11.—7.

MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENTS' REPORTS.

AUCKLAND MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Buchanan reports —■ I have the honour to present to you my annual report for the year ended 31st December, 1931. The total number of cases under care during the year has been 1,564, with a weekly average of 1,254. The admissions have numbered 238 (145 males, 93 females). Of this number 187 "were admitted for the first time. Eighty-nine voluntary boarders were admitted during the year, making a total of 176 under care, and of these sixty-nine were discharged. At the end of the year 141 patients were on probation, 19 on full parole, and 146 on limited parole. One hundred and one patients were admitted under section 8 of the Mental Defectives Amendment Act. During the year the general health of the patients has been good, except for an influenzal outbreak in May. This was confined to the male side of the Hospital. Altogether twenty-seven patients were affected. Unfortunately, of this number eleven died from pneumonic complications. Departmental economy naturally curbed our activities during the year to a considerable extent; consequently few structural changes have been carried out. The old residence of the Medical Superintendent was turned into a residential clinic, and is now in occupation. Great credit is due to the Matron (Miss M. Mayze) for the work and enthusiasm she put into this transformation. The result is an attractively yet economically furnished villa, which is capable of housing twenty-four patients of either the advanced convalescent type, or for the admission of ea.rly border-line cases. A Dutch barn was erected on the farm, with a holding capacity of 98 tons of hay. Other works of a minor character have been confined to the barest maintenance needs. The Kingseat Summer Camp continues in full occupation, and its members are doing a gratifying amount of useful work. The new villas are practically ready for occupation, and will be tenanted early in the new year. The Psychiatric Clinic again shows an increase in attendance. Latterly it has been necessary to increase the number of the sessions. The total number of consultations was 1,041. There were altogether 340 persons who sought advice and treatment. The relative statistics are the subject of a separate report. Thanks to the generosity of many clubs and societies, the usual round of patients' entertainments was provided in spite of the present hard times. My sincere thanks are proffered to them all. I specially wish to put on record my appreciation of the work of Miss Johnston, who along with Mrs. Richmond held classes for girl patients, and trained them in eurythmics and step-dancing. The girls were greatly interested, and the result of Miss Johnston's patience, tact, and training ability was enjoyed by us all at the Christmas-tree entertainment. The Official Visitors paid regular visits, and have been helpful in matters pertaining to the patients' interests. , Finally, I wish to thank my staff for their help and loyal co-operation during the past year.

TOKANUI MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Prins reports— I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ending 31st December, 1931. The total eases under care during the year has been 648, with a weekly average of 551. The admissions were 85 (40 males, 45 females). Of these, 72 (32 males, 40 females) were admitted for the first time, being an increase of 10 over those cf the previous year. It is disappointing that only 20 patients (6 males and 14 females) were admitted under section 8, the provisions of which cannot be generally known. The general health of the Hospital has been very good. Deaths have totalled 25 (8 males, 17 females, senile decay being the principal cause. Discharges numbered 35 (19 males, 16 females), 25 being recoveries (16 males, 9 females). Transfers numbered 8 (7 males, 1 female). Voluntary boarders treated during the year were 29 (15 males, 14 females), 7 males and 4 females being new admissions. The voluntary boarders discharged numbered 7(4 males, 3 females). During the year the new Nurses' Home has been opened, the old nurses' quarters and mess-room being now occupied by attendants, giving more accommodation for male cases. Further alterations have been made in removing fences and making the front grounds more open and the new recreation-ground will be sown in grass shortly. The swamp in front of the villas has been drained and a start made with a new orchard and vegetable-garden. Work is proceeding in the alterations in the main kitchen. Amusements and recreation have been catered for as usual. There have been weekly dances, some concerts, and visits by bands. There have also been tennis, bowling, swimming, and shopping parties and visits the races. The annual picnic was as usual successful, and much enjoyed. For a time the weekly picture entertainment had to be abandoned as there were no films available, but fortunately a further supply has been secured. Mr. Battson has often visited the Hospital. In conclusion, I wish to express my thanks to all members of the staff for their help and co-operation in the work of the Hospital.

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