1971
7 June 1971
PIONEER HOUSE TO BUILD ANEW WING
Plans are in hand for the building of a new wing at Pioneer House.
This was announced by the chairman of the Mudgee and District Senior Citizens Welfare Association, Mr. Gary Spring, at the annual meeting.
Honorary Secretary, Mr. Tim Murdoch said at the weekend that building on the new wing is expected to begin in the next three or four months.
The new wing will provide additional accommodation for ten more people and will also include a new dining room, kitchen and laundry.
The new building is estimated to cost $25,000.
The home at present accomodates thirty patients and there is a waiting list of about twenty.
At the annual general meeting of the association, which runs Pioneer House (home for the aged) and Meals on Wheels, Mr. Spring said that it was with a deep sense of gratitude to a host of supporters throughout the community, that he presented his annual report.
He said, “It is not possible to thank them all, but I must include members of the PALS Auxiliary, without whose unremitting work we would be lost.
“A recent outstanding donation from them has been the provision of funds to paint the exterior of the old section of Pioneer House.”
In the treasurer’s report it was revealed that during the year ending March 31, 1971, the Association had a net income of $10,495.68.
This compares favourably with the net income for 1969/70 when it was $7,680.
Patient’s fees at $28,258 were the biggest contribution to the income and wages at $36,874.67 were the biggest item on the debit side.
The Matron, Mrs. Murdoch in her report, commended the generosity of the general public, who from time to time donated gifts of fruit and vegetables to the home.
Mrs. Murdoch also praised the “Pals” Auxiliary for their concern for the comfort of the patients.
During the past year, she said, “Pals have had the louvres removed from the verandahs and replaced them with glass windows, an oil heater donated by Mrs. McKenzie was installed, and they provided six comfortable chairs and two puffets.
Pals supplied two floor mats, replenished patients’ crockery, and donated bed linen, draw sheets and other linen.
During the year, seven patients died.
They were Mrs. Rosie McGrath, Mrs. Mary Mahon, Mrs. Annie Marskell, Mrs. Irene Hayward, Mr. Frederick Comer, Mr. Bertie Honeysett and Mrs. Cox1
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