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The modern active psychiatric treatments such as electric convulsive therapy, electric narcosis, and sub-coma insulin have continued to be used as routine. Our successes with these treatments have continued, and one important factor brought about by these therapies has been the reduction in the period of hospitalization now required for the recoverable cases. The rebuilding progresses slowly and the overcrowding figure at the end of the year was 352 patients. Villas 7 and 8 were completed and occupied during the year, whilst Villa 6 should be ready for occupation early in the New Year. The sewing-room female occupational therapy block is in the process of construction, whilst another year closes with the new laundry block still not in use owing to theincomplete installation of machinery. Next major work to commence is the male admission and treatment block, which, when completed and occupied, will permit reorganization of the Rauta Block for female patients only. The plans for the administrative block have been finalized, and although a commencement as soon as possible of the work is desired it is appreciated that buildings for patient accommodation and overcoming overcrowding in wards has the definite priority. The male staff shortage in recent years has enabled us to house the reduced number of staff living in, but if staff become available in any way approaching the normal staff establishment additional provision will have to be made for male staff accommodation. Provision should be made for an attendants' home as soon as building-materials and available labour will permit. The general appearance of the hospital was improved during 1948 by the painting of various buildings. In addition, much needed equipment, hospital and domestic, has been installed, and the refurnishing of the older wards has continued. Considerable attention has been given to fire protection. Sprinkler systems have been installed in F Ward and a portion of the Lower Buildings. It is anticipated that the remaining wards will be provided with this system during the coming year. The automatic alarm system has also been extended. Much progress has been made with our road-sealing programme, but there is still a good deal to be done in grading and sealing of the surrounds of the new villas. I hope that the Ministry of Works will find it possible to complete this at an early date. Occupational-therapy work has been extended, and we have now four Occupational Therapists attached to the staff. Our farm and gardening activities have produced satisfactory results. The hospital has been fortunate in the sustained interest displayed by individuals and organizations in making provision for entertainment and extra comforts for the patients. It is not possible to name all these, but I particularly desire to thank the Joint Council of the Order of St. John and New Zealand Red .Cross Society for the very keen interest taken in the welfare of ex-servicemen patients. • Recreation and entertainment for patients has been well catered for. Picnics, dances r visits to theatres, bus drives, &c., have been provided for and much appreciated. In addition, a considerable sum has been made available through the Comforts Fund topatients for personal spending. The staff as a whole is to be commended for the good work done during the year,, in many cases under difficulties which are inevitably associated with the rebuilding of a large institution such as this. B. D. Hart, Medical Superintendent.

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