H.—■ 7a

10

renewed. There is a spring-mattress, another filled with hair, and the rest with flax. A straw bed is kept in readiness for any case- of infectious disease, to be destroyed after use. Good paillasses are on all the bedsteads, and the linen and clothing was beautifully clean. I noticed a number of pictures on the walls, some of them being framed; and a bookcase well filled with books and magazines. Strips of carpet are laid on the floors, and the windows have dwarf muslin-blinds, in addition to those on rollers. In the surgery I found that a good general case of instruments had been purchased. The floor of this room is now laid with floor-cloth. The kitchen has been fitted with a suitable range, containing oven, and boiler. The meat-safe has been removed to a shady place under the verandah, and the sink-drain is being properly trapped. The two cottages have been thoroughly cleaned. One is reserved for fever-treatment, while the other forms a capital laundry and storeroom. The mortuary and other out-buildings are in good order, and an open stable has been erected for the use of the Medical Officer. The drainage from the bath and washhouso is being conducted through earthenware pipes to a distance from the hospital. There is no kitchen-garden, as no labour is available for cultivation ; but I noticed a good flower-bed in front of the building. The Steward and Matron, Mr. and Mrs. Wells, have held office for two months only. There can be no doubt that they are industrious and efficient, as no assistance whatever is provided for them. The condition of the hospital reflects groat credit upon them. I found the patients thoroughly satisfied with the treatment they experience. Dr. Bey, whom I had the pleasure of meeting, evidently gives them his best attention. The whole of my suggestions appear to have been acted upon, and the hospital is now a suitable one for its position, and in excellent order. 17th January, 1884.

HOKITIKA. I have this day gone over this hospital with its surroundings. The number of in-patients is unusually small, viz., twenty-two males and live females. The highest number was reached (since my last visit) in April last, when forty-nine beds were occupied. The average number is about thirty-six, and there is accommodation for about fifty-four. There are several chronic cases which might more properly be housed in a Eofuge; but no establishment of the kind exists in the district. One or two cases of typhoid fever have been treated this year in the ordinary wards. The outpatients number about twenty weekly, and are prescribed for at the town office of the hospital. The arrangements of the establishment are as described in my last report. No structural or other alteration has been carried out. The patients ara well attended to and perfectly satisfied. The wards and bedding are very clean, but there is a want of smartness in those, occupied by the males. In No. 2 I noticed boots, a saucepan, and other articles put away in improper places ; and in No. 1 the want of some comfortable chairs causes the beds, with their white counterpanes, to be used as seats. The internal painting, especially in the baths, lavatories, and closets, is in a very bad state, never having been touched since the hospital left the builder's hands. Some valuable additions have been made to the stock of surgical instruments, such as a steam-spray apparatus, a Salter's fracture cradle, and a constant-current battery. The books are exceedingly well kept, but the long-continued illness of the Secretary has rendered the inventory imperfect. The leaky tanks over the store-room have been replaced by new ones, and the supply of water is ample. I have to repeat my recommendations that two small wards be erected for special cases, and that better accommodation be provided for the Steward and for the servants. The internal painting should bo renewed without delay. The stores which I saw were good ; the bread especially so. The cooking is well done by a Chinese cook ; all vegetables, except a portion of the potatoes, being grown in the garden. Some good pigs are kept, and attended to in such a manner as to cause no nuisance whatever. The hospital throughout shows evidence of careful management. 30th October, 1883.

HOKITIKA. This morning I met the Committee, by arrangement, and proceeded with them to the hospital. Certain suggestions for new wards were submitted for my opinion ; and, after viewing the premises and discussing the subject fully, conclusions were reached which, mot with our approval and. that of the hospital Medical Officer. It is intended to provide two new small wards, which will be available for any cases demanding separate or special treatment. They will accommodate three and two beds respectively, and will supply an urgent want; I afterwards made a general inspection of the building, which is at present occupied by twenty-six male and thirteen female patients. The register shows that on and about the 26th February, 1884, fifty-two beds were occupied at the same time. I learn also that a considerable increase has occurred in the number of out-patients. Everything was found in fairly good order, but much requires to be done before this establishment can compare with some other of the colonial hospitals as regards internal appearance, comfort, and general furnishing and decoration. It is satisfactory to learn that there is now a likelihood of the whole interior being repainted, a work urgently required. On some future occasion funds may be forthcoming for more comfortable chairs and bedding. It is right, however, to state that no single complaint was made to me. The patients are well and kindly treated; and the dinner, which I saw served, was well cooked and liberally supplied. The large majority of the patients are proper occupants of a hospital. No change has been made in the books (which are always admirably kept here), or in the mode of obtaining supplies. The Committee evidently devote much attention to the institution, and are supported by good officers. sth April, 1884.