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MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENTS' REPORTS. AUCKLAND MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Prins reports : — I have the honour to present to yoii my annual report for the year ended 31st December, 1927. During the year there have been 1,375 patients under care, with a weekly average of 1,105 resident in the Hospital. The new cases numbered 227 ; of these, 179 were admitted for the first time. The general health has been good, the only unusual features being a slight outbreak of measles. The deaths numbered 99, 53 of these being over sixty years of age. Senile decay and heartdiseases were the principal causes. A total of 96 voluntary boarders have been under care, 47 being new cases and 8 readmissions. The discharges amongst these numbered 36, and deaths 7. In only two cases was certification resorted to. The large increase in voluntary boarders, and the number discharged, is very satisfactory, and shows the advantage of a recognition of the illness and a voluntary request for treatment. Apart from these the discharges numbered 91, 67 being recoveries. The two most important improvements during the year have been the opening of the Nurses' Home and the new unit for the treatment of suitable female cases. The nurses now have suitable quarters and conveniences, which have been too long denied them. The Male Hospital Ward continues to be used as an admission ward for every possible case, and the reaction to the freedom allowed continues to be good, there being comparatively little trouble from patients breaking their parole. The Wolf Home is used as an admission ward for every possible female and occasional suitable male cases. The policy of " hospitalization "is being carried out as much as possible. Every effort is made to impress on new cases that they are in hospital because they are ill, and that the object of their being there is to be made well again. During the past year extensive painting has been carried out throughout the whole building not only by our own people, but a.lso by contract. A much needed veranda is being added to the Female Infirmary. The steam-kitchen is being renovated, and rearranged generally. It is hoped to shortly rearrange, enlarge, and provide more up-to-date machinery for the laundry. It is intended also to carry out painting and improvements in Female 3 Ward. Lectures have been given to the nurses and attendants during the year, and a total of nineteen sat for the last final examination. The general recreation of the Hospital has been carried out. The annual picnic to Henderson consisted of a party of 446. During the winter months the usual fortnightly dances were held, concert parties entertained us, and a performance by the Little Theatre Society was much appreciated. The Salvation Army and Avondale Bands have played on Sunday mornings. Tin usual picture parties have visited town, seats being placed at our disjjosal by the management. During the summer months there have been the usual picnic and swimming parties. The bowlers have played their home and away matches, apart from their usual games. Tennis and croquet are very popular, and tournaments were played. The " daylight-saving " is a great advantage to the Hospital generally. The Christmas tree was a great success, the members of the Optimists' Club providing the entertainment. During the year the Auckland Patriotic Society very kindly donated £10 for sports requisites, and Mrs. Winstone was also kind enough to donate a similar amount for general sports requirements. Mr. J. Alexander also kindly provided funds to assist the periodical parties. Papers, periodicals, gramophone records, golf clubs and balls, tennis racquets and balls have been received from various donors, and have all been put to good use. The Auckland Clinical Society held one of their meetings at the Hospital, and a large party of Public Health nurses also visited the Hospital. The clinic conducted at the Public Hospital continues to be well attended. Mr. Blomfield and Mr. Alexander have visited the Hospital frequently. Mrs. Armitage, Mrs. von Sturmer, Miss Jackson, and Sister Hannah have visited the female side. [ have to thank all my staff for their help and co-operation in carrying on the work of the Hospital. TOKANUI MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Childs reports : — I have the honour to submit my report for the year ending 31st December, 1927. On the Ist January there were 337 patients (213 males and 124 females) in the Hospital. The number under care during the year has been 398 (males 259, females 139), the average resident number being 337 (males 214, females 123). The cases admitted numbered 61. Of these, 18 (males 15, females 3) were transfers from other hospitals, while 36 (males 25, females 11) were admitted for the first time. Thirty-eight patients (males 26, females 12) were discharged, 11 of these being transferred to other institutions. The d eaths numbered 15 (males 12, females 3), there being no special contributing factor At the end of the year the number on the register was 345 (221 males, 124 females).

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