HOKITIKA MENTAL HOSPITAL

Hokitika Guardian, 15 August 1928, Page 1

HOKITIKA MENTAL HOSPITAL

Dr Buchanan reports: I beg to .submit' my report for the year ended 31st December, 1927. At tbe beginning of -the year there were 226 patients on the register; at

the end of the year there remained 152 males and 64 females, making a total of 217; also I male, voluntary boarder. Admissions numbered 14 ordinary patients and 1 transfer. Three voluntary boarders were admitted during tlie year. Discharges were, 13, and deaths 12. Voluntary boarders discharged numbered 2. Tlie general health of the patients continued to he good. The only structural alteration made since my last report is the turning of tlie old wash and bath-rooms of “ Aorangi ” into a dining-room for the more unmanageable patients, and the turning of the boiler-house into two much-needed single rooms. Our energies have been directed mainly towards the opening-up of new farm lands. Altogether 8 acres of swamp land have been cleared, drained, and sown down. The stumping of this land has enabled us to put by a large store of firewood for the winter months. The formation of all this new pasturage is most valuable work. Afj' present we carry insufficient cows for our need, necessitating our making use of large quantities of condensed milk. Next year we should show a considerable reduction in this expensive commodity. To give access to tlie new paddocks 32 chains 8 yards of road have been constructed.

AVe have the construction of a bowl-ing-green well on the way, and expect to have it finished by this time next year. Our wants, as you know, are many, and cannot all be gratified owing to the present financial stringency, but T would beg to stress the great need of (1) a new building to take the place of the unsightly ten single rooms to “Tnupo”; (2) a water-supply of our own, independent of the borough supply; (3) an inter-communicating telephone system, to be used for firealarm purposes.

Through the generosity of the West Coast public we have now had installed a wireless set, which gives a great deal of pleasure to the patients and staff. I desire to express my thanks to all who contributed to this object, and would like to specially mention the names of Air D. J. Evans and Aliss James, of Greymouth, in this connection.

Many concerts and plays have been given to the patients. These are always a source of great interest and pleasure. I would like to record my thanks to all the participants in these events.

Mr A. Clifton and Aliss Reynolds, Official Visitors, have paid regular visits to the institution and have been untiring in their attention to the patients. AVe all regret Aliss Hanna’s approaching severance from tlie service. She was always helpful and encouraging, and took keen interest in every branch of our work.

Finally, I would like to oppress gratitude to the wiiole of my staff for their loyal co-operation in the institution’s work.