H.—22.

The organization of this hospital is behind the times. The manager, McConnell, a pleasant, intelligent young man, was until last year in business, and, at the date of his appointment, absolutely without any hospital experience. There being no woman nurse, certain scandals were propagated when the manager himself had to attend upon a female patient. After an inquiry, McConnell's services were retained, with a new wardsman, and Miss Dolan, a nurse of considerable experience, was engaged to work under Mr. McConnell. Her advent has greatly improved matters, but it is not a satisfactory arrangement; the nurse does not hold the position nor receive pay equivalent to her responsibility and services. Local effort has during the past year added a fine new surgical ward and operating-room.

EOTOEUA SANATORIUM. EXPBNDITUEE FOE THE YeAE ENDED 31ST MaeCH, 1897. Resident medical officer ... ... Ann n ri Matron ... ... ~., ... 80 0 0 Bath attendants and servants ... ... 407 0 Rations ... ... ... . n» r> 0 .buel and light ... ... R0 ln A Bedding, &c 41 n 0 burgery and dispensary ... ... ... 22 17 0 Furniture and crockery ... ... ... 35 19 7 Miscellaneous ... ... ... ■_ 8 13 2 r> . -, , . 1,315 3 5 Keceived tor maintenance ... ... ... 473 7 4. £836 16 1 Number of patients on 31st March, 1896 ... 12 Admitted during the year ... ... 75 Total under treatment ... ... 87 Discharged ... ... 71 Died ... Remaining on 31st March, 1897 ... ... ... jg Localities from which Patients came.— New Zealand, 72; Victoria, 1; South Australia, 1; ' 'Country. -New Zealand 19; England, 26; Scotland, 7; Ireland, 9; Australia, 4; Sweden, 1; Germany 1; Isle of Man, 2 ; Wales, 4 ; India, 1; United States of America 1 lotal collective days' stay in sanatorium, 3,850; individual average days' st~" 44-25 Daily average cost per head, 6s. 10d. ; less patients' payments, 4s. 4d. The Government have sent instructions to the Agent-General to select an cicer who shall be competent to take entire charge of all the thermal springs of the colony. This whole department has hitherto suffered from the want of a suitable governing organization. The Sanatorium at Rotorua, for which alone lam responsible, was found in excellent order. The patients under Mis Ihomson s care spoke in the highest terms of her care and kindness.

CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS. Costlby Home, Auckland. This home continues to be very well managed. The Board take a very keen interest in all that concerns the welfare of the inmates. The garden is well cultivated. All the hospital washing is done here, and it is so heavy that friction occasionally arises regarding it. The dietary is liberal and the cooking is good. The average weekly cost per head is 6s. 3Jd. " ' Thames. This institution at my last visit I found in such an unsatisfactory condition that I made a strong representation to the Board, recommending, among other measures of reform, the dismissal of the couple m charge. . Some of the reforms suggested have been carried out. Money is required to put the place in a satisfactory position, and I was authorised by the Minister to point out that subsidy is payable on all moneys locally subscribed. The average weekly cost is ss. lid. Waikato. This old men's home is situated in the hospital grounds. It is well managed, but I found on my last visit that little or no effort is made by the Board to maintain discipline One of the inmates I advised the secretary ought to be dismissed, on the ground of his constant quarrelling with the other inmates. The conduct of this man was quite intolerable, and ruined all hope of comfort for the others. The average weekly cost is 6s.

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