H.—7

Works in progress at present are the erection of a Nurses' Home, the installation of an intercommunicating telephone system, the installation of new pumping-equipment for the water-supply, and a new butcher's shop. These are all very necessary, and will add considerably to the efficiency and welfare of the hospital. Tenders for the additions to the laundry are at present being called. The usual routine of farming, draining, and gardening has continued, 5 acres of land being drained, cleared, and left fallow, while 7 acres of last year's fallow land has been sown down in grass. In addition, a fairly large programme of draining and roading has been carried out. The painting gang has been fully occupied, and the usual maintenance-work carried out. A Works Overseer was appointed during the year. A monthly clinic has been held at the Grey River Hospital, and the Westland Hospital visited when required.

CHRISTCHURCH MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Bellringer reports The number of cases under care during the year was 1,776 (974 males, 802 females). The admissions numbered 300 —under certification, 107 males, 129 females ; by transfer, 9 males, 4 females ; as voluntary boarders, 26 males, 25 females ; and, in addition, 3 males and 6 females were admitted on remand. During the year 109 patients (62 males, 47 females) and 52 voluntary boarders (26 males, 26 females) were discharged. There were 92 deaths (43 males, 49 females) and transfers to other hospitals numbered 32 (20 males, 12 females). At the end of the year the total on probation was 194. Considerable use continues to be made of the alternative method of committal provided by section 8 of the Mental Defectives Act, and no less than 80 patients were admitted in this manner. This constitutes 37 per cent, of our admissions, excluding minors and voluntary boarders. The clinic at the Christchurch Hospital has been field weekly, and the monthly clinic at the Timaru Hospital has been continued. These psychiatric out-patient activities have been extensive, the number of separate cases seen being 291 (including 25 at Timaru). Tfio total number of consultations was 904, and 52 cases were investigated and reported on for the Child Welfare Department. The health of the patients has been satisfactory, the main causes of death being senile decay and cardiac disease, mainly senile in basis. Various special therapies have been employed in addition to the usual medical treatment, and frequent use has been made of the specialized clinics available at the Christchurch Public Hospital. Cardiazol treatment for schizophrenics has been continued. It is impossible to dogmatize on the ultimate benefits of this treatment, but our results are encouraging. Seven patients received treatment during the year —2 have made complete recoveries and 2 have noticeably improved. None of the 5 patients who received cardiazol treatment last year and were discharged have returned, and reports indicate that each is doing well. Altogether 15 patients have received cardiazol treatment since its inception in 1939. Occupational work is being steadily developed, but there still remains much to be done. The work covers a wide range of attractive crafts and the proceeds from the stall on Anniversary Day amounted to £17. The usual exhibit at the Winter Show was made, and through the generosity of Hay's Ltd. the window displays have been continued. At Templeton 261 children are receiving useful training in such varied places as the laundry, sewing-room, kitchens, villas, farm, flower and vegetable gardens, bootmaker and carpenter's rooms. The vocational block continues its useful activities, and a fairly satisfactory system is in operation by which every boy takes his turn for instruction. The health of the children has been good. The usual recreation has been provided in the way of weekly pictures, dances, bowls, cricket, basket-ball, folk-dancing, concerts, &c. In addition, large parties have attended (free of charge) numerous sporting fixtures, the shows, and picture-theatres in the city. Seventy-six patients spent enjoyable holidays at the New Brighton seaside cottage. I desire to thank the many organizations, firms, and individuals who have so generously provided these entertainments. During the year considerable maintenance-work has been carried out. The new workshops were taken over, machinery installed, and now, with the exception of one machine, the workshops have been completed. In response to the appeal for increased production, extensive alterations have been made to the piggeries at Sunnyside, and new pig-styes were erected at Templeton, where the number of pigs has been doubled. A modern ironing-machine was installed in the Sunnyside laundry. The erection of a new villa at Jenkin's Farm was commenced, and building has progressed rapidly. A new vegetable garden has been established at Sunnyside, a water-supply installed, and a concrete implement-shed erected. The farm has had a satisfactory year. Early in February, the Medical Superintendent, Dr. A. C. McKillop, was appointed 0.C., Ist N.Z. General Hospital. Nine members of the staff also went on military leave, bringing the total on service overseas to seventeen. We wish them all good luck and a speedy return. During the year Matron M. J. Martin, M.8.E., retired on superannuation after thirty-one years of valuable service. To the District Inspector, the Official Visitors, and the visiting clergy I tender thanks for regular visits and attention to the patients' needs. I desire to record my thanks to the staff for their work during the period I have been privileged to be in charge of this Hospital.

7