Laundry

Wellington Hospital

The Laundry played a vital role at Wellington Hospital. It was led by the Laundryman and Head Laundress. A husband and wife pairing could have applied for the role. Other roles that were advertised included Laundry Hands (light work), Laundry Hand for mangle work and Ironer.

In 1899, the Hospital Trustees received a letter from the Secretary of the Labour Department stating that he had reason to believe the laundresses were working extremely long hours, sometimes from 8am to 8pm. He put it to the Trustees that a 12 hour day which included carrying heavy baskets of wet clothes up a steep hill is ‘improper for women’.

When the Trustees met to discuss the letter, the Chairman explained that none of the women worked 42 hours a week. They worked a little longer on Fridays in order to have Saturdays off. If the Trustees were to comply, then the laundresses would need to shorten their hours on Fridays and come in on the Saturday to make up the time. It was decided that the Chairman should go and meet with the Labour Department on the subject. No further update on the subject was printed in the newspaper.

In 1899, the cost of the washing and running the laundry was £329 out of a total expenditure of £13,400 (including wages). In 1902 the daily cost per patient was 4s 5 ½ d and 1999 in-patients were treated that year.

The Head Laundress (name unknown) applied for an increase in her salary in 1902. The Trustees decided that a decision be held over, but that her application for an annual holiday be granted and girl be hired to assist her. Also in 1902, the Trustees tendered for the construction of a steam steriliser to clean the bedding. The method to disinfect with dry heat which they had been using was not considered as effective.

By 1909, the Hospital had updated to steam appliances and a male attendant was in charge of the machinery. The salary rate for the Head Laundress was advertised at £2 2s per week. The comparative rate for a laundress in a private establishment was 20s per week, although that did not come with the responsibilities of running an entire commercial laundry. We have not been able to identify the names of any of the Laundry staff and would very much like to do so.

The laundry at the Wellington Hospital. 1901. Courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections NZG-19010720-0119-04