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Archiver > NEW-ZEALAND > 2005-04 > 1112506396


From: "Wendy Howard" <>
Subject: Re: [NZ] St Mary Stowes Otahuhu Auckland
Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2005 17:33:16 +1200
References: 209074384


I was born at Bethany in Grey Lynn, Auckland - a home for unmarried mothers. I knew this from an early age, but it took many years to put together the little bits and pieces of information and understand what had gone on - as well as getting past the hope that I was actually adopted, and not related by blood to these embarrasing people who called themselves my parents! LOL!!

My older sister had been born at National Women's in the first half of the 1960's. It was such an unpleasant experience for my parents that when I came along they decided to go "private", and Mum stayed at Bethany as a paying patient/client/guest.

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind today that this story is true - I am so like my sister, parents and relatives on both sides of the family that it cannot be a coincidence, and these days I am proud to count myself a member of the family. :-)

According to the White Pages, Bethany is still in Grey Lynn today, run by the Salvatoin Army. I will have to go along and visit them one day, and find out more about the place. :-)

Wendy Howard
Kaiwaka, New Zealand
----- Original Message -----
From: Diane Wilson
To:
Sent: Sunday, April 03, 2005 11:05 AM
Subject: RE: [NZ] St Mary Stowes Otahuhu Auckland


I think what you mean is St Mary's Homes Otahuhu Auckland

This was a home and maternity hospital run by the Anglican Church or an
Anglican Church sponsored Trust.
I understand that anyone could have their baby delivered there and indeed it
was used by many families but its prime purpose was to provide a home for
unmarried Mothers. However do not fall into the trap of assuming any birth
from there is to an unmarried Mother.
I say this as I know of one such assumption made by an inexperienced
researcher. This caused much distress to a family for some time until they
purchased the birth certificate

Diane Wilson

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