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In last year's report I commented on the fact tliat on the male side there was cause for apprehension because of the damage being done to the structure because of the slipping ground, and the position there has deteriorated. There is one large crack in particular which seems to have widened much further, and at the roof-level there is a considerable gap. There have been the usual troubles with the water-mains and the sewers. The provision of a new main sewer running above ground is proposed, and this should be a great help from the point of view of sanitation and from the saving in labour. The farm and garden have had a satisfactory year and the provision of more mechanized equipment has been a great help. The treatment of patients with electro shock in new and recent cases has now become almost common-place, but the extension of it to patients whose illnesses have been of long standing has shown gratifying results. While it does not and cannot be expected to effect cures in the ordinary sense of the word, it has a very distinct effect on behaviour disorders and allows many patients to lead happier and more useful institutional lives. Further leucotomy operations have been performed by Mr. Murray Falconer, and it is hoped later to present you with a report on the results obtained in his first forty case's. I am happy to report that the recreational facilities for the patients have been greatly improved, particularly in the matter of outings. This year marked the centennial of this province, and to every one of the public functions and celebrations parties of patients were sent, usually by bus. At the beginning of the summer it was possible to hire two buses each Sunday to take parties to the beaches and the other picnic spots in the district; this is Qontinuing. A canteen has been opened at the Orokonui Home, and it appears to be greatly appreciated. The usual clinics in Dunedin Hospital and in the outlying towns were conducted by the medical staff. I have to thank many organizations who gave concerts and entertainments, and express my gratitude to Mr. A. Steven, who organized most of them. The Official Visitors and chaplains from the various churches have paid regular visits and have been very helpful indeed. I wish to thank all members of the staff for the work they have done, despite many difficulties. Malcolm Brown, Medical Superintendent.

Table I —Showing the Admissions, Readmissions, Discharges, and Deaths in Mental Hospitals During the Year 1948 M. F. T. In mental hospitals, Ist Janaury, 1948 .. .. .. .. 4,567 4,141 8,708 M. ¥. T. Admitted for the first time .. .. .. 524 607 1,131\ AR£) 7Qn , , Q!) Readmitted .. 128 173 301/ b6/ /8U Total under care during the year .. .. .. .. 5,219 4,921 10,140 Discharged and died — Recovered . . .. .. . . 210 325 535 Not recovered .. .. .. .. 118 102 220 Died .. .. .. .. ..279 274 553 607 701 1,308 (Not including transfers : males, 134 ; females, 117.) Remaining in mental hospitals, 31st December, 1948 .. ~ .. 4,612 4,220 8,832 Increase on 31st December, 1947 . . . .. .. .. 45 79 124 Average number resident during the year .. .. .. .. 4,339 3,806 8,145

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