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The farm is being gradually extended and shows excellent returns. Games and entertainments have taken their fair share in the routine of the Hospital. Church of England and Presbyterian services are held regularly and seem to be appreciated by the patients. Mr. McFarlane, of the Public Works Department, has shown his customary keen interest in the place and has rendered invaluable service. All the staff have been unremitting in their keenness and helpfulness, and it is with pleasure that I now extend to them my thanks.

TOKANUI MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Prins reports : — I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ended 31st December, 1934. The total number of cases under care has been 665, with a weekly average of 570. There has been a decrease in the number of admissions, which were 71 (males 40, females 31). Of these, 61 (males 32, females 29) were admitted for the first time. The general health of the hospital has been good. Deaths numbered 26 (males 16, females 10), senile decay and heart-disease being the principal causes. We discharged 20 patients during the year. The number is less than last year, but, on the other hand, a larger number was allowed out on probation. Twenty voluntary boarders were under treatment during the year, of whom 7 had been admitted in the period under review. Seven voluntary boarders were discharged. During the year the new male villa for farm workers was opened and gave much needed relief to the accommodation on the male side. The ward is very comfortable and is much appreciated generally. Two Colfix tennis-courts have been laid down, and many trees and shrubs have been planted in the grounds and on the estate. A new washing-machine has been added to the laundry and a new range in the kitchen. A booster-pump for fire purposes and new machinery has been installed in the engineer's shop. The cow-byres have been equipped with a new milking-machine and separator. A start has been made in the repainting of the hospital and houses on the estate. The usual recreations—tennis, bowls, swimming, concerts, dances, ping pong, &c. —have been carried on. The new cricket-ground has been in demand for matches, which have been followed with much interest. The weekly picture entertainment is also much enjoyed, and the Te Awamutu Band has given enjoyable outdoor programmes. Church services have been held regularly. Mr. Findlay pays his official visits, and we are again indebted to him for the excellent concert parties he arranges. Two nurses passed their final examination, one of them obtaining distinction. During my absence on sick leave Dr. Hunter was in charge of the hospital. In conclusion, I have to express my thanks to all the staff for their efficient co-operation and help in the working of the hospital.

PORIRUA MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Williams reports : — I have the honour to submit my report for the year ended the 31st December, 1934. During this period the total number of persons under care was 2,055, of whom 1,828 were committed patients, 225 were voluntary boarders, and 2 were people on remand whom it was considered unnecessary to detain further. Two hundred and eighty persons were admitted under certification ; of these, 8 were transfers, and 51 came in under section 8 of the Mental Defectives Amendment Act, 1928. Ninety-nine patients were discharged, 66 were transferred, and 131 died. Applications for voluntary admission were received from 107 persons, of whom 58 were men and 49 were women. Ninety-four voluntary boarders were discharged ; 3 were certified, and 7 died. It will be noted that the death-rate was somewhat high, but a great percentage were senile people or those suffering from systemic disorders associated with advancing years. Seven people died of phthisis pulmonalis, which is more than usual here. Ido not think, however, that any particular significance attaches to this, as there is no marked increase in the number affected, and all were cases of fairly long standing. A point worthy of remark is that 17 deaths occurred within one month of admission ; indeed, some of them within a few days of admission, and 1 woman actually within an hour or so. Certainly most of these people were senile and frail, but my impression was that in some instances hardly sufficient consideration had been given to the fitness of the patient to sustain the journey. Little new work has been done by the Public Works staff during the year. A new scullery in M. 4 ward, one or two minor additions to other wards, ventilation to floors at Rauta, and some drainage alterations comprise the total.

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