Pukekohe
Nurse Eliza Stayte, Manukau Street (1906-1913)
"The death of Mrs Eliza Stayte occurred on Sunday at the home of her daughter, Mrs Ray Miller, of Nelson Street, Pukekohe. Mrs Stayte,who was in her 93rd year, was born in England. and later lived in Queensland. She came from there with her husband [William] to New Zealand in 1893 and settled at Pukekohe in 1905. During her residence of 20 years in the district she engaged in maternity nursing, and was widely known. Her husband died some years ago. Mrs Stayte lost two sons in the last war, and has four grandsons and two great-grandsons serving in this war. She is survived by two sons and two daughters. There are 28 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild." (Obit, NZ Herald, 16 January 1945, p. 6)
Nurse (Agnes Mary?) Lusher, King Street (1916). Wife of Charles Randell Lusher, King Street watchmaker?
"The death occurred yesterday of Mr. Charles Randall Lusher, aged 69, a well-known business man of Pukekohe. He was the third son of the late Mr and Mrs R H Lusher, of Auckland, and was born in the city, where he learned the trade of watchmaker and jeweller. He went to Te Aroha about 50 years ago and, after some years there and at New Plymouth, entered into business on his own account at Manaia, Taranaki. About 22 years ago. he went to Pukekohe. Mr. Lusher was prominent in bowling circles, being a member of the Manaia Bowling Club and later, up to the time of his death, one of the best known members of the Pukekohe Club. He is survived by his wife." (NZ Herald 21 March 1938, p. 12)
Nurse Annie Reekie, East Street, "Pukekohe Nursing Home" (1908-1919). Wife of Phillip. Worked with Dr Wake. Sister in law to Dr. John Slingsby Reekie (d 1924), who worked with Dr Charles H Wake in Pukekohe in 1909? Nurse (Jessie?) Brett took over in 1919. (Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, 24 June 1919) Jessie Brett had a nursing home previously in St Aubyn S, Devonport before 1919, but not maternity.
Nurse Waldin, Queen Street, (from 29 June 1914) "a Maternity Home in Pukekohe in the house lately occupied by Mr Howard ... Patients can rely upon receiving every care and attention and 'a home from home'. (Licensed under Private Hospital Act.)" (Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, 26 June 1914). Related to Allan Waldin, Queen St, Pukekohe, agent?
Burwood Private Maternity Hospital, Seddon Street (1915- at least 1945). Practitioners: Nurse Mary Miller Blair (Manukau's Journey), Nurse Boyd (from 1917). Burwood was a 4-bedroom maternity home, officially licensed from 18 October 1919 (No. 825) according to a ile of correspondence on the home at Archives New Zealand, 1919-1939.
"Unfortunately, the standard of the residence was often in question. One must remember that the premises also housed both the family of Mrs Blair and the nursing staff necessary to provide maternity care, so the facility often seemed overcrowded and somewhat cluttered. Burwood was regularly inspected by the Inspector of Hospitals, and reports followed each visit. In 1924, an inspector commented on poor ventilation, coarse and discoloured linen, and general unhealthy conditions ...
In the return for 1936, there had been 29 patients at Burwood. Of these, 5 confined between 7-9 months along, 24 at full term. 6 "instrumental deliveries", 1 "unavoidable haemorrhage", 1 death of a mother by cardiac arrest, 1 infant born dead, 1 infant born dead pre-labour, i infant born alive who later died, and 1 death of a mother after delivery (scepticaemia). There had been a total of 36 births registered in Pukekohe that year, so the vast majority went through Burwood. Patients were referred there from Shirley Hospital (see below). Mrs Blair was invited to attend the opening of the Pukekohe Maternity Hospital in 1955. (Information from The Forgotten Settlers: Pukekohe 1850-1950, by Heather A Walden, 1999, pp. 261-266)
Shirley Private Hospital, Seddon Street (1921- at least 1945). Doris Garnet Bennett, licensee
"In the first case of its kind to be brought in Auckland, the licensee of a private hospital was prosecuted by Dr T J F Hughes, Medical Officer of Health, on summons, in the Police Court this morning for failing to comply with the requirements of the regulations in reference to staffing. Defendant was Doris Garnet Bennett and on her behalf Mr R M Grierson entered a plea of guilty. Mr Meredith, for the Crown, said defendant was licensee of the Shirley Private Hospital, Pukekohe. It was a mixed hospital, but the license entitled her to have four maternity patients and two medical and surgical patients at the same time. In complying with the staffing regulations she was required to have a staff comprising a registered nurse which she was herself, a registered midwife, an unregistered nurse and a domestic. At the week-end in question she allowed her registered midwife three days off duty. At the time there were two maternity cases and one surgical patient in the hospital, while two further maternity patients came in during the midwife's absence.
