An Auckland researcher is investigating the forgotten years of a Featherston institution. Fareham House in Underhill Road was owned from the 1940s by the Social Welfare Department, which ran a girls' home. It was sold in 1981 to the Wycliffe Bible Translators, and then to private ownership. Citizens Commission on Human Rightsresearcher Victor Boyd said he was interested in hearing from former patients or staff of the home. "I think it's important to find out what happened historically, when there isn't a strong record." Mr Boyd said when he had lived in Wanganui he had spoken to former inmates of Lake Alice, which had piqued his interest in bringing to light the operations of state welfare institutions. Wairarapa Archive records show Fareham House was originally used as a home for Maori girls who were taught "good social graces and to become good housewives". In the early 1960s its role changed and it became a home for "seriously disturbed or delinquent girls". Though matron Kuini Te Tau said the girls were not really bad. Their main offences were usually wagging school or stealing. Mr Boyd said the girls were aged from 10 years up and had behavioural difficulties. "Their parents really couldn't control them and therefore they came under state care to improve their situation and behaviour." Anyone with information or recollections of the Fareham House girl's home can contact Mr Boyd on 0800 33 36 33.
