H.—7.

Nelson. 1. A new villa has been opened at Stoke Farm, enabling a much better degree of classification to be effected. 2. The laying-out of the grounds round the new villa and elsewhere has been excellently done by the younger patients under the direction of the Head Attendant. 3. A new sanitary block has been added to the main building. Seacliff. 1. Very considerable improvements and repairs have been effected in the institution and farm buildings at Seacliff, and this applies also to the " Orokonui" (Waitati) and "Cherry Farm" (Waikouaiti) branch estates. 2. Increased water-storage has been installed at Seacliff. 3. A new motor-garage has been erected to house the institution motor-lorries. 4. Several alterations have been made to provide a site for the new stores, laundry and' kitchen blocks, the plans of which are complete. A commencement should be made as soon as possible with these extensive and absolutely essential provisions; they were due, and would have been put in hand twelve years ago, but for the war. lioleitika. Extensive improvements have been effected at Hokitika in the course cf the last few years; and alterations made to an existing ward during 1926 have made it possible to vacate completely the prison building which formed a part of the old institution. General. As foreshadowed in my report for 1924, it is intended that the Auckland institution shall be removed into a country district, where the erection of a new and up-to-date villa mental hospital will afford the patients many advantages now denied them by reason of the close settlement crowding in around the present premises at Mount Albert. The first step towards the removal has been taken by the purchase of an ideal estate of over 600 acres near Drurv. Plans are now being prepared for a building to accommodate the pioneer working patients who will do ail preliminary, work of fencing, scrub-cutting, &c., and complete the drainage of about 150 acres of rich, deep, raupo swamp land, with a view to intensive cultivation as vegetablegardens, &c. No more convenient or suitable property could have been secured in the whole Auckland Province. It fulfils all the requirements, and only needs proper development. This property, with over a square mile of undulating land, specially good for farming, gardening, fruitgrowing, and plantation, commands charming and very extensive views in every direction. To the northward, an arm of the Manukau runs into the property, and will afford full facilities for bathing, boating, and the use of a motor-launch which can be availed of for plying to and from Onehunga wharf and for fishing or other pleasure outings. Increase op Medical Staff. In connection with the establishment of clinics at the General Hospitals, the erection of private entry-lodges and the opening of the new sanatoria or neuropathic hospitals, &c., it has been decided to increase substantially our medical staff, in order that full effect may be given to these advances without delay. It is, of course, of the utmost importance 10 the patient that decision as to treatment and the class of accommodation most suited to his of her particular case should be arrived at in consultation, before the patient approaches the institution proper, in the hope that admission to the main central hospital may not be found necessary. The evaluation of symptoms and the analysis of each case in its initial stages needs very considerable knowledge and experience, and advantage was taken of Dr. Gray's presence in Britain to select suitable medical officers, with this requirement specially in view. From a list of eighty-five applicants Dr. Gray selected Drs. Waters, Hayes, and Childs, and they will join our staff in the course of the year. Besides holding the Diploma in Psychological Medicine, each of these doctors has had considerable psychiatric experience, particularly in regard to the treatment of incipient mental disorders along lines which are on trial elsewhere. Two of them have held important positions at the well-known Maudsley Hospital, London, and Dr. Gray is satisfied that each of them is exceptionally well qualified to assist in the fuller adaptation of our Department to meet advancing requirements indicated in the present report. In conclusion, f desire to express to the members of the head office staff my great appreciation of their unfailing helpfulness, loyalty, and devotion to duty throughout the year; and the same applies to the whole of the professional, clerical, and general staff of the Department. Further, I cannot speak too highly of the valuable assistance we have received from the honorary Deputy Inspectors and Official Visitors, and the welcome help given all over the Dominion by the clergy, and by private voluntary visitors, entertainers, and donors. F. Truby King, Inspector-General,

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