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The death-rate was comparatively low. There were 69 deaths (33 men and 36 women, inclusive of 3 men and 2 women who died on probation). As usual, the chief cause of death was senile decay. The results of electric shock therapy have again been very satisfactory, 170 patients were treated and 122 were discharged fit to resume their normal occupations. Occupational therapy is being carried out on a gradually increasing scale. The occupational block has been added to and will shortly be in use. The usual maintenance work has been carried out. Villas at Templeton and villas and wards at Sunnyside are being renovated yearly in rotation. A larger dining-room and a side room for the nursing staff at the nurses' home is in course of construction, and, with the proposed extension of the main home, should greatly improve the livingconditions of the nursing staff. It is hoped in 1947 to commence the following major works : (1) tuberculosis block; (2) admission block; (3) female villa, to permit of better classification in the main building; and (4) nurses' home at Templeton. Work has already commenced in connection with office accommodation at Sunnyside and a granary at Templeton. The farms and gardens have had a very successful year, and present indications are that the production of vegetables will be the best for many years. Clinics have been held twice weekly at Christchurch Hospital and once a month at Timaru Hospital. The attendances have been well maintained ; there were 1,550 consultations at Christchurch and 313 at Timaru. Several outside associations have taken an increasing interest in the well-being of our patients. The National Council of Women and the Justices of the Peace Associations may be mentioned particularly in this respect. The Official Visitors and the chaplains of various denominations have paid regular visits and have helped in many ways to brighten the lives of our inmates. Special mention must be made of the work of Canon Hevell and of the Rev. Tennant, who both recently retired. Canon Revell was a visiting chaplain when I was appointed to Sunnyside in 1925. The Rev. Tennant came out of retirement to help during the war years. They carried out their duties here in a pleasant and efficient manner. Our nursing difficulties will be eased considerably by the nurses who recently arrived from England. Our nurses have had a very trying year. They have worked very long hours without complaint and have made the care and treatment of their patients the first consideration. SEACLIFF MENTAL HOSPITAL Dr. Brown reports : I have the honour to submit my report for the year ending 31st December, 1946. During the year there were 1,194 persons (684 men and 510 women) under care. In that period 178 patients were admitted, 100 discharged, and 7 transferred to other hospitals. In addition to these patients, 79 voluntary boarders were admitted, and 33 remain under treatment at the end of the year. The number of deaths was 69, and in 43 of these the cause of death was senile decay. The new villa at Waitati was occupied early in the year, and it provides modern and very comfortable accommodation for a number of elderly male patients. The contractors have completed the demolition of the tower, but work is still proceeding on the new fire-escapes.

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