Ngawhatu

In 1861 - exactly 100 years ago - a small house in Shelbourne Street, Nelson, was used as an asylum to house nine mentally sick persons. With the growth of Nelson however, it was found necessary to find a bigger site fora mental hospital One was established in Nelson itself and it still functions today, but in 1920 the Government bought a property at Ngawhatu which had pital. The hospital was extended through the building of villas - this now New Zealand-wide system was pioneered at Ngawhatu - and the grounds extended and other amenities added. There are no "snake pits" at Ngawhatu. There is comfort, bright and airy surrounding for the 800 patients and under thede conditions the work of treating psychiatric disorders is advanced. Ngawhatu is a beautiful place with lovely villa and gardens and staff of 250 and patients live in a little community of their own. Tere are many who think of mental hospitals with distaste; there are many also, whose ideas of treatmenta of patients are misconceived. Tp give readers a better understanding of the valuable work being carried out at Ngawhatu, with the co-operation of the authorities, we carried our camera into the hospital and around some of the 2000 acres that make up Ngawhatu.

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The villa, Dunoon, for male patients

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The main building, once a Catholic orphanage for boys

On this and following pages we follow the life of a patient. To cover the full extent of work in Ngawhatu was a herculean task, for so much is done. Ail the trades are catered for. The emphasis is placed on occupational therapy work and recreational activities and skilled staff areon hand to advise and instruct.

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Sister J. Cartner, sister in charge of Rata, female admission villa, greets new patient, while Matron, Miss M. L. Dick, stands by.

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Admission papers are filled out by Dr R. W. Moore

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Occupational therapy, basket-making in progress, with Misses Wilma Hurst (head) and Lyneve Burden supervising work.

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Visiting day, and a relative and patient sit in lovely surroundings to chat

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Before a cosy fire our new patient makes friends