5

H.—7

quality. The item of provisions in the tables does not include about £3,400 worth of vegetables fruit, and milk supplied from the farm. Christchurch. —Mr. H. D. Acland, District Inspector; Miss Colborne-Veol, Official Visitor ; Mr. D. Souter, Patient's Friend. I inspected this Hospital frequently, and am glad to be in a position to report that the treatment, care, and comfort of the patients is very satisfactory. All who know Mr. Souter and his sterling worth will be pleased to know that he is very often in and out of the wards, and that he has the confidence of the patients. I heard of numbers going to theatrical performances, passes to which had very generously been presented to Mr. Souter for the benefit of the patients. The Reception Ward is a great addition to the resources of the Hospital: one of the patients remarked to me, " This is a well-appointed women's club." In addition to the works mentioned elsewhere, the laundry has been extended and a cottage is in course of erection, for the Head Attendant. Seacliff.— Mr. J. M. Gallaway, District Inspector; Miss E. M. Monson and Mr. Slater, Official Visitors. Mr. Cumming continues to do excellent and useful work as Patients' Friend. Visited by me in January, March, and October, 1920, and in February, 1921. The accommodation is being taxed, and we will be pleased to get this somewhat relieved when the building in progress at Waitati is completed. The chief need, as mentioned in my last report, is the reorganization of the kitchen arrangements, placing the cooking operations outside the building at the back, and utilizing the present kitchen for a central bathroom. A start has been made in clearing out some of the older buildings which have become obsolete. Funds may be lacking to carry out the schemes in hand, but not the energy of Dr. McKillop, and I trust before long that he will bo placed in a position to advance with the programme which we have discussed. It is always a pleasure to visit this Hospital and observe the consideration shown for the well-being of the patients. Hokitika. —Hon. H. L. Michel, M.L.C., District Inspector ; Miss Reynolds and Mr. Arthur Clifton, Official Visitors. Visited in June, October, and December, 1920, and in March, 1921. I have mentioned the needs of this institution in former reports, and elsewhere in this. After careful consideration, I advocated its continuance by rebuilding and replacement of obsolete parts in order of urgency. I believe we can do very valuable work on the estate in experimental forestry. The general health of the patients was good. The staff keep the place scrupulously clean. Mr. Sellers's retirement, to which I have referred elsewhere, and Dr. Buchanan's appointment as Medical Superintendent, mark an epoch in the history of this old establishment; it is to be regretted that it is synchronous with a difficulty in getting money for public works. Nelson. —Mr. C. R. Fell, District Inspector ; Mr. Thomas Edwards, Official Visitor. Visited in August and October. Found the patients comfortable and free from complaint. The poultryfarm has been brought up to date. The tennis-court and bowling-green are now in good order. I have indicated elsewhere that Dr. Gray entered upon his duties hero shortly before the necessity for changes which will have to be carried out when incorporating the Stoke institution with this Hospital, and, having discussed these matters with him and learnt his views, I feel great confidence in having him on the spot during the period of transition. Porirua. —Mr. Martin Chapman, K.C., District Inspector; Messrs. Edwin Arnold, F. Brady, and R. W. Bothamley, Official Visitors. The resignation of Mrs. Grace Neill in June, 1920, is regretted by all who were brought in contract with her. This Hospital was visited frequently. The taxing of accommodation is increasing the difficulties of administration, which are being counteracted by loyal co-operation of the staff, so that patients might not feel the inconvenience. The patients are much in the open air, and their general content is pronounced. Here, as at Seacliff, the kitchen arrangements need complete reorganization, being too restricted for present needs. The most attractive scheme involves the placing of the boiler-house and engineer's department elsewhere, and utilizing the accommodation vacated for a kitchen, with consequential alterations where the present kitchen is. This involves too great an expenditure to be proceeded with forthwith, despite the present necessity. The near advent of the Mangahao electric scheme, however, makes the project more hopeful, as a large section of the engineer's department is given over to supplying our electric light. The purchase of the land hitherto leased by us wall be of great advantage to our farm and to the amenities of the institution, once our tenure of it is secure. The reception-house continues to fulfil most satisfactorily its important function. Tokanvi. —Colonel H. R. Ryder and Mr. H. G. Wynyard, Official Visitors. Visited in May and December, 1920, and in March 1921. Arrangements have been made to develop a large tract of the estate. Dr. Macphcrson, who is resident as Assistant Medical Officer under the supervision of Dr. Gribben, whose services (as I have before stated) are lent to the Waikeria Reformatory, both take an active interest in the} treatment, well-being, and recreation of the patients, and one was met by many spontaneous expressions of content. The main desideratum is the connection with the Te Awamutu water-supply. Later we must take advantage of the hydro-electric supply which is about to be introduced in the district. The male admission block, now that materials have come to hand, should be completed and occupied before the end of the year. Ashburn Hall. —Visited in January and March, 1920, and in February, 1921. This licensed Mental Hospital continues to fulfil a most useful function, and to do it well. This is a home-like retreat in beautiful surroundings, and its administration is personal and kindly. In conclusion, 1 wish to thank you for your support, and for the knowledge that with ample funds at your disposal many matters which we have discussed would be speeding to fulfilment. I have to express my obligation to the Medical Superintendents and their staffs for another year's work well done. From my helpers in the Head Office I have had hearty and loyal co-operation, lightening the burden of work and responsibility. I have, &c, Hon. C. J. Parr, C.M.G. Fhank Hay.