17

H.—lBa

and the other two little girls. The register shows that on June 30th last, the patients numbered fifteen. The whole of the accommodation available for males is now occupied, and it was found necessary this day to refuse admission to a new applicant for admission. One small ward contains three beds, and must be pronounced overcrowded. I made particular enquiries respecting each patient in the hospital, and found that all belong to the district for which it was instituted, and which appears to be an extensive and important one. I may add that one man only belongs to the "refuge" class, and it would be well if he could be boarded elsewhere. All the other patients were likely to benefit by hospital treatment; and several of them were suffering from the results of severe injuries. It thus becomes evident that some enlargement of the hospital will be required at no distant date. The excellent detached ward for infectious diseases I found in perfect readiness for occupation, each bed being made up as if in use. It has not hitherto been required for its special use. The whole hospital is kept in excellent order. It has an appearance of comfort and cheerfulness, and possesses a wide-spread good reputation. I had the pleasure of a conversation with the treasurer and secretary during my visit. The interest which he takes in the institution is unabated. The staff consists of Mr. and Mrs. Putnam and their daughter. Of their industry, ability, and kindness I have formed a very high opinion. Several small improvements are noticeable since my last visit. A corner-cupboard for medical appliances has been fixed in each of the two large wards; a lobby, with a good cool safe, has been erected outside the back door, near the kitchen; and two additional rain-water tanks have been erected for supplying baths. The surgery and dispensary has also some additional appliances. The erection of a properly-constructed padded-room is under consideration. August 19th, 1884.

WANGANUI. My periodical visit to the hospital was paid this day. There are now twenty-two patients resident, nineteen males and three females. Several of the former belong to the chronic class ; and it was recently found necessary, owing to the presence of a case of fever in the hospital, to board out four of them for a time, at a cost of £1 each weekly. No other patient appears to have been under treatment for fever since my last visit. All the patients had some conversation with me, and I received no complaint whatever. They are evidently kindly cared for. Dinner was served during my visit, and was liberal in quantity, and well cooked. I have very little to add to my former statements regarding the hospital. Small improvements continue to be made, but I hear nothing of the entirely new establishment which has long been contemplated and is much to be desired. A lavatory and w-ater-closet has been erected in a lobby adjoining the small central ward. A substantial fence has recently been provided at the boundary of the estate on three sides. In the back fence are gates near the mortuary, which might now with advantage serve for the town as well as the hospital. Some important additions (including a steam-spray apparatus) have been made to the stock of surgical instruments and appliances. The kitchen has been improved by the erection of a large sink and plate-rack. All the establishment is in good order, very clean and free from bad odour. The bedding is well looked after, but some better bedsteads and mattresses should be procured by degrees. The exterior of the older portions of the building requires to be painted. Frequent visits appear to be made by the committee. The whole of the nursing and domestic work (except the washing) is performed by the warder, with the assistance of his wife and a young man. No doubt can be entertained of their industry. July 10th, 1884.

WELLINGTON. I have been engaged in my inspection of this hospital on August 29th, September 2nd, 4th, sth and Bth, 1884. At the present time workmen are engaged in painting, white-washing and staining the wards and corridors, which had not hitherto been finished since they left the builders' hands. The result, when finished, will be very good, both as regards appearance and sanitation. In view of the latter, opportunity is being taken for improving the ill-contrived and badly-constructed urinals, which have given constant trouble during southerly winds. The absorbent concrete floors and plastered walls are here being covered with lead, and other improvements carried out. The adjoining earth-closets will be rendered more wholesome by discontinuing the use in them of spent gas-lime; a material offensive in itself, and possessing no virtues as a deodorizer or disinfector. Considerable difficulties have occurred in keeping one of the large wards empty for painting, and it has been necessary to place thirteen beds in the detached fever ward, to occupy the men's dining-room as a dormitory, and to use, for a like purpose, one of the nurses' rooms. Three of the wards may now be considered as finished. The walls have been painted, the ceilings white-washed, and the exposed portions of the floorsstained and waxed, or varnished. Coal-grates have been fixed in the hitherto open fire-places.. Two of the verandahs in the central courts have been taken down, thereby admitting more light and air into the adjoining wards, which have a much brighter and more cheerful appearance than formerly. A number of other improvements have been effected since the date of my last report; the most important of which is the erection of bath-room, box-room and closets for the 3—H. 18a.