Manawatu - Whanganui
Apiti
Mrs Brown, Bryce Street (1903)
Aramoho
Nurse Mary Jane Mayes, Cameron Street (1913-1914)
"There passed away on Thursday afternoon a well-known old resident of Wanganui in the person of Mrs M J Mayes. Born at Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire, 76 years ago, Mrs. Mayes arrived in New, Zealand in 1878 by the ship Hermina and, after a short residence in Wellington, came to Wanganui. Ever since then she had lived In the city, practising her profession as a nurse, her kindly nature and sterling qualities earning the esteem of all. Mrs Mayes’ husband predeceased her by 36 years and her youngest son, Mr Charles Mayes, died about three months ago. She leaves the following family to mourn her loss: Messrs William R. Mayes (Palmerston North), Frederick George Mayes, (of the Railway locomotive staff, Wanganui), Joseph Mayes (Whangarei), Mesdames C Hay (Aramoho), E Banks (Aramoho), A McLeod (Auckland), and R M Tinsley (Karioi)." (Manawatu Times, 6 June 1927)
Ashhurst
Nurse Watson (1920)
Dannevirke
Miss M E Clatworthy, Naumai, 20 Queen Street (1939)
Mrs H L Carlyle, Roseneath Maternity Home, Swinburne Street (c.1939-1945). House moved to Mount Stewart near Feilding in 1988 (according to Dannevirke Museum.)
Eketahuna
Miss M D Green, Stanley Street (1939)
Feilding
Mrs E A Williams, Warwick Street (1904-1905) (In Wanganui c.1910-1911)
Nurse Kearse (1907)
Nurse Fowles, Russell Street (1907)
Nurse Wyse, Broad Street (1908)
Nurse Winslade, Grey Street (1910-1915)
Nurse Jensen (1911)
Nurse Kristenson/Christenson, Fergusson Street (1911-1915) Bailey Street (1915-1924)
Nurse Kingaby, Ranfurly Road (1912), Kimbolton Road (1913) Mrs Longs' "Dandalo", Stafford Street (1914) to Mrs Revington Jones' at Stafford Street (1914)
Mrs Lonegan, 53 Marlborough Street (1912)
Nurse Dawson, Victoria Street (1912)
Mrs Allison, Glasgow Terrace (1913-1917). Experience since c.1900.
Nurse Philps (1913)
Nurse Clare, Denbigh St ("Loloma") (1913-1914). Nurse Clare, late of St Helen's Hospital Auckland, and late matron of "Loloma" private hospital, Morrinsville, wishes we notify the ladies of Feilding and district that she has opened a thoroughly up-to-date nursing home in Denbigh street. For proved skill and ability, Nurse Clare has most excellent recommendations, so that ladies requiring her services can rely on getting the most safe and modern medical attention. May "'Loloma" have every success. (Feilding Star, 25 October 1913)
Nurse Lyne, Beattie Street (1913-1915) "Nurse Lyne leaves Feilding for Sydney to-morrow to join the second party of Australian nurses for the front." (Feilding Star 14 July 1915)
Nurse Benson, Camden Street (1914)
Nurse Olsen, Fergusson Street (1914), Denbigh Street (1916), 22 Sandilands Street (1916-1917). Was with Nurse Kristenson/Christenson until 1914. Moved two houses away to set up sole practice.
Nurse Stenberg (1914). Moved from Camden Street to Denbigh Street East Oct 1914.
Nurse McKenzie, 16 Queen Street (1914)
Nurse Don, Denbigh Street (1915-1916), Kimbolton Road (1916-1918). Moved to Feilding from Palmerston North.
Nurse Hastie, Bowen Street (1915)
Nurse Laing, Wellington Street (1916-1921)
Nurse Wallis' "Cavell Home", Kimbolton Road (1916-1922)
Fernleigh House (1917). Practitioner: Nurse Gill
Nurse Townesend, Beattie Street (1918)
Nurse Watson, Camden Street (1918)
Nurse Jones, Kimbolton Road (1920)
Nurse Brown (1920)
Nurse Macdonald's Private Nursing Home (1921)
Nurse L Townsend, Manchester St (1921)
Nurse Wright, Dalkeith Nursing Home, Kimbolton Road (1923-1924)
Miss L Wallbank, Haere Mai, 95 Kimbolton Road (1936-1939)
Foxton
"In 1902 Mrs Hobbs a certified midwife of Johnston Street was advertising vacancies for ladies at her residence.
