1

H.~3a.

SPECIAL REPORTS ON HOSPITALS.

AKAEOA. Pleasantly and conveniently situated in about a quarter-acre of ground, which is neatly kept as pasture and flower-beds. The building is of wood, with shingled roof; and is surrounded on three sides by a verandah with roof of corrugated iron. It is in very good general repair, and is now being painted externally by the Master. The entrance is behind, through a small lobby, which serves for a doctor's room and for vaccination purposes. There are two wards, each containing four beds ; a small kitchen ; and a bedroom for the Master and Matron. This room is very dark and gloomy, and would be greatly improved by the insertion of some glass in the adjoining roof of the verandah. The kitchen is suitable for its purpose, and contains a small range, a sink, and a cupboard for small stores. The wards are clean and fairly tidy. They are each lighted by three sash-windows. Fretwork ventilators in the ceilings'open into the chimneys of the open fireplaces, and there are inlets for fresh air about half-way up the walls. The bedsteads are mostly of iron, with canvas stretchers; one or two wooden ones are in use. There are mattresses of flax and of horse-hair. The bed-clothing was very clean. Cocoanutfibre matting is placed on the floors, and bedside lockers are provided. Only two patients were in the hospital at the time of my visit ; both were males : one had a fractured leg, while the other was simply old and infirm, and a fit case for a refuge. The whole of the beds were occupied a short time ago, and two cases of typhoid fever were provided for in the neighbouring immigration barracks. The dietary is at the discretion of the Matron, subject to the advice of the Medical Officer, who visits almost daily. Prescriptions are made up at a chemist's, and stimulants procured, as required, from the hotel. All supplies are obtained by yearly contract, and are of good quality. A book of the Master's checks the tradesmen's accounts by daily entries of quantities supplied. Better accommodation is required for stores, some of which are kept in the bedroom. Everything in the kitchen department I found to be scrupulously clean. Behind the hospital, but very close to it, are outbuildings containing a good woodshed ; a proper mortuary ; a laundry, with copper, washing-troughs, and mangle; and, adjoining it, a bath-room. Here also are situated urinals and closet for males, and a closet for females. Pans are used, in which carbolic powder is sprinkled : these are frequently emptied, and the contents buried away from the hospital; but a very offensive smell was apparent in the building from this source. I have recommended the Master to put all the ashes in the pans, to absorb the moisture and gases. The drainage of the sink, laundry, and urinal runs direct into the sea. The only water-supply now available is rain-water. It would be very desirable, in case of failure, to have a piece of piping conected with the adjoining house (the Postmaster's), where there is an excellent supply of spring-water from a creek on the hills. No provision is made for fire-extinction. All accounts are examined before payment by the Secretary of the Christchurch Hospital, who also visits this place from time to time and alters the inventory as may be necessary. This inventory of property is well kept. 20th January, 1883.

AEKOWTOWN. This hospital is about a mile from the above-named town, and about ten miles from that at Frankton. It is very questionable whether the latter should not have been enlarged and improved, instead of erecting another establishment at so short a distance. The hospital is constructed of wood, on a stone foundation, and has a corrugated-iron roof. It contains a large ward for males; a smaller one for females ; kitchen and pantry ; dispensary ; small bath-room ; two rooms for the use of the Committee and Medical Officer; and a Steward's room. In the rear is a detached building which may be used as a fever-ward, but which is not furnished. There is also a detached earth-closet for each sex. The wards have a very cheerful and airy appearance. There are large sash-windows, with green blinds, and open fireplaces for coal or wood. Neat iron bedsteads are provided with straw paillasses and wool mattresses and pillows. Good blankeis, red rug-counterpanes, and scrupulously clean linen were noticed upon each of them. The furniture includes large tables, washstands, cane chairs, screens, and commodes. There were, at the time of my visit, three beds occupied by male patients, who expressed themselves perfectly satisfied with their treatment (as well they might be). There were a number of newspapers and books on the table; which, I was pleased to find, was not used for meals, any convalescent patients going to the kitchen for this purpose. The kitchen is roomy and airy. There is here a good range and boiler. Good crockery, knives, forks, and spoons are in use; and there is none of the objectionable enamelled-iron ware so often found in institutions in the colony. Adjoining the kitchen is a good pantry, where things are also washed up, there being no scullery or sink. All goods ordered are entered in a book, which is compared with the accounts sent in. No diet-scale is in use. I examined the bread, and found that it is made at home, and is of excellent quality. No part of the grounds is used as a kitchen-garden, there being no labour available for its cultivation. Vegetables are purchased as required. There is an excellent supply of water from a spring in the grounds, pumped up by a hydraulic ram. No provision is made against fire. Liquid drainage is conducted away upon the land at a distance ; solid matters are buried at one. The dispensary is well fitted and stocked. There is a small stock of surgical instruments. A prescription-book is carefully kept; and patients are required to pay, when able, sums varying from £1 to £1 10s. per week. A tickeb from a subscriber is necessary for admission, except in case of accidents. These is a book of printed rules in use. The Committee meet every month at the Town Hall; and some of them visit the hospital weekly. The Medical Officer is expected to attend daily. With some trifling exceptions, the arrangements of this hospital are very*good; and the perfect manner in which it is kept reflects the greatest credit on those who have charge of it. Everything was most orderly and scrupulously clean. My inspection gave me very great pleasure. sth February, 1883.

I—H. 3a.