The establishment of Blair House – a halfway house for recovering alcoholics in Southland

In late 1982, the writer was invited to join a coordinating committee set up by the Southland Hospital Board to instigate the establishment of a ‘Halfway House’ for recovering alcoholics. The following report outlines the problem of alcoholics in Southland, the setting up and administration of ‘Blair House’ as the institution is now known – under the auspices of the Southland Alcoholic Rehabilitation Centre Inc, the overall body responsible for it. The writer has been specifically associated with fund raising for the venture but has participated in the formulation and writing of policy for the Society. While such a venture does not at first sight have a rural flavour, it is interesting to note the majority of residents who have utilised the facilities to date have or have had rural backgrounds, ie: in all age groups – young rural people with little to occupy themselves with in the country who have been subject to alcohol abuse and also farmers from well established and wealthy farming areas. The concept can I believe be repeated in small rural towns such as Ashburton, Masterton and indeed larger cities.