H.—7a,

12

The hospital can accommodate a total of thirty in-patients, and as many as twenty-seven havo been under treatment at one time since my last visit. The out-patients number about thirty monthly. The district served by this establishment is very large, and many serious accidents have been successfully treated. The fever-ward has been occupied by several patients since my last report. The alterations then suggested in this detached building have not yet been carried out. Much, however, has been done in the way of additions to the furniture, and in structural and other improvements as regards the hospital generally. I noticed that the condition of the grounds had been much improved, and that a good flower-bed now occupies the hollow over which formerly stood the Medical Officer's house. Two new detached closets have been erected, and the soil is regularly removed from the premises, instead of being buried, as was formerly done. Two good bookcases, and some enclosed bedside lockera, also some commodes, have all been made by a patient suffering from an injury to his ankle, and form a valuable addition to the ward furniture. It has not been possible at present to do away with the old and objectionable wooden bedsteads; but the wards present an appearance of comfort and cleanliness. There are cut flowers and plants in pots ; a good many books and papers are also provided for the patients' use. Some pictures (unframed) adorn the walls. The kitchen, bath-rooms, and various offices I found in excellent order. A night-attendant has been engaged, and, when not otherwise required, he works in the garden, with any patients who are able to assist. The kitchen-garden is admirably kept, and well stocked with vegetables. No alteration has' been made in the water-supply, but a connection with the town mains is talked of. The books, as is usual here, are well kept. The inventory is regularly kept up, and a medical casebook has been introduced. No addition has been made to the limited stock of surgical instruments, many of which are the private proverty of the Medical Officer. The buildings are in good repair, but some of the cement has fallen away from the brickwork footing. The kitchen-range is becoming worn out. Some alterations are desirable in the rooms adjoining the laundry, so as to provide bedrooms for the male servants. The immediate want is a medical officer's residence in the hospital grounds. A heavy rental is now paid for a house which is not very conveniently situated for properly controlling the establishment; and a considerable portion of this expenditure has to be contributed by the Government. With this fact in view, the erection of an inexpensive residence would be an economical procedure. I had the pleasure of meeting the Hospital Committee, with the Secretary, the Medical Officer, and the representative of the constituency. From them I gained much useful information as to the resources of the hospital, and as to the difficulty of procuring contributions in the distant parts from which patients are sent. The Committee, and the inhabitants generally of the town, are greatly interested in the establishment, of which they are very justly proud. No doubt can be entertained of the ability with which it is managed. 16th October, 1883.

MASTEBTON. I have this day, In company with the Chairman of the Committee, visited the hospital. There are at present no patients under treatment. Five have occupied bods simultaneously since my last report, and the hospital could accommodate three times that number. The building has been painted externally, and the wards coloured in distemper. The female -ward now contains a handsome bookcase, which is well stocked with books and periodicals. The cupboards beneath are used for keeping medical comforts under lock and key. A number of handsomely-framed pictures arrived during my visit, and will be hung without delay: they have been procured by means of a special subscription, originated, lam told, by Mrs. Hoskings, the Medical Officer's wife. The baths and commodes have been newly painted, and the latter fitted with earthenware receptacles. The beds and bedding are in their usual good order. In the kitchen a new and suitable range has been fitted. It has a high-pressure boiler, but funds have not been available for connecting it with the bath-room. The walls have been painted, and all that is now wanted in this department is a new floor-cloth, the serviceable portions of the old one being made use of elsewhere. The hall, passage, and warders' rooms require to bo re-papered, and the fencing should bo painted. Tiie fever-ward and all the outbuildings are well kept. In a word, it would bo impossible to exceed the general order and cleanliness of the whole establishment. The grounds have a very striking and attractive appearance, being laid down in grass, which is kept well mowed, and planted with a variety of trees and shrubs. A broad carriage-drive has been made, with excellent gravel, in which no weed is suffered to remain. The kitchen-garden contains two beautiful flower-beds, in addition to excellent crops of fruit and vegetables. There is everywhere to be seen abundant evidence of the zeal and industry of Mr. and Mrs. Bullpitt, the Steward and Matron. 18th January, 1884.

NAPIEE. The hospital was visited by me on January 21st, 1884, when I had the pleasure of meeting the members of the Committee recently elected. I found that there were twenty-live in-patients—fourteen males and eleven females. Only one or two of this number could be objected to as being of the chronic or refuge class. The hospital was recently overcrowded, additional beds having to be placed in the centre of the male ward. No cases of fever have been under treatment for some time past, and the convalescent-room, formerly in use for a fever-ward, has reverted to its original and proper use. The wards had a very bright and cheerful look ; everything was beautifully clean, and the patients perfectly satisfied with their treatment. Very important additions to the hospital have recently been completed. The kitchen and scullery have been much enlarged and improved. A new block of buildings has likewise been erected, containing a children's ward, a ward for women, two rooms for the matron, nurse's room, kitchen, and the usual offices. The children's ward will