H.—7

12

I went over the farm and discussed questions in relation thereto with Dr. King and the farmmanager. The estate is not an easy one to work; there are many acres of native bush between different parts of the farm which an ordinary settler would burn and put down in grass, a proceeding which the Department could not consider, on account of the duty it owes both the patients and the public to preserve the natural beauty of the locality. It will, however, be necessary to obviate the driving of the milking-herd long distances to the main byre, by adding to the one above Simla. The time for milking-machines has arrived —our herd is distinctly good, is getting progressively better, and it would be unthrifty to reduce it; whereas the available labour is insufficient for the needs of the estate. Inquiring into this, the very general testimony is that the patients are not as good workers as they used to be, and that much useful time is lost-in keeping down the weeds overrunning the estate from Native lands in the neighbourhood. The work at the fishing-station is done on sound principles, and, though extensive, has larger possibilities. The patients thoroughly enjoy fish dinners. The excellent quality of the smoked fish is generally acknowledged. There is here a source of supply for other Government institutions. Much is now sent free of cost, but on provision being made for a regular supply an arrangement could be entered into advantageous to all parties. The staff is working well, and the last-joined officer, Mr. Glanvill, who was promoted from Porirua, is proving himself a good head attendant. Dr. King is ably seconded in his work by Dr. Tizard at Seacliff and Dr. Donald at Waitati.

Hokitika Mental Hospital. 3rd May, 1910. I visited this Mental Hospital yesterday and to-day, going through all parts of the institution, seeing all the patients, and, also, with the Medical Officer, giving the candidates for registration as mental nurses the viva voce part of their examination. The various parts of the establishment were scrupulously clean, and the grounds were in good order. Rain detained most of the patients in the day-rooms, and I was pleased to note complete freedom from excitement. There is a smaller proportion of acute and a larger proportion of patients unfit for employment than the average. This is largely due to the transfers to Hokitika which have taken place from time to time. All the patients had an opportunity to speak to me, and no complaints were made. The following changes have taken place since the beginning of the year, when, including 7 (5 males and 2 females) absent on trial, there were on the register 195 patients (m., 140; f., 55) : Admissions since have numbered 4 only (m., 1; f., 3), 4 patients (m., 3; f., 1) have been discharged (recovered), and 6 have died (in., 4; f., 2); leaving on the register 189 patients (m., 134; f., 55), of whom 5 (m., 3; f., 2) are absent on trial. The actual number resident is therefore 4 fewer than at the beginning of the year. Of those resident, 101 are usefully employed, and only 2 are confined to bed for medical reasons. Eleven patients are subject to epileptic fits, and 1 patient is under special observation. The general health of the patients is good, and it is evident that they are carefully looked after. The amusement of the patients is provided for both by the usual house dances and entertainments, and by outside shows, games, races, &c. As. many as 57 are able to participate in such recreations, and 73 attend Divine service. The statutory books were up to date and in good order. -I am very-satisfied with the state in which 1 found everything.

Nelson Mental Hospital. .. .:.: - 31st May, 1910. I visited this Mental Hospital on the 29th and 30th, and found it clean, tidy, and well ordered throughout. There were resident 178 patients (males, 84; females, 94), all of whom I saw, and conversed with the majority. No complaint as to their comfort or treatment was made, and a number of the more rational testified to the consideration with which they were treated by the officers and staff/ 1 saw the patients at their meals, and noted that the food was varied, of good quality, and abundant. There has been a large addition to the number of women patients. The additional accommodation supplied by the moving and re-erection of the Toitoi Valley School is most suitable. _ The work was carried" out very satisfactorily, and the pleasant, light, airy dormitories are quite a feature of the Hospital. ■ The day-room for disturbed cases —divided in two for better classification —has added largely to the resources of the institution, and the additional day-room accommodation for the wellconducted patients, made by incorporating a small dormitory and passage with the previous dayrOom, and throwing out an octagonal pavillion between the two, provides a large, well-shaped room, allowing the patients to group themselves into little parties distant from each other, while under complete supervision. The inclusion of the nurses' mess-room in the kitchen, the conversion of the bathroom into their mess-room, and the conversion of a verandah into a bathroom, have_ completed the changes incidental to the transfer of a number of the women patients from Mount View.