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1883. NEW ZEALAND.

HOSPITALS IN NEW ZEALAND (REPORT ON), BY INSPECTOR OF HOSPITALS.

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

The Inspector of Hospitals to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Sir, — Wellington, 7th June, 1883. My appointment as Inspector of Hospitals took place on the 7th November, 1882, since which date I have taken an opportunity of making myself personally acquainted with every establishment of this nature in the colony—a work of no little magnitude, involving some 4,158 miles of travelling. Number. —Their number is at present thirty-eight, which does not include any separate buildings (often at a considerable distance) used as fever-wards. There are, in addition, the Armed Constabulary Hospital at New Plymouth j and the Immigration Barracks at Palmerston North, used in emergency as a receiving-ward, and visited by me. A similar provision at Bull's (Rangitikei) has been abandoned. Distribution. —The distribution is irregular, and appears somewhat capricious. A spirit of rivalry or emulation between neighbouring towns would appear to have had some part in this matter, and would be very praiseworthy if the hospital were entirely supported by local charity, but must be viewed differently where the burden of support falls upon the Government. It is not unlikely that the desire to possess a local medical practitioner, partially subsidized by the Government, may also have had some influence. With improved means of communication it may be found practicable to dispense with two or three, at least, of these hospitals, while the establishment of additional ones may become necessary. Situation. —On the whole the sites of the various establishments have been well chosen. Occasionally they have, from unavoidable circumstances, been placed in the midst of towns, or have gradually been surrounded through their growth. Design. —Some are merely adaptations of buildings erected for other purposes, such as exhibition buildings, immigration barracks, &c. Others have been originally badly planned, or have been injudiciously extended from time to time in a patchwork manner. There are, however, many of exceedingly good design, regarded from a sanitary point of view. Construction. —Wooden buildings are the rule, though there are some in the larger towns of stone, brick, and concrete. In outlying districts the great difficulties of transporting material are shown in rough-and-ready workmanship. Condition. —-It will be seen from the reports appended that considerable differences prevail under this heading. Some of the establishments have an appearance of homeliness and great comfort; others look starved and poverty-stricken ; while a third class present evidence of a very strict economy, without detriment to the well-being of the patients. One thing appears to me very plain : the best managed are those which are the subjects of local interest and support. Admission. —The mode of gaining admission to the colonial hospitals, either as an in- or out-patient, varies greatly. In some instances a subscription, varying from 10s. to £1 Is. for the year, entitles to free admission during that period, without any further payment; in others a weekly payment of from 10s. to £1 10s. is demanded in addition to the subscription; while in a third class it is not necessary to subscribe at all. As regards out-patients, the sum of 2s. 6d. or 5s v paid annually, may entitle to attendance and medicine,. i-H. 3a.