In 1908 Dr Mandl's Private Nursing Home was opened under the care of Sister Small A.T.N.A. By 1910 this hospital was being advertised as certified for medical, surgical and obstetric care.
Other nurses advertising at about this time were Mrs Hazlett, Main Street and Mrs Borland of Union Street. Others who gave service in this respect were Mrs Hoskins and then Mrs Snow whose nursing home was in Futter Street.
Nurse Ashmore established her Kia Ora Maternity Home in 1917.
In 1924 Nurse Powell opened the Oratava Maternity Nursing Home at 16 Robinson Street, an address which is still connected with medical care. Nurse Powell was a popular nurse and extended her home in 1926 when it became registered for four patients. Nurse Wardle took over the Oratava in about 1930 and probably practised there until the opening of the Maternity Home.
Mrs Sylvia Barber remembers her mother Mrs F. Williams recently widowed, going to St. Helen's Hospital in Wellington for the twelve month midwifery course in 1928-9. After training she began in practice at her home in Union Street. When the Maternity home opened she stopped having in-patients but still saw women in their own homes.
Others who carried out midwifery duties up to the opening of the Maternity Home were Nurse Scadden (Norbiton Road), Mrs McCauley (Avenue Road), Mrs Nelson (Jenks Street), Mrs J. Collins (Jenks Street), Nurse Prendergast (Ladys Mile), and Mrs Dix (Hillary and later Coley Street).
"In 1952 the building that housed the Oratava Home became the home of Mr and Mrs L. Harvey. Faith Harvey used part of the house as a rest home, Lonsdale, and the success of the venture saw the building extended so that it could accommodate 35 patients. Olive Short joined as a partner during the seventies and Olive took over fully in 1975. Lonsdale has become a 25 bed hospital and rest home and has a staff of 40' including six registered nurses caring for the elderly many of whom suffer from Alzheimers Disease."
From: http://horowhenua.kete.net.nz/en/site/topics/2378-foxton-1888-1988-professional-and-medical-services
Gonville
Nurse Scott (1918)
Hunterville
Mrs G Nicholson, Onga Road (1906)
Levin
Nurse Wooding, Stanley Street (1910-1915)
Levin Private Hospital, Essex Street (1911-1912) Bristol Street (from 1912). Nurse Dustow. Formerly the residence of Mr Blythe. Dustow left Levin October 1912. Taken over by Nurse Wilson (April 1913-1915). "Nurse Wilson, who for some time conducted a private hospital in Levin, now is on the nursing staff in a British military hospital at Gibraltar." (Horowhenua Chronicle, 16 December 1915)
Nurse Ashmore, Cambridge Street (1916)
Miss E A Grimmett and Miss E Murray, Amara, Queen Street (1939)
Makino
Nurse Robinson (1912-1924)
Manawatu Heads
Nurse Shortt (1942)
Marton
Nurse Beatrice Walton (1909). At a meeting of the Defence League (women's branch) held yesterday afternoon, Nurse Walton, at present matron of a private hospital at Marton, was appointed district nurse. Nurse Walton comes with good credentials, having been trained in London both as a general and as a maternity nurse. She also understands the feeding of infants, and is prepared to instruct mothers in humanising milk, and in infant feeding generally. We understand that Nurse Walton commences work in about a fortnight's time. Our readers will shortly be informed of the general rules under which she is to work. (Wanganui Chronicle 5 August 1909)
Nurse Thompson (1923)
Pahiatua
Nurse Miller (1913-1915). Miss (Nurse) Miller, a former matron of the Pahiatua Public Hospital, who for some years past has been conducting a private nursing home in Pahiatua, and who has volunteered for service at the front, was tendered a hearty send-off by her numerous friends at the Foresters' Hall on Saturday afternoon. (Wairarapa Age 16 June 1915, p.5)
Nurse Gelderd (1914-c.1920)
Nurse Jessie Wilton (1916-1917), Albert Street. Jessie (1869-1917) married to James Wilton (1857-1935)
Nurse Le Grove (1917)
Nurse Baker, Pahiatua Maternity Home, 48 Cambridge Street. (1918). "Single room, £4 10p per week. Ward, £3 10s per week. Separate Confinement room. Accommodation for eight patients."
