Ashburton Borough Centenary/Care of the Aged

Approaching the time of the First World War the care of the old was a problem, but in a different way. There seemed to be many men fallen on evil days, no family to care for them, no money, a drinking problem and in many cases no homes to go to. They cared for themselves as best they could, living for years in huts by the riverside till these were pointed out by the local newspaper as a public disgrace. Drunkenness was rife, also uncleanliness because the water supply and sanitary arrangements were primitive, to say the least. The Borough Council’s Inspectors reported on the welfare of the old men once a month. On February 10, 1919, the Council pronounced that no more huts were to be built at the riverside without its express permission and the present ones were to be demolished or removed when the residents died. There were 16 old men in occupation and the Borough Inspector had to report if any were not capable of looking after themselves properly.

Aid In Institutions

In 1878, the Charitable Aid Board was no longer satisfied with the conditions they lived in and moved them into the Immigration Barracks. The buildings in Short Street were makeshift and inconvenient, draughty and “bug-ridden”. Later the building was moved to where Tuarangi now stands. Stephen Cole Moulton, of Prebbleton, left £2000 to the home and the foundation stone of the Old Men’s Home was laid. The men moved in during August, 1902, and the Charitable Aid Board was very proud of the new building. It was still under the administration of the Christchurch Hospital Board, however, and was the only home of its type for the whole of North Canterbury.

Mr and Mrs T. M. Morrissey, new Master and Matron, in 1897, took a great interest in the old men and Mr C. J. Harper was so impressed with their tactful handling of the Home that he and his wife relieved them so that they could have a holiday in 1903. He suggested the name, “Tuarangi”, under the mistaken impression that it meant “old”.

​Mr and Mrs Frank Harvey Knight were appointed Master and Matron in May, 1907, and, after Mr Knight died in 1932, Mrs Knight continued in charge till she retired in 1937. They made the Home more self-sufficient in that it grew its own vegetables and kept pigs. The men worked for a short time each day. They were well cared for, but the interior needed brightening up.

Concert parties had always provided entertainment and one of the highlights was the visit of Harry Lauder in 1914.

In 1937, Norman William Corbett, previously a farmer, became Master. His wife had been one of the earliest Plunket nurses in the district. They were able to arrange interesting occupations and a weekly picture show. The men received pensions with the advent of Social Security legislation. Tuarangi was divided into a residential home and a registered hospital section, each being separately administered. The staff was increased and the home became less “institutionalised” and more comfortable. More amenities were introduced.

In 1969, Tuarangi was taken over at last by the Ashburton Hospital Board and has now been transformed into an airy, bright place with television sets to interest the patients. The Friends of Tuarangi look after their comfort, operate a shop, provide entertainment and run Garden Parties to raise funds for amenities.

The biggest change in modern times has been the admission of women to the Home. The stigma, attached rightly or wrongly to “The Old Men’s Home” has gone and Mrs M. Smith, Chief Nurse, has made it a “home from home” for old people alone and needing a little help or hospital treatment in their declining years.

The Eventide Home

The Christchurch Presbyterial Social Services Association provided this handsome home for elderly ladies. Brick wings were added to the original building on the corner of Grigg and Philip Streets overlooking the Domain, and it was opened in December, 1957. The first (and only!) Matron was appointed in June, 1958. Miss M. L. Langridge has 20 years service to her credit and at the moment there are 22 residents in the home. It does not provide hospital care, but caters for ladies who are not ​really fit to look after domestic tasks in their homes any longer. It is very comfortable and organisations in the town entertain the residents and take them to meetings.

“Parklands”

This is the newest hospital in Ashburton and was originally Dr. J. J. Horan’s home and surgery. Extensive alterations were made to it, converting it to a well-appointed hospital, registered as medical and geriatric. It was opened on August 26, 1976, and is run by a private company, owned by Messrs W. L. Pearce and E. B. L. Hilson, of Christchurch, who are also responsible for the “Parklands” Hospital in the city. There are 32 beds available and the Principal Nurse is Miss W. G. H. Duckworth who commenced duty on September 28, 1976. This private hospital is sited on the corner of Cameron and William Streets.