H.—7a

GISBOENE. I have this day inspected the hospital, and had the advantage of a long conversation with the Treasurer, and also with the Medical Officer, Dr. Pollen. Three beds are at present occupied by patients, two of whom have had mild attacks of fever, while the third is suffering from fracture and other severe injury to the leg. A fortnight ago the in-patients numbered eight; and I learn that fourteen beds were simultaneously occupied last year. The hospital appears to be in good and substantial repair, the esterior having been recently painted, and the interior of the wards distempered in a light-blue colour. The ward's were very fresh, and well ventilated, but had a bare appearance when compared with those of many other hospitals in the colony. The bedsteads are neat, and the bedding very clean; new pink mosquito-curtains have recently been hung above them; but there is a scarcity of comfortable furniture, and the walls are perfectly bare, there being no pictures, and the texts of Scripture having been removed when the walls were coloured. I saw some good and suitable books, and learned that newspapers and periodicals are regularly supplied. The earth-closets have been enlarged and improved: I found them well attended to, and perfectly free from smell. The rest of the establishment was in good order, with the exception of a considerable degree of untidiness in the private ward, now occupied by a payment case, and which might to a great extent be obviated by a little more attention on the part of the Steward. I find that very few drugs are kept at the hospital; but that they are procured, as required, of a local chemist. A good " general " case of surgical instruments has been purchased since my last visit. The fever-hospital is quite finished, but has no furniture, and has not yet been occupied. I would recommend Kowcliffe's iron bedsteads, with woven-wire mattresses, as the most economical and suitable, when this matter is under consideration. Eainwater is in general use, and a good concrete tank has been made for storing it and keeping it cool. The hospital grounds (some six acres) have been let to a tenant for five years, he supplying all vegetables required for use in the establishment. A portion is reserved immediately in front of the building, and contains a flower-bed; but there is very little done to keep it in order, and the spare time which the Steward must have, with the present paucity of patients, might well be devoted to this object. I formed a high opinion of the services rendered by the Matron, who is evidently well acquainted with her duties, and very industrious. Ist February, 1884.

GBEYMOUTH. I inspected this hospital on the Ist November, 1883, and found twenty-three patients occupying beds : of these, seventeen were males, and six of the female sex. The largest number on the register since my last visit was thirty-one; but this number was an exceptionally high one. Several of those now in the hospital are of the chronic or " refuge " class. No fever cases have been admitted. The out-patients numbered about seventy last quarter: they are permitted to attend upon any day except Sunday, and their prescription-book is well kept. The same may be said of the register of in-patients, which gives very full particulars. I also saw a book in which are entered directions for the night attendant. The inventory is at present undergoing correction to date, and was submitted to me for inspection. An invoice-book, very neatly kept, was also examined. In the dispensary I saw some new surgical instruments which have cost about £70; amongst which were ovariotomy apparatus, a galvanic Scraseur, and a very complete case for minor operations. Everything in this department was kept in the best possible order and condition. The wards appeared, as usual, homely and cheerful. A few items have been added to the furniture, such as looking-glasses, a large framed engraving, and a clock. These rooms, with the adjoining closets, bath-rooms, and lavatories, I found to be perfectly clean. No fault could be found with the bedding, and the whole of the patients expressed their satisfaction to mo. One of the large rooms, originally intended for " benevolent " cases, is now used as a sitting-room and dining-room for convalescents. It is not at present made obligatory on those who are able to take their meals here, and the room is not largely used. It will be practicable by degrees, however, to add to the furniture and make it more attractive : at present it contains only two tables, with high-backed benches : —the bookcase might be removed hither from the operating-room. In the kitchen, which was very neat, I was glad to see that good crockery had taken the place of enamelled ironware. The laundry continues in the same state as formerly reported; but the drying-ground has been improved by the removal of old stumps, and by levelling; a number of young trees have also been planted along the boundaryfence, and a piece of ground has been enclosed in front of the Steward's cottage. The kitchengarden is admirably kept, and a good many flowers are to be seen in the beds surrounding the hospital. The roof of the older portion of tho building is becoming leaky; I learn, however, that it is intended to place an iron roof upon the shingles. It is also intended to erect a better mortuary at the bottom of the kitchen-garden. As regards financial matters, I find that very few patients pay for their maintenance and treatment. The subsidies formerly granted by the County and Borough Councils have been withdrawn ; but subscriptions in outlying districts have been better looked up, and show some increase. Dr. Morice appears to give much time and attention to the patients, and Mr. Williams, the Steward and Dispenser, takes great interest in the work. He seems also to be supported by a good staff. Ist November, 1883.

GEBYTOYVN. This hospital contains to-day two patients, both of the male sex. One of them is convalescent from a very severe scalp-wound, and will shortly be discharged. Five beds were occupied simultaneously in December last. I am glad to observe that many changes for the better have taken place since my last visit. The wards are now suitably furnished, and the whole of the bedding has been 2—H. 7a.

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