Nurse Anstice (1921-1925)
Palmerston North
Mrs Llewellyn, Terrace End, Palmerston North. (Manawatu Standard, 11 Jan 1900)
Nurse Vincent, Amesbury Street (1911- at least 1923)
Nurse Linton (1911-1920)
Nurse Humphries, Church Street (1911-1914), 192 Ferguson Street (1920)
Nurses Freeman and Anne Louisa Roby (Miss), Northcote Hospital, Grey Street (1915-1920)
NURSE ROBY FAREWELLED.
A HANDSOME PRESENTATION.
A public farewell was tendered to Nurse Roby, who has sold her private hospital in Grey street owing to ill health, and is retiring into private life at the Empire Hall last evening. The attendance bore ample testimony to the nurse's popularity, the body of the hall being well filled. A number of prominent citizens were present and also members of the medical profession. The Mayor (Mr J A Nash, MP) presided. The ball and staging were tastefully decorated, and the nursing staff of the hospital, arrayed in white uniforms, were grouped on the stage beside the guest of the evening. At the close of a musical programme the Mayor rose and addressing Nurse Roby, explained the object of the gathering. Many years ago, he said, Nurse Roby had come to Palmerston North with Nurse Freeman and on that lady's retirement had taken charge ol the hospital that had been founded in Grey street. Now Nurse Roby had found it necessary to give up her work and leave Palmerston North, and many people in the district and out of it would always remember with feelings of gratitude the kindness that Nurse Roby had ever shown to those who came under her care. The Rev H G Blackburne was one who had been under Nurse Roby's care and though unable to be present himself, had asked the speaker to express his feelings of gratitude to Nurse Roby and staff for the kindness extended to him during his illness. Nurse Roby's work during the trying period of the epidemic was something that would not be forgotten. The hospital that she had conducted was one of the best in New Zealand. The staff and Nurse Rby's many friends felt they could not allow her to depart without showing their appreciation in some tangible way, and on their behalf he had the utmost pleasure in asking Nurse Roby to accept a solid silver tray and tea set. "In the evening of your life this will serve to remind you that you had many very dear friends in Palmerston North," said Mr Nash in conclusion. Three cheers were then given for Nurse Roby and three more for the staff. (Manawatu Standard 29 June 1920 p. 2)
Miss Roby died in Levin 22 August 1942, aged 75, and was buried in the Palmerston North cemetery plot she purchased in 1914.
Nurse Baillie, 9 Lombard Street (1910- at least 1923)
"Levuka" Private Maternity Hospital, 93, later 189, Fitzherbert Street, Palmerston North. Manawatu Heritage.
Nurse Catherine Hall, (1918-1921), 93 Fitzherbert Street, "Levuka." Nurses Sarah Louisa Charters and Jessie Maud Verey, (1921-1929).
"Nurse Hall, late Charge Nurse at St Helen’s, Wellington, has opened the "Levuka" Private Maternity Hospital at 93 Fitzherbert Street, Palmerston North. The hospital, which contains 14 rooms, has been completely renovated, and accommodation may be provided for 18 or 20 patients, if necessary. Care has been taken to ensure sunlight, ventilation, and comfort in every room, and a delightful view is obtainable from one of the balconies on the upper storey. Nurse Hall is assisted by Nurse Sutherland, who was also trained at St Helen’s. Particulars in respect to charges, etc, may be obtained upon application." (Manawatu Standard, 17 October 1918)
Destroyed by fire 23 October 1929.
