H.—7

13

Miss Maclean visited on the 25th February, when there was no sickness in the institution, and the course of things was uneventful. Since then the district has been visited by a severe epidemic of influenza, which spread very rapidly among the patients, attacking 39 of their number (m., 9; f., 30). Happily, the staff, who have been unremitting in their attention, entirely escaped. 1 think it is due to Dr. Johnstone, who is acting for Dr. Mackie, to state that all convalescent patients able to appreciate things clone for them spoke to me of his care and attention to their needs at all hours of the day and night. There was a heavy mortality, confined entirely to the chronic insane who were already enfeebled in body from one cause or another. Altogether, 11 patients died (m., 4; f., 7), four of whom were congenital idiots, 1 laboured under chronic mania, and 6 were sunk in dementia. From an investigation of the various cases, I must express my opinion that, considering the refusal to take nourishment and medicine, and the necessity to resort to artificial means not only among those who succumbed but among many now convalescent, the staff is to be congratulated on having done as well as it did. There is no mortuary on the Mental Hospital estate, that at the General Hospital having hitherto served for both institutions. The number of deaths within a limited period has given prominence to this fact, and I agree with the representations which have been made that we should have a mortuary of our own. Mr. Fell, the Deputy Inspector, made a note to this effect when visiting the institution on the 18tn April. I selected a site, and on my return will design a suitable building. The farm continues to be worked skilfully. The land acquired from the College Trustees has been ploughed; and the Valley Farm, to which I was driven by Mr. Chapman, is being worked profitably. The statutory books and registers are neatly kept, were in good order, and up to date. The work of this institution is being carried out faithfully and well.

Porirua Mental Hospital. 17th May, 1910. At this date there are resident 738 patients (males, 377; females, 361), all of whom were seen and many conversed with. During the past year' I have paid several visits of a duration, each time attending to some particular business and going carefully through a section of the building, seeing and conversing with the patients therein. On every occasion I found the place in perfect order. On one of these I was accompanied by Sir John Batty Tuke, of the New Saughton Hall Asylum, Edinburgh, who made the same observation. He also expressed satisfaction with the convenience and completeness of the laundry arrangements. The new building designed for disturbed women is in occupation, and the structural innovations with respect to ventilation and the admission of sunlight into each of the rooms are working satisfactorily. When the grounds in connection with this block are fenced in it will be a very complete and suitable ward for its purpose. The addition lo the auxiliary building for men will soon be ready. Tins Hospital will now tap the whole district south of the Auckland Province, and therefore it must be the first relieved when buildings go up at Tokanui. It has, for the area and quality of its land, just about reached the limit of patients that can be economically managed on the estate. As usual, I found everything progressing well, the food good, proper regard being paid to. the employment and recreation of the patients, great care being exercised in their treatment, and, generally speaking, a spirit of contentment among the patients capable of appreciating their environment. ■ ■ -■ .

- ■:: ■": . - Wellington Mental Hospital. ~;/, 6th May, 1910. --T went his last round of the wards with Dr. Crosby, and saw the 149 patients resident Dr. Crosby -leaves to-day for the Old Country for a well-earned holiday, and to take the opportunity of studying at first" hand the recent advances in his special work. During the past year I have paid numerous visits to the Mental Hospital, and on each occasion found everything progressing Batlß ShS»'ilie removal of the last of the women patients on the 16th April when 49 were transferred to Porirua, the tension as regards management has been much relieved. I .am pleased to record my impres ion that order, cleanliness, and discipline have not suffered from the knowledge that he institution was about to be demolished. This fact speaks volumes for Dr. Crosby s thoroughness and for the support he has received from his officers and staff; for the shghtest slackness ■Shtf under the ci/cumstances,. have proved a demoralizing influence past recall The patients mi this and former occasions have expressed their regret that Mount View was being closed, a sentiment which must be very gratifying to those who have cared for them. Bth June, 1910. -- 0 On the 2nd instant with Dr Elliott who has bee. wUh a stS, toTt'ore teniae, .Ac. So far as their help is concerned tilt and I have just seen them depart for Porirua, and. close the history of Mount View as a Mental Hospital.