Farewell the birthplace of thousands

THEY MAY be set to demolish the Wanganui Hospital's maternity unit, but it's not going to happen without a celebration.
The maternity unit opened in May 1955 but will soon be knocked down as part of the multi-million dollar rebuilding programme at the hospital.
When cleared, the site will be converted into a car park providing space for about 70 vehicles.
Whanganui District Health Board is inviting present and former maternity staff who have worked in the building to a function on Saturday May 24 from 1.30pm.
Board member Ailsa Stewart, who once managed the unit, said there was once about five separate maternity units around the city but they all closed when the current unit opened 53 years ago.
"It was once a training school for obstetric nurses but then changes were made to the training process. Even when training shifted to the polytechs the trainees came here to do their practicum," Ms Stewart said.
She said there would be many people in the city and district whose lives had in some way been touched by the maternity unit.
"There will be a mix of happy and sad memories that's for sure."