"A serious fire occurred in Palmerston North about 3.30 yesterday afternoon, at "Levuka’' a maternity hospital conducted by Nurses Charters and Verey in Fitzherbert Street. When the brigade arrived, clouds of smoke were pouring from the front of the building and a crowd quickly gathered, anxious for the safety of the patients. Fanned by a wind of gale force, it was early apparent that the flames had a good hold and general apprehension was felt until the assurance circulated that the patients in the building had been safely removed. Fortunately, they were only two in number, and with their infants, they were quickly taken downstairs and out of danger.
"Mrs F Reed, of Turakina Road, Bulls, with an infant of three days, was carried downstairs by her husband, while Mrs Chandler, of Oroua Downs, with a baby nine days old, was supported out of danger by the nurses. They were removed to the friendly shelter of the neighbouring residence of Mr T F Relling. Taking into consideration their narrow escape, both ladies came through the ordeal remarkably well. Mrs Reed will not be moved for a day or two, but Mrs Chandler was later taken to her home.
"The cause of the fire is unknown, but Nurse Verey states that it originated in the sterilising room adjacent to the main ward. Mrs Chandler, who was lying in bed, first noticed the flames, and gave the alarm. It was at first thought that a small outbreak had commenced in the room and Mr Reed, the husband of the patient, attempted to extinguish it with a bedroom basin, not realising at the time, that the fire had already established a hold. When the brigade arrived, a lead was taken upstairs to the seat of the outbreak and it was only a few minutes before all signs of fire was extinguished. The two men with the hose thought that their efforts had been quite successful, when suddenly a big shaft of flame shot up, with a miniature explosion, between them and the stairway. Their exit being cut off, they discarded the hose they held and made their escape through a window.
"In commenting upon the outbreak subsequently, Superintendent Barnard explained that the brigade had been faced with the double handicap of a wind of gale force and a low pressure in the mains (46lbs).
"The building, which was one of the show places of Palmerston, contained 17 rooms of which all but three were destroyed. The place, built in the Tudor style, was erected 23 years ago by the late Mr J H Hankins, who occupied it for five years. It was then purchased by the late Hon Robert McNab, who added a brick library and billiard room at the side, the former to house his valuable collection of early New Zealand literature." (Horowhenua Chronicle 24 October 1929)
"This house was built in 1905 by Mr John Hankins, a solicitor with Hankins, Fitzherbert and Abraham. In 1910 the house was bought by Mr Robert McNab, a prominent New Zealand historian who had a fire-proof concrete library added to the house. The house became a maternity hospital and nursing home ... It was owned by the Charters sisters and known as 'Levuka'. After it was partly destroyed by fire in 1929 it was bought by Mrs J L Hopwood, who, in 1934, had the house remodelled as the Cranleigh Apartment House. In the late 1930s it was renumbered as 189 Fitzherbert Avenue. The house had about 36 rooms and was still existant in the late 1970s.Plans, by the architectural firm L G West, of the 1934 remodelling and the 10 bedroom annex built that year are held in the Ian Matheson City Archives; CA: L G West, Ref Nos 428, 429 & 433."
https://manawatuheritage.pncc.govt.nz/item/7972f36b-c8fd-4bfb-8c3f-385152fb5884, accessed 10 December 2022
Ella Elizabeth Watson nee Carter, Rosanna Adams, Rostrata Nursing Home, 27 (later 289-293) Ruahine Street (1919 - at least late 1950s). Building demolished June 1973.
Nurse Knowles, Raysholme Private Maternity Hospital, 89 Broad Street (1918), later 23 Albert Street (1920-1923). Taken over 1920 by Nurse Wardle ("late of Rotunda Hospital, Dublin") but Nurse Knowles seems to have returned the same year. Retired due to ill health.
Nurse Margaret Davis, 112 Featherston Street (1920- at least 1923)
Nurse Shortt, Ferguson Street (1921)
Mrs Alexander, 179 Ferguson Street (1921)
Sister A M Cartwright, 274 Boundary Road (1926-1927)
Nurse Bastin, "Ellora", 57 Linton Street (1927-1931), Nurse Straker later 161 Church Street (1931-c.1936). Business appears to have moved to Woodville around 1940.
