View report page

11
tended for the residental quarter for those of the staff employed
at the nurseries required to remain on the premises, and
stables at the east end. These compartments communicated
only with the passage; in the centre of the building however
there are no compartments but a space, 37 feet long, by 10
feet 6 inches wide remains, and it was this that was utilized
as a ward. The rooms at both ends of this space being used
for the nurses accommodation with a peep hole, looking into
the ward.
The roof of this pertion of the building south of the passage
is for the whole of its extent from west to east nearly
flat, and covered with corrugated iron, the mean height being
about 8 feet.
Of the eight compartments on the north side of the
passage, the first from west to east was used for storing coal,
etc., in the second a large copper was installed, wherein linen
could be sterilized; the third was converted into a kitchen,
a cooking range being placed in the centre, a sink being provided,
the roof was also covered in addition to the glass, with
felt, other necessary accessories and furniture for kitchen use
were provided; the remaining compartments were unoccupied
but as they contained large slow combustion stoves of the
"Tortoise" type, these, when kept burning, assisted to keep
the temperature of the passage and ward and building generally
to the required degree in very cold weather.
Whilst the compartments themselves were useful for
day or play rooms for the children when they were not able
to go out into the extensive fields in which the buildings are
situated.
The lighting was carried out by ordinary oil hurricane
lamps, no gas being laid on. The drinking water was procured
from the main of the Company which supplies the
district generally.
Of the compartments on the south side of the passage
the first from the west end has been used as a Scullery, Pantry,
and general store; the next a store for patients' clothes, etc.,
previous to removal for disinfection, then a nurses room,
from which a window looked into the ward as previously
mentioned; then after the ward the 2nd nurses room; after
which the room adjoining was used as the Doctor's room;
then stables which are not used.