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villa is wanted for women patients. We have now progressed sufficiently to build a residence for the Medical Superintendent, and when he has moved into it, to adapt his uresent one for a villa for women. The new buildings are lighted by electricity, the drainage, has been led to the sea, and roads have been made in anticipation of the changes. I found the patients well clothed and well fed, and those able, to appreciate the improvements expressed themselves as contented. It must be a satisfaction to Dr. Buchanan to find his energy bearing fruit. Christchurch. —Visited in March, November, and December, 1923. The renovations have proceeded apace, and the dining-room extensions are in occupation, and. twenty-four bedrooms, with sitting-room, &c.,.for the attendant staff arc in course of erection. A small infirmary for women on the ground floor and some, extensions in the laundry will bring this hospital up to date. I have every reason to be satisfied with the condition of the patients and with Dr. Crosby's evident interest in their care anil treatment. The farm at Templeton would give scope for change and healthy occupation of some twenty to thirty patients, and plans have been prepared for a suitable building. The Lodge, Hornby, continues excellent in every way for ladies whose mental condition is not so disturbed as to destroy the amenities for the others. When I last visited, the patients expressed themselves as pleased with the house and its gardens, with the resident lady doctor, and with the nurses, leaving me with the impression that the experiment was and will continue to be a success. Seacliff. —Visited in March, June, and December, 1923. The artisan staff has been employed in demolishing some old buildings, and the replacement, with, extensions, of these is not yet completed. I discussed with Dr. McKillop some necessary extensions in the vicinity of the bowling-green and the need of some villas at Waitati. Being assured of the improved water-supply and that the earth-slip does not affect the laundry, I agreed to plans being prepared for the extension of the same ; also for the erection of new farm buildings on a different site from the present, whore the buildings have been twisted by the slip acting over a number of years. I found the patients well—no one seriously ill - the institution in good order, and the staff working well. The patients take a great interest in the recreations provided. The cricket and football ground was too limited, and at my last visit was being extended by lowering its surfaco and diverting a portion of the main drive. Ashburn Hall. —Visited in March, June, and December, 1.923. This comfortable little licensed hospital is picturesquely situated. It is quite evident that the patients therein receive individual attention from Dr. Will and the Matron, their relations with whom are most cordial. In conclusion, I have to express my appreciation of the Medical Superintendents, each for his devotion to his own institution and his desire to make it the best, and my thanks for their unusual helpfulness by writing fully about or calling at headquarters to discuss matters which they knew 1 would go into on the spot had circumstances not detained me in Wellington. My special thanks are due, to the Head Office staff, which has worked in the most complete harmony and co-operation. I have, to record with regret the death of my Deputy, Dr, William Baxter Gow, who after experience in England came to this country as Medical Superintendent of Mount View and was therefrom transferred to Sunnyside. After some years at that hospital his health broke down, and, recognizing the difficuity he had in adequately and efficiently visiting the wards, I arranged for him to change places with Dr. Gribben, then the Deputy Inspector-General. As I mentioned in my last report, Dr. Gow's health did not improve, and he was on sick-leave. In February of this year he retired, and last month the end. came. He had struggled bravely against heavy odds, and will be gratefully remembered by his old staff and patients, in whose welfare he was always actively interested. J have to express my thanks to yourself and the Government who have made it possible for me to take leave abroad in terms of medical advice tendered, and I am looking forward to be able in due, course to make a virtue of the necessity which takes me to Europe, to study on the spot advances in matters connected with care and treatment of mentally defective persons which may be adapted beneficially to the requirements and resources of this country. 1 have, &c, Fkank Hay. Hon. Sir Maui Pomare, K.8.E., C.M.G.

MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENTS' REPORTS. AUCKLAND MENTAL HOSPITAL Dr. Beattie reports : — The number of patients resident during the year was 1,058, and the total treated during the year was 1,279. The number admitted was 209. The recovery-rate was much more favourable in the case of the, female patients than in that of the males, the rates being 39-31 per cent, for males and 52-17 per cent, for females. The character of the cases admitted, and especially with regard to debility and general enfeeblemont, must always be, an important factor in the recovery-rate, but one cannot help the feeling that the greater care and sympathy exercised on the female side plays a big part. It, is much easier to get suitable nurses than suitable attendants. Moreover, lam not satisfied, that the discipline on the male side is what it used to be or what it ought to be. The death-rate on the male side was 9-36 per cent, and on the female side 5-42 per cent. The, chief causes of death were senile decay, chronic brain-disease, and general paralysis. These caused 36 deaths of males and only 12 of females. The other causes wore in units. The construction of a suitable male hospital where female nurses can be employed is now an urgent necessity, and I. am glad to know that progress is being made in that direction. Considerable improvements have been made structurally in the Hospital during the year, and they are still being carried out.