Mrs B Horn, Wiltshire, 64 Albert Street (1939)
Mrs E E Thom, Ellora, 105 Linton Street (1939)
Mrs E E Watson, Rostrata, 293 Ruahine Street (1939)
Shannon
Benbrook Maternity Home, Vance Street (1913). Practitioner: Nurse Hawkes, late Queen Charlotte's Hospital, London.
Shannon Private Maternity Hospital, Clapham Street (1921)
Nurse Wheeldon
Whanganui
Mrs J A Peden, Wicksteed Street (1900)
Nurse Peden trained at Professor Simpson's Maternity Hospital, Edinburgh.
Mrs Slater, "Mamaku", Mamaku Street, Eastown (1902-1905). "Nurse and Qualified Midwife."
Nurse A D Hook and Nurse L R Ferguson, "The Private Hospital, Wanganui." (1903)
Mrs McCandlish, 1 Park Place (1905)
Mrs Cooper Wright, Whareroa Maternity Home, 87 Guyton Street (1909)
Nurse McFie, 62 Wilson Street (1910-1911)
Nurse Adams, 59 Niblett Street (1911)
Nurse Butler, 32 Harrison Street (1911), 78 Ingestre Street (1914), "Broughshane" 27 Bell Street (1915-1919)
Nurse Cameron (1912-1916). Possibly Mrs Duncan Cameron, 40 Ingestre Street (July 1913)
Nurse Lynn, 16 River Bank (1912-1913), Wicksteed Street (1914-1916)
Homefield Maternity Hospital, Victoria Ave (1913). Practitioner: Miss Dexter
Preston Home, 29 Nixon Street (1915). Practitioner: Nurse Blackler (City of London, Bronx Hospital in New York, Crocker's Hospital in San Francisco)
Mrs Tripe's Maternity Hospital (1915)
Nurse Gordon, Plymouth Street (1916-1919)
Nurse Bramford, 23 Liverpool Street (1916-1918)
"Kenilworth" (1918). Practitioner: Nurse Gifford-Moore
Nurse Collard, Tinirau Street, Wanganui East (1918)
Jesse Hope Gibbons Maternity Hospital
"Hopeful Gibbons, the founder of one of New Zealand's largest family businesses, was born at Launceston, Tasmania, on 4 October 1856, the sixth of twelve children of Robert George Gibbons, a shipbuilder, and his wife, Sarah Ann Scott. Christened Hopeful, after the character in John Bunyan's Pilgrim's progress, he later preferred to be called Hope. Arriving in New Zealand in 1862, he lived with his family in Dunedin and later in Nelson … On 14 September 1881 Hope Gibbons married Jessie Barnes at Onehunga; they were to have four sons and a daughter … As in their business undertakings, the Gibbons family worked together in various voluntary activities. They raised funds to revive the Wanganui Horticultural Society after the turn of the century. Jessie Gibbons was president of the local branch of the Plunket Society and Hope was financial adviser. In 1921 the couple bought a former soldiers' convalescent home and donated it to the citizens of Wanganui for use as a St Helens maternity hospital; it was later renamed the Jessie Hope Gibbons Maternity Hospital. In the late 1930s they gave the site for the Wanganui Children's Health Camp and the family furnished one of the wards. "
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/3g5/gibbons-hopeful
Mrs Alice Ethel Holden, 94 Liverpool Street (1920-1923). Husband Austin Harrison Holden (1883-1973), a cellarman (1922 Wises p.955). The Holdens lived at 77 Campbell Street in 1919 (electoral roll). Alice died 1958, both Alice and Austin Holden buried in Te Henui Cemetery, Taranaki. Alice's monument is inscribed: "Our big Mum, whom all loved so much."
Mrs E A Tippins, Riverlea, 15 Helmore Street (1939)
Miss M McBeth and Miss M Park, Picardy, 79 Ingestre Street (1939)
Woodville
Miss E W Pallant, Pinfold Road (1939)
Nurse Straker, "Woodville Maternity Hospital" (1940-at least 1941)