H.—Blb;

13

(/.) Prohibiting the introduction of any specified article or thing into the institution. (g.) Specifying the books, including case-books, nurses' report-books, prescription-books, diet and temperature sheets, complaint-book, visitors' book, &c, which are to be kept in the institution, and the manner in which such books are to be kept and preserved, &c. (h.) Defining the duties of all medical practitioners appointed by the Governor under Regulation No. 9 of the gazetted regulations. (Note. —See duties, &c, of Prison Medical Officers as set forth in Prison Regulations, No. 118 et seq.) (i.) Prescribing the times and manner in which the institution and the wards thereof shall be disinfected and fumigated, and also providing for the thorough sterilizing of all instruments, utensils, &c. (;".) Providing for the appointment of Inspectors and the frequent and thorough inspection of the institution and the books, &o, required by the regulations. (k.) Providing for the holding of consultations between Medical Officers and other medical practitioners as to the condition and treatment of patients in the case of serious illness or operations. (I.) Generally making provision for all matters referred to in section 19 of the Act and all other matters affecting the care and treatment of patients, and the management, control, and superintendence of the institution and the fulfilment of the purposes thereof. (m.) Providing for a breach of any such regulation a fine not exceeding, say, £10. 7. That the Act and all regulations made thereunder be printed and posted in convenient and conspicuous places in the institution, and a copy thereof delivered to every officer, pupil nurse, and servant. 8. That, if necessary, the certificates heretofore granted and issued to pupil nurses under the Act be validated. 4. Conclusion. During the inquiry important questions were raised as to the right of parties to the inquiry to inspect certain case-books and charts, and as to my power as a Commissioner to order and permit the inspection thereof before and during the inquiry. At the request of all parties I stated a case, agreed on by them, for the opinion of the Supreme Court under section 10 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908. A copy of the Special Case, together with the order made thereon by the Hon. Mr. Justice Cooper, is forwarded herewith. With regard to the costs of the inquiry, I am of opinion that the whole of such costs, including the costs of the parties thereto, should be borne and paid by the Hospitals Department. The inquiry into the matters referred to me lasted much longer than was anticipated. This was due almost entirely to the fact that on two occasions Mr. Mays, who appeared for the Crown Solicitor, applied for and obtained adjournments to enable him to attend to other public business, and on one occasion, owing to Mrs. Nicol's illness, a further adjournment was necessary. I return to Your Excellency the Commission with which you honoured me, together with (a) minutes of the proceedings; (b) the notes of the evidence (400 pages) taken during the inquiry and bound in four volumes; and (c) the exhibits put in evidence during the inquiry, and a schedule thereof. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, this sth day of April, 1913. Chas. C. Kettle, S.M., Commissioner.