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In conclusion, I wish to express my appreciation to the various branches of religion for their work here, and also to the staff generally for their continued loyal help and co-operation. J. U. Williams, Medical Superintendent.

SEAVIEW HOSPITAL I have the honour to submit my report for the year ended 1948. The number of cases under care during the year was 552 (273 males and 279 females). The admissions numbered 20 (9 males and 11 females). There were 8 transfers (5 males and 3 females), and 13 voluntary boarders (7 males and 6 females). Patients discharged were 17 (12 males and 5 females), voluntary boarders 14 (7 males and 7 females), while there were 10 transfers (8 males and 2 females). There were 20 deaths (9 males and 11 females). At the end of the year 5 males and 6 females were on probation. The general health of the patients has been good, but a large number of our patients are now getting into the aged group, only about one-third being under fifty. Dr. W. O'Reilly was appointed to the staff on 2nd July, 1948, and his willing co-operation and assistance has been appreciated. Clinics have been held monthly at the Grey River Hospital and occasional visits made to the Westland Hospital. Co-operation with the Westland Hospital continues, and I am indebted to Mr. Smart, Surgeon-Superintendent, for giving the patients the benefit of his advice, hospital investigation, and treatment. Mr. Pready attended a course of instruction in occupational therapy at Avondale, and since his return successful occupational-therapy classes have been instituted, one of the older, smaller buildings on the male side, being converted for this purpose. As yet no Occupational Therapist has been appointed. Electro convulsive therapy has been carried out on suitable patients. Mr. Robinson took up his duties as Head Attendant on 4th February, 1948, and is installed in the new cottage which was finished about the end of February. In keeping with the Department's policy, the patients are now wearing more varied and better types of clothing, and the wards of the hospital are being partly refurnished and renovated and better equipped. The sound projector has been useful in implementing the work of teaching. The usual routine of farming and gardening has been carried out satisfactorily and maintenance work done as far as possible, but prolonged sickness has affected one member of the artisan staff. Recreation and amusement has been carried on as usual. The local societies have given help in various ways, and thanks are due to the Hokitika Band, the Racing Club, and the various ladies' committees for assisting at or providing for local functions both at and away from the hospital. The clergy make frequent visits, hold regular services, and take an interest in the patients generally. The water-supply has been unsatisfactory and we have to constantly call on the borough for relief. The hospital generally is badly in need of painting, and the plumbing is in bad state. It is hoped that this will be soon remedied as labour and supplies become more plentiful. There is still an acute shortage of staff on the female side, and they ably do much extra work to overcome this disability. I wish to thank the staff generally for their help during the year. T. W. J. Childs, Medical Superintendent.

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