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and steam reticulation, so that it will be some months before this unit cati be brought into full use. The reorganization and re-equipping of the various hospital kitchens now remains the most urgent of the reconstruction problems. The artisan staff has been fully occupied during the year in minor repairs and general maintenancework, whilst the work on the farm, orchard, flower and vegetable gardens has continued as formerly. There has been a natural shortage of nursing staff during the year, and many of the male staff have gone with the Forces overseas. In their places temporary officers have been employed who are at present not liable for military service. I regret to have to report the death of Mr. Quill, who retired after forty years' service and died suddenly some weeks after his retirement. For many years Mr. Quill was Head Attendant at this hospital, and he will be much missed by fellow-members of the staff and his many friends in the district.

NELSON MENTAL HOSPITAL. De. Williams reports: — The number of persons under care during this period was 924, of whom 896 had been admitted under reception orders and 28 as voluntary boarders. The admissions numbered 95, including 14- voluntary boarders. The number of persons discharged was 34, including 13 voluntary boarders, and 10 patients were transferred to other institutions. There were 45 deaths. Of the patients under care, 523 suffered mental disorder and 373 mental defect. Of the latter, 196, comprising the younger ones, were situate at Nelson ; 177 adult defectives were at Ngawhatu. As was to be expected, the building and other operations have been considerably interfered with ; and male villas, for example, which would normally have been occupied months ago, are not yet completed because of military requirements rendering necessary the shifting hither and thither of many of the workmen engaged. The war has touched us in other ways, too, though comparatively lightly. A number of the male staff, whose places have been filled by temporary officers, have departed for service overseas. We hope for their safe return. Shortage of female staff has been and is very marked, and rendered the more acute by the absorption of young women into industries directly concerned with, or stimulated by, war activities. Very much larger wages may be earned in some of these industries, so until conditions become normal again shortage must unfortunately persist. Maintenance-work has been kept at a reasonably high level. The swimming-baths have been relined and repaired generally ; tar-sealing has been continued, and concreting about many of the villas completed. Two female villas have been painted, and much other painting-work carried out by the working party regularly engaged in this. A sewing-room and two rooms for Occupational Therapy have been made by the conversion of staff quarters in some of the female villas. Unfortunately the extreme staff shortage has prevented much expansion in this important form of treatment. It now appears that some replacement of buildings at Nelson may be possible in the coming year. The need is really very urgent. There are other matters which need attention, too —a new telephone system and increased medical staffing are two I have in mind —but these can more readily be held over. Following the need for greater production, farm activities and resources have been developed a good deal. Eighteen acres of gorse land in Poorman's Valley was cleared, and ploughed. One and a half acres was sown in early potatoes, and the balance in rape and turnips for fattening of lambs and for winter feed. Nearly 6 acres of potatoes have been sown on other parts, and with excellent results. Approximately 24 acres of new pasture has been sown down, and one paddock of old pasture treated, and sown with clover, rye, and cocksfoot. Comparative experiments in top-dressing pastures with basic slag, super, and potash, and with lime have been satisfactory, but have shown that the need for lime is much greater than that for manure. Five Romney rams were secured this year from a noted local breeder, in order that the quality of the flock might be further improved, and it is intended to do likewise next year. Sows have been increased to capacity, but the demand for weaners has- been greater than the supply. The season for the dairy herd, too, has been very favourable, so that production here also has shown a marked increase.

HOKITIKA MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Childs reports : At the commencement of the year the patients on the register numbered 532. The admissions proper were 21, while 13 males and 9 females were received on transfer. The discharges numbered 14, transfers to other institutions 12, and deaths 20. The total number under treatment was 575, and the number remaining on the register at the end of the year 529. There were 6 voluntary boarders on the register at the beginning of the year, 4 were admitted during the year, and 6 discharged. The general health of the patients has been uniformly good. Occupational therapy has been carried on during the year, but, owing to the lack of a trained instructor and shortage of staff', has been interrupted occasionally. Iringatau has been completely renovated, and is now a pleasant villa, while the electrical system of the whole institution has been overhauled, and renewed where necessary, both externally and internally.

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