
Ten years later an attempt was made to establish a Maternity Ward at the Main Hospital. A Committee of Honorary Medical Officers (4) went into the question of providing accommodation and facilities. Dr McKellar was very interested in the project and an ardent supporter of the plan to erect a separate brick building for obstetric purposes. However, the majority of the Committee considered this work could not with propriety be carried on in connection with the General Hospital and the whole idea was abandoned. (5)
As the number of old people seeking admission to the Costley Home increased, the Costley Committee decided it was not in keeping with the conditions of the Bequest to use any accommodation at the Home for cases other than aged and infirm, and notified the Board in 1904 that they could no longer allow admission to maternity patients. (6)
The Board then definitely decided that work of this nature, except in cases where complications arise, could be more suitably conducted in a Benevolent Home. Consequently arrangements were made during this year (1914) , with the authorities of St May's [Mary's] Women's Home for the treatment of any necessitous cases, the Board agreeing to pay a stipulated amount of maintenance. (7)
1. AJHR Vol 3 Sess II 1885 H-a. This is the first Hospital Report that refers to maternity cases. Dr McKellar was responsible for having a small ward set aside for this purpose.
2. NZ Herald, 11 January 1887
3. NZ Herald, 25 August 1891
4. NZ Herald, 9 July 1901
5. ibid.
6. NZ Herald, 12 April 1904
7. ibid. £4 for 14 days in each case.
St Helen's Maternity Home established by the Government in 1906 provided a very necessary want, and has proved a boon to the community, particularly to those expectant mothers who are financially embarrassed.