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Through the generosity of the West Coast public we have now had installed a wireless set, which gives a great deal of pleasure to the patients and staff. I desire to express my thanks to all who contributed to this object, and would like to specially mention the names of Mr. D. J. Evans and Miss James, of G-reymouth, in this connection. Many concerts and plays have been given to the patients. These are always a source of greal interest and pleasure. I would like to record my thanks to all the participants in these events. Mr. A. Clifton and Miss Reynolds, Official Visitors, have paid regular visits to the institution and have been untiring in their attention to the patients. We all regret Miss Hanna's approaching severance from the service. She was always helpful and encouraging, and took keen interest in every branch of our work. Finally, I would like to express gratitude to the whole of my staff for their loyal co-operation in the institution's work. CHRISTCHURCH MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. McKillop reports : — I have the honour to forward my report for the year 1927. On the Ist January there were 870 patients on the register —397 men and 473 women. During the year we had 166 admissions —89 men and 77 women. Seventy-eight patients were discharged, and 3 transferred to other institutions. The total number of committed cases under care was 1,036, and 886 (inclusive of 17 makes and 21 females on probation) remained on the 31st December. Forty-five voluntary boarders received treatment during the year : 5 were committed, 3 ordinary patients, 25 were discharged, and 1 died, leaving 5 men and 13 women under this section receiving treatment. The general health of the patients has been satisfactory. There were 69 deaths (37 men, 32 women). Fifteen of the deaths were due to senile decay. During the past year many important additions and alterations have been made to the existing buildings. Ward 3 (female), together with the sewing-room, dormitories, and single rooms attached, have been painted and renovated ; also most of the upper floor on the male side. The Neuropathic Hospital at Hornby has been occupied for the past few months, and is a decided advance. The farm unit at Templeton will shortly be ready for occupation, and will greatly relieve the congestion at Sunnyside. When this unit is available I am hopeful of being able to utilize " North House " solely for epileptic patients. I am deeply grateful for the consideration our wants have received during the past year : the improvements and alterations have greatly added to the comfort and well-being of the patients. I have again to thank Professor Hercus, of the Otago Medical School, and his assistants for their help during the past year. Valuable work is being done in connection with examinations of blood, and with goiter-investigation. For the past six months iodized salt has been used for all purposes, and in many cases there is noticeable decrease of the enlarged thyroid. There have been no toxic symptoms in evidence in any case. We have had a very successful year on the farm, and the prospects for the coming harvest are exceptionally good. The new stables and garages have been completed, and the new piggeries and runs are in occupation. The farm returns show a substantial credit balance. To the District Inspector (Mr. Aoland), to the Official Visitors (Mrs. Williams and Mr. Hanna), and to Mr. Souter (Patients' Friend) I tender my thanks for their visits and kindness to our inmates. I am verv grateful to Drs. Russell and Hart for the valued help they have given me in the medical and general work of the institution. I have also to thank Mr. Thomas and office staff, the Matron, Head Attendant, and other heads of departments for their loyal and efficient assistance, and the staff as a whole for the satisfactory manner in which the work was performed. SEACLIFF MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Gribben reports : — I beg to submit my report for the year ended 31st December, 1927. At the beginning of the year there were 1,132 patients on the register (617 males and 515 females), and at the end of the year 1,176 (643 males and 523 females). The admissions numbered 164 (93 males and 71 females). One hundred and twenty patients were discharged, comprising 67 males and 53 females. Of voluntary boarders, 37 remained from the previous year and 20 were admitted. Eleven voluntary boarders were discharged, 4 committed as ordinary patients, and 3 died. Four patients (male) were admitted on remand for observation. Fifty-four patients died during the year (33 males and 21 females). The average weekly number of patients resident during the year was 1,138 (627 males and 511 females). The health of the patients generally has again been satisfactory. There have been epidemics of influenza and of mumps, both mild in type. One patient developed scarlet fever, but his isolation checked any spread of the trouble. New buildings during the year include quarters for artisans, a motor-garage, a strong-room, a coal-bunker (which is not yet completed), a barn at " Cherry Farm," and the Neuropathic Hospital at Puketeraki. It was hoped to occupy the last-named before the end of the year, but defects in the water-reservoir have necessitated delay in opening this unit. The Admission Cottage was completed in the early part of the year, and is working satisfactorily.
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