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H.—3l

During the absence on leave of Dr. Agnes Bennett, Dr. Elizabeth Gunn carried out her duties with satisfaction to the Department. Dr. Bennett resumed her charge in January. The Matron, Miss Brown, was seriously ill for some time, and was granted three months' leave, during which the Sub-Matron, Miss Warnock, took charge. Miss Brown returned to her duties in March much restored in health. Eleven pupils were trained during the year. Note by Medical Officer.—From the 31st March, 1911, to the 31st March, 1912, the conditions of the Hospital have been very trying to the nursing staff—the want of proper supplies of washing and sterilizing-appliances has told severely on some of them, and the strain upon those in responsibility has been very great. It is absolutely necessary that there should be a good many more beds than the average number of patients per week seems to justify. The work comes in such rushes that at times the accommodation has been taxed to the utmost, and patients have had to leave the Hospital when a few more days' care would have been of great benefit to them. The staff look forward with relief towards the alleviation of these conditions in the new building, where we hope to have the work in full swing very shortly. St. Helens Hosfital, Dvnedin. Stipendiary Medical Staff : Dr. Emily Siedeburg, M.8., Ch.B., N.Z., L.R.C.P., Irel. Matron : A. H. Holford. From the Ist April, 1911, to the 31st March, 1912, 201 cases were confined, 195 children were born, and there were 5 still-births. There was 1 maternal death, 7 deaths of infants. 52 patients were attended in their own homes ; 52 babies were born. In this Hospital there have been no changes during the year. The isolation building is now being erected. In the course of the next two or three years it is intended to build a nurses' home, probably on the site of the present cottage, which, though old and out of date, is not uncomfortable. The work of the hospital has considerably increased during the year. The garden party held to celebrate the birth of the thousandth baby was indirectly responsible for this, as, through the country papers illustrating and describing the function, many women have learnt of the existence of this hospital, and have since availed themselves of its privileges. Dr. Emily Siedeberg has been granted leave of abserce for nine months, and Dr. Sophia Child, late resident physician at the Women's Hospital, Sydney, has been appointed to take her place. Dr. Siedeberg leaves on the 16th April. Miss Holford and Miss Gow are still Matron and Sub-Matron, and the success of the Hospital is largely due to their conscientious work. Ten pupils have been trained during the year; one of these is a free pupil for country work. Note by Medical Officer. —Babies' deformities: One anencephalic foetus. One spina bifida, with paralysis of lower legs. One born with no thumbs. One had marked talipes varus, and was pigeonchested. In one there was a peculiar deformity of the ribs :on the left side only the three upper ribs reached the sternum, the remainder stopped short at the auxiliary line, and with each inspiration the lungs protruded as a soft tumour on the chest-wall; the heart was on the right side. One child was born with a lower tooth. Notes on mothers : One mother gave the history of menses returning regularly every month and lasting three to five days ; in another they came regularly for five months. The maternal death was from eclampsia. At seventh month she showed no alb. and no symptoms ; admitted in labour at eighth month —no symptoms ; when labour well advanced took one fit at 5 a.m. —slight hsem., rigid and unconscious, breathing stertorous ; delivered easily with forceps; baby stilJ-born and shrivelled ; mother never conscious again ; died 9 a.m. St. Helens Hospital, Auckland. Stipendiary Medical Staff : Tracy R. Inglis, Bach. Med., Univ. Melb. Matron : C. Ludwig. From the Ist April, 1911, to the 31st March, 1912, 249 cases were admitted, and 253 children were born ; there were 3 still-births. There was 1 maternal death, 4 deaths of infants. 231 patients were attended in their own homes, and 231 children were born. There were no maternal deaths or infant deaths. It will be necessary in the immediate future to build a new hospital for Auckland. The amount of work is steadily increasing, and necessitating a larger staff, for whom there is no provision. Efforts have been made to rent rooms or a small house near by for additional accommodation for the nurses, but without success. The present Hospital will do well for administration and staff quarters, and new wards must be provided. The outdoor work is growing. Besides the Hospital patients many doctors apply for the services of the pupil nurses for their private cases. While this is gratifying and of value to the nurses, it can only be undertaken when private nurses cannot be obtained. So far, however, the number of trained midwifery nurses is not equal to the demand. Dr. Tracy Ingiis still continues as Medical Officer, and under his able superintendence and Miss Ludwig's careful and conscientious management the Hospital has been a great benefit to the poorer classes in Auckland. Sister Paul's resignation early in the year was a very great loss, but, as she has established a private maternity hospital, her services are still at the command of the public. Miss Broadley has been appointed Sub-Matron. Twelve pupil nurses were trained during the year, three free pupils for country work,