H. —7.

The Mental Hospital buildings and property have been kept in a satisfactory state of repair by our own artisan staff, and extensive alterations and renovations have been carried out. A large sunveranda has been completed at the female reception-house, and is now m occupation A new and up-to-date scullery has" been built adjoining the main dining-hall, and alterations to the ventilation of the main kitchen have proved most satisfactory. The farming returns for the early part of the year were very satisfactory, but the drought experienced during the summer will adversely affect the later returns. During the past year over a thousand fat lambs were sold from the institution farms. Tryparsamide therapy in cases of general paralysis has been continued, and results have been wonderfully good, particularly with the early cases. Three cases who received treatment over a year ago reported here within the past few weeks. They have kept well since discharge, and have been able to resume their ordinary occupations. In this connection I have again to record my thanks to Professor Hercus and his staff for their assistance. The recreation of the patients has been arranged on the usual lines : the picture entertainments are greatly enjoyed and your help in having them resumed has been much appreciated. To the District Inspector (Mr. H. D, Acland), to the Official Visitors (Mrs. Williams and Mr. H H. Hanna), and to the clergy of all denominations I tender my thanks for their regular visits and for their I desire to record my thanks to my colleagues and all members of the staff for their loyal and efficient assistance.

SEACLIFF MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Childs reports — I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ending 31st December, IVMJ. At the beginning of the year there were 1,221 patients on the register. The changes clurmg the period under review were : Admissions, 139 ; discharges, 47 ; transfers to other institutions, 2 ; and deaths, 60 ; leaving our population 1,251 at the end of the year. Twenty-three of those who died were over seventy vears of age. During the year 31 voluntary boarders were admitted, 21 were discharged, 7 died, and I were committed. . ~ , , A modified building programme has been m progress during the year, but a considerable amount of work of a minor nature lias been accomplished. Alterations to the old kitchen block have been proceeded with, and certain portions have been finished. Accommodation has been provided for a Medical Officer,' and a number of rooms have been occupied by the domestic staff. When this work is completed it'will be a pleasing addition to the main building besides giving further accommodation to the staff It will also provide a male dav-room and a dining-room for the better type of male patient, and a sewing-room for the female patients. This new addition will in some small measure relieve the problem of overcrowding on the male side which at present is acute and gives concern. A new veranda has been added to F. 4 Ward, which allows of patients being nursed in the open air. F 4 Ward is now used as an -admission ward for female patients who cannot be admitted to the cottage, and is a considerable improvement on the ward previously in use for this The, workshop stores and garage which were destroyed by fire have been rebuilt, and accommodation for the Fire Brigade apparatus has been provided. The old boot-house adjoining the male airing-park has been remodelled and converted into a small day-room. This will relieve somewhat the overcrowding which is so apparent on wet days. The old main-service reservoir has been reconditioned and a new roof built on concrete foundations. In addition, other work of a minor nature has been carried out, and a deal of maintenance work done. The painting gang has done good work during the year, and the institution both inside and out shows a brighter and more cared-for appearance. The work on the farm has proceeded in the usual efficient way, and the farm at present is looking in verv good condition. A considerable amount of fencing has been done, while the usual routine of top-dressinff draining, and roadmaking has been carried out. Attention has also been given to the improvement of the dairy herd and to the breeding of stock generally. The gardens and grounds are in good condition and bear a well-cared-for appearance. Two additional acres of ground have been made into a vegetable-garden to ensure a plentiful supply of vegetables being available for the increasing population. The weekly clinic at Dunedin and the monthly clinic at Invercargill have been carried out as usual during the year. _ Amusements and recreation as usual have taken their part m the Hospital routine, and the reintroduction of the weekly pictures has been much appreciated. _ Dr. Tizard retired from the Superintendency of the Orokonui Home m April. Dr. Martin, one of the senior Medical Officers, resigned in November and has returned to England. Dr. Martin proved himself to be a capable, reliable, "and efficient Medical Officer during his three years connection with the Hospital, and his departure is regretted. The work of the Medical Officers has been of a high standard, ancl I would thank them for the able way that they performed their duties throughout the yoal 'l wish to tender my thanks to the staff for the good work they have done during the year. Each department has worked well and all have made the welfare of the Hospital their concern. I would also thank Mr. Gumming for the evident interest he takes in the welfare of the patients and the Hospital generally. My thanks are also due to the clergy of the different denominations for their regular visits, to the Red Cross Society for supplies of tobacco, and to the various bands and concert parties who provided entertainment.

8