13

H.—7a

contain four beds and two cots. In it are two tables, a wardrobe, rocking-chair, and a handsome scrap picture-screen recently presented. A well-ventilated lobby gives access to the bath-room and closet, the latter of which contains a well-constructed dry-earth commode. The bath is much too large and occupies too much room. A lavatory basin is fitted up in this room. The doors leading into the ward from this portion of the building are made to swing in either direction, but are so much too small for their frames that draughts will be inevitable. The large ward for women is a handsome room, in which great attention has been paid to ventilation. Two fireplaces (back to back) are placed in the centre of the floor, and are so compact as not to occupy too much room, as is often the case with this arrangement for heating. Good bedding, with hair-mattresses and white counterpanes, is in readiness for use. There will be twelve bedsteads, and between each pair a small chest of two drawers will be placed, instead of the usual lockers. The bath-room and closet are fitted as mentioned in describing the children's ward. The ward-kitchen is a suitable little room, fitted with earthenware sink, American kitchener, dresser, and cupboards. The new buildings are exceedingly well planned, and will prove a very valuable addition to the hospital. The old ward for females will in future be available for male patients. I found every part of the establishment, together with the outbuildings, in the best possible order, and reflecting great credit upon those who are responsible for the management. The number of out-patients is considerable. They attend on three days each week, the number to-day reaching twenty-three. Drugs should be procured in a less expensive way than at present, from some wholesale firm. 21st January, 1884.

NASEBT. My periodical inspection of this hospital was made on the evening of the 19th October, 1883, when I went over the whole establishment. There were only three beds occupied by patients, two of whom were men with rheumatic ailments, nearly convalescent; while the third was a girl, who had sustained a severe injury to the eye. I spoke to them all, and found the men very grateful for the kindness and treatment received during their stay. As might have been expected from my last favourable report of the hospital (no change having occurred in the staff), I found everything clean and orderly, and noticed that several articles had been added to the furniture of the wards. Two good feather-pillows and a large framed engraving, I was informed, were gifts ; there were also three new cane-seated chairs. In the dispensary I noticed that a very useful diary is now kept by the Medical Officer. The kitchen has been improved by the provision of a concrete floor under the American kitchener. A portable copper and a washing-trough, with wringer, have been added to the washhouse ; an additional rainwater tank has also been brought into use. A number of trees have been planted, and the appearance of the ground improved. The kitchen-garden continues to supply all the vegetables required except the potatoes. The fever-ward has not been required for its special use at present. The outdoor closets are most creditably kept clean, and free from any offensive smell. Inquiries made soem to show that payments for maintenance are the rule at this hospital: the charge to non-subscribers has been increased to £1 ss. weekly. In examining the books, I noticed that one patient, who was unable to pay in money, had worked off his maintenance charges, on his recovery, by labouring in the grounds. The hospital can accommodate ten patients; but not more than five have been resident at any one time since my visit in February last. The whole establishment is kept in its present excellent condition by the Wardsman and his wife, without any other assistance. With a larger number of patients this would not not be possible, and some help should be given on washing-days. I was glad to find that so much interest is taken in this hospital by the residents in the district, who appear to subscribe liberally to its funds. 19th October, 1883.

NELSON. This hospital was inspected on the 9th November, 1883, every part of the establishment being seen by me. There were twenty-three in-patients at the time, of whom fifteen were men and eight women. Of this number four belonged to the " chronic " class, one of them having been for many years an inmate of the hospital. The present number of patients has not been exceeded during the past year. No case of fever has required, admission, and the large back ward has remained unoccupied. I was glad to observe that the interior of the building had been neatly painted and papered wherever necessary : this has very much improved its general appearance. A large shed had also been erected since my last visit, and serves as a receptacle for drags and other goods in the bulk. The patients" reception- and waiting-room had been newly lined with wood and varnished. Gas had been - laid on to the fever-ward. The wart's of this hospital are very large and airy; they present an appearance of great comfort. The bedding I found to be good and scrupulously clean. A number of American reclining-chairs were in use, some of which, however, are becoming worn out. There was a profusion of cut flowers to be soon, as well as numerous plants in pots. A well-filled bookcase exists in each ward, and new books are occasionally added.; five pounds' worth were recently presented by a discharged patient. Papers and periodicals are provided and paid for out of the " convalescent fund." Some additional pictures have been hang on.the walls. The lavatories, baths, and closets were all very clean; the latter being supplied with well-dried earth, and emptied four times a week. I have nothing to add to my former remarks regarding the books kept, and the collection of maintenance-moneys from the patients: these matters continue to ■ receive proper attention. The average attendance of out-patients appears to be ten daily. lam glad to be able to speak in high terms of the management of this important hospital, and of the very creditable condition in which I found every portion of the establishment. Amongst the patients general satisfaction prevailed.