Female Refuge/Reformatory/Essex Maternity Hospital
Location
Christchurch
South Island New Zealand
Provider
Date Opened
Date Closed
This establishment was opened by the Anglican Church in 1864 to provide maternity services to, and act as a reformatory for, women carrying their first illegitimate child.
Initially, its administration and maintenance relied heavily upon public donations, but the Provincial Government became involved, with a building grant in 1867, and again in 1874, at which time the Charitable Aid Administrator took over formal control of the institution.
Later in its history, it acted as a maternity home for all women. In 1918 it became known as the ‘Essex Home’