H.—7.

PORIRUA MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Williams reports — I have the honour to present my report for the year 1931. The total number of cases under care during the year was 1,933. Of these, 1,727 were committed patients and 206 were voluntary boarders. The number of committed patients on the register on Ist January was 1,458 (855 males and 503 females), and on 31st December there were 1,470 (848 males and 622 females). The number of admissions for the twelve months was 269 (143 males and 126 females), 37 of these were readmissions ; 89 patients were discharged recovered, and 14 unrecovered ; 53 were transferred, 51 males going to Stoke Mental Hospital. There were 101 deaths ; 50 per cent, of these were due to old age. There were 17 deaths within three months of admission, and it is notable that nearly all came from various public hospitals and were in extremely frail health on admission here. Fifty-four patients were admitted under section 8, all being subsequently committed. This number is nearly double that for last year. Two hundred and six voluntary boarders received treatment during the year, a total of 112 entering, 31 of whom were readmissions ; 93 were discharged, and 7 committed. The percentage of recoveries was 83-8, compared with 33-1 of committed cases. Overcrowding continues to be a serious problem, particularly on the male side, but the situation has been considerably eased by the transfer of 51 men to Stoke, while a further 50 are being transferred to Kingseat early in the new year. . . A good deal of reorganization and reclassification of patients has been carried out during the year with the object of increasing freedom and parole facilities, and the results have been uniformly satisfactory. . . The general health of the patients has been good. There have been no epidemics, and no serious or avoidable accidents. _ _ . . The main building has been newly painted and with pleasing results ; electrical rewiring has been carried out, so that the whole hospital system now carries 230 volts ; some new roads have been constructed ; and the piggeries have been renovated at a very small cost. Tree-planting has been continued on various portions of the estate, both for beautifying and for utilitarian purposes. A miniature golf-course arid a ten-liole full-size course have been laid down ; the former particularly seems to be of benefit in creating purpose, interest, and some activity on the part of those apathetic and depressed people whom it is difficult otherwise to stimulate. The Psychiatric Clinic at Wellington Hospital, to which two afternoons a week are allotted, continues to function usefully. During the twelve months the number of consultations was 1,049, and the number of new patients who came for treatment was 315. All classes of major and minor mental disorders were seen and advised upon ; as usual neuroses and minor psychoses formed the bulk of those appearing for the first time. The patients were referred from many sources, and from all parts of the Wellington District. In addition, a number of prisoners were seen on behalf of the Prisons and Justice Departments at Mount Crawford and elsewhere in the Wellington District. Amusements and recreations have been provided in plenty for all. In addition to the regulai cinema evenings and dances, entertainment has been supplied by various persons and societies, principal of whom are the Rev. Harding and the V.U.C. Social Service Club—to all our grateful thanks ase due. I have remarked previously how generous the people of the Wellington District are to this Hospital, and even in these difficult times donations of money, toys, fruit, books, &c., are sent us. To the donors I offer my sincere thanks and the assurance that all their gifts are greatly appreciated and put to good use. My thanks are again due to Mr. L. 0. Hooker, whose untiring and generous efforts on beiiali ot this Hospital have resulted in the formation of a library for the use of all here; it has been very successful and much appreciated. Further wireless sets have been installed. My thanks are due also to the District Inspector (Mr. Treadwell) and to the Official Visitors (Mesdames Fraser and MeVicar, and Messrs. Bothamley and Brady), and to visiting clergymen, who have been of much help. In conclusion, I wish to acknowledge my indebtedness to my colleagues and to the staff generally for the loyal support and co-operation throughout the year.

NELSON MENTAL HOSPITAL. Or. Hayes reports — I have the honour to submit my report for the year ending 31st December, 1931. The total number under care during the year was 555 (406 males, 149 females). At the beginning of the year there were 434 patients (307 males, 127 females) and at the end of the year 501 (366 males, 135 females), while the total number admitted was 121 (99 males, 22 females), of which 58 males were transfers, and 1 female a readmission. The number discharged was 14 (9 males, 5 females) of which 10 were recovered. Seven males transferred. Thirty-one patients died (22 males, 9 females), the principal causes of death being senile decay, heart failure, and epilepsy. Twenty-three voluntary boarders were under treatment during the year males, o lemales) 01 which 8 (6 males, 2 females) were admitted for the first time and three were readmissions (1 male, 2 females). Five males and two females were discharged, while one male was committed and one male died. At the end of the year there were 14 voluntary boarders remaining (8 males, 6 females). No cases were admitted on remand, while 9 males and 10 females were admitted under section 8 and 1 was detained at the beginning of the year. Of these, 18 were committed and two discharged. Dr. Jeffreys died in August and Dr. Russell took charge until the end of October when I took over. Dr. Macky was transferred to Auckland and was succeeded by Dr. A. L. Sheild. Mr. Campbell was succeeded on transfer by Mr. Menzies as Clerk.

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