"It is not suggested that the patients did not receive proper attention." said -Mi. Meredith, "but when the regulations are not complied with the danger is obvious. This prosecution is brought as a warning to indicate the obligations of private hospital licensees to comply with the regulations. It is the first prosecution of its kind in Auckland." Mr. Grierson submitted that as this was the first Auckland breach it would have a salutary effect. Defendant was fined £1 and costs. " (Auckland Star 14 January 1938).
Miss Millicent Earp, operating at Pukekohe's Shirley Hospital from c.1929, shifted to Takapuna in 1934 and named her new hospital the Shirley Private Hospital. Changed the name there to "Melita" from April 1940.
Nurse Collins (1923)
Tuakau
Nurse Florence J Nolan, "Rarere," Harrisville Road (1914-1916). "Every care and skilful nursing."
"From the Ohinemuri Gazette I notice that Nurse Florence Nolan was farewelled recently at a social held at Karangahake. There was a large gathering present and most enjoyable dancing indulged in. Mrs Frank Budd, of Paeroa, sang several favourite numbers, which were warmly applauded. Before the supper adjournment Archdeacon Hackett, on behalf of Nurse Nolan's many friends, presented her with a purse of sovereigns and feelingly referred to her many acts of self-sacrifice. Mr Snelgar returned thanks on Nurse Nolan'a behalf. Nurse Nolan was leaving to open a nursing home in Tuakau. From Nurse Nolan I gather that she received her maternity training at St. Helen's and that she practised in the Ohinemuri district for over four years without losing a single case. The new home "Rareri" is very favourably situated and the establishment is an acquisition to the district." (Pukekohe & Waiuku Times 16 June 1914)
Left to go to Te Aroha before May 1917.
"A large seven-roomed house, owned by Nurse F T Nolan, of Te Aroha, and occupied by W Little stock agent was totally destroyed by fire early this morning. The family escaped in night attire, nothing being saved. The furniture was insured for £150 in the New Zealand Insurance Company, while the building was also insured. Both occupier and owner are fairly heavy losers." (Auckland Star, 26 May 1917)
Waiuku
Waiuku Nursing Home (1913-1920). At "Mr Campbell's house".
"The arrangements have been completed for the establishment of a nursing home in this town, and the same has now been opened at Mr Campbell's house, Waiuku, The home that has been secured is in every way suitable. The nurse is a most capable one, and the home, which will be run under Dr Howden's supervision, will fulfill a very much needed want in this district." (Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, 4 July 1913) A Nurse Kinnaird served there in 1913.
"A ten-roomed house, owned by Dr [C E ] Howden (now at the front) and occupied by Dr [C J ] Ick-Hewins, was totally destroyed by fire at nine o'clock last night. Mrs Hewins was the only person in the house at the time. When the alarm was given and assistance arrived It was impossible to save anything. The building was insured in the Commercial Union for £500, and medicine books, instruments, and a piano for £550 in separate insurance. Dr Ick-Hewins had an insurance of £100 on instruments and wearing apparel." (Auckland Star, 8 August 1917)
Waiuku Hospital completed early 1922, Dr Howden working there.
Nurse Hughes, View Road (1920-1921). Auction February 1921.