H.—3l

8

record. 144 (99 males and 45 females) patients were discharged. Of these, 56 males and 22 females (542 per cent.) were discharged fit for work; 29 males and 16 female patients (312 per cent.) were greatly improved; 6 males and 4 females (7 per cent.) were unrelieved; and 8 males and 3 females (76 por cent.) died. I am glad to report that many more patients are coming in an early stage with hopes of permanent benefit. Still there are far too many patients who have delayed coming till it is too late. There are very many advanced cases still here who should be treated in wards apart from the sanatorium patients proper. The long idle life that the advanced patient has to lead is not encouraging to the early case. The new wing is urgently needed. Many of the advanced cases who have not good homes should be accommodated in special wards in the hospitals of their districts, so that they may be near their friends in their last days. It is still to be regretted that Auckland Province has not yet got an organized scheme or dispensary for getting hold of early cases and examining those who have been in contact with the disease, as is done in the other provinces of the Dominion. Such a dispensary would also be of great importance for the periodic examination of patients who have been discharged from a sanatorium. Attached to such a dispensary there should be a nurse and a voluntary ladies' committee for the visiting of sick consumptives in their homes to instruct them in hygiene, and to provide them with sufficient nourishment, &c, where required. Much of the good done by a sanatorium is wasted through patients going back, to the wrongkind of life. It is a mistaken idea that an outdoor life is essential, whereas in reality this is often too strenuous, and the patient would be better with light indoor work, such as clerking, especially in properly ventilated offices. Many of the more intelligent patients keep in touch with me through their doctors, and a careful watch is kept for relapses. More patients are being sent for consultation, and I am especially pleased to report this growing tendency of the profession to make more use of the institution. It is only through such a steady co-operation that the best, results can be looked for in quelling the disease. Many returned soldiers have been treated, and in the majority of cases with excellent results. Many have been made fit for civil employment. I am glad to report that financially the working has been more satisfactory than in any previous year, and this in spite of war prices. The statement of receipts and expenditure is sent separately, and it shows a steady improvement in ever}' item, and should compare favourably with other institutions. The institution is now on a thoroughly good economic basis. T regret to report that the special tuberculosis nurses who came from Home have left. They felt it their duty to go to the war, and they are now acting as Army Sisters on the French front. They had been of great assistance. The Matron, Miss Nixon, is also at the front in Greece. The institution has since been staffed with probationers, whom T find better in many ways than the hospital-trained nurse. The farm has improved, some new land being opened, much top-dressing done, and the land kept well stocked. The cattle brought top prices in all the sales. We kill all our own mutton for the table; it. is of excellent quality. Also much of our own pork and ham and bacon is provided by the farm. The kitchen-gardens have produced a plentiful and varied supply of vegetables, and another garden has been opened. A new strain of fowls has been introduced, and is giving excellent results, there being a production of about forty thousand eggs for the year. The oaponizing of birds for the table has been a great success. Thanks are due to the Cambridge National Reserve and others for concerts, and to the V.M.C.A. and the local ministers for services during the year. It is pleasing to report a growing interest, in the institution by the people of the district, and that the fear of such an institution in the neighbourhood, that has always prevailed, is gradually growing less. Ceneral knowledge of the disease by the public must be a great factorin the prevention of the disease. Finally, T have again great pleasure in acknowledging the assistance given by Dr. E. E. Roberts, who still retains his connection with the institution as Consulting Physician, which post he has filled since the opening of the sanatorium.

Approximate Cost, of Paper. —Preparation, not given : printing (1,200 copies), £5 15s.

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