H.—9

4

GEEYTOWN. I inspected this hospital on the evening of the 2nd March, 1886, finding only one patient under treatment—namely, a female suffering from ulcerated leg. On inquiry, I learned that five patients were occupying beds simultaneously some months ago. These were sufferers from typhoid fever. During the past twelve months about thirty in-patients have been admitted. Since my last inspection a new warder and matron have been appointed; and the very clean and orderly condition in which I found the whole of the hospital buildings and premises testifies to their efficiency and industry. I still adhere to my previously-expressed opinion that this hospital, however well it may be conducted, could well be dispensed with. 3rd March, 1886.

INVEECAEGILL. The hospital here was inspected by me on the 20th January, 1886, and I was conducted through every part of the establishment by Dr. Lowe, the Eesident Medical Officer. At present there are only seventeen patients occupying beds—viz., thirteen males and four females. Several of these belong to the incurable class, and one of the women is being separately treated in the detached lodge, as she is suffering from typhoid fever. The largest number of beds occupied simultaneously since my last visit was thirty. The wards, and, in fact, the whole establishment, is in its usual good order, but the male wards downstairs have a dingy and dull appearance. This is due to their situation, and to the srnallness of the windows, which should reach almost to the ceiling. The walls would be better for plastering and painting, did funds permit. lam not unmindful of the improvements which have been continuously effected in this hospital during the past three years, and of the very successful efforts of the Committee in raising funds locally for such purposes ; nor would I say anything to discourage them: but the poverty-stricken appearance of these 'wards is very striking to one who has just visited other hospitals better planned and constructed. When any further enlargement of the building takes place—which cannot be at a very distant date —it is to be hoped that a large and airy modern ward will be added. lam of opinion that the beds are too numerous in the present small wards, especially when patients suffering from phthisis occupy several of them. It is pleasing to find the old detached fever ward (I had almost written fever nest) gone at last, and a good brick building to replace it rapidly approaching completion. This will contain two wards, for three beds each, with a nurse's room between them. There is. also a small special ward and a bath-room. I see no provision for washing up the crockery, &c, used for meals, which should certainly be done on the spot. The cooking may without clanger be performed in ihe general kitchen. There is no other structural or other alteration to remark upon. The books are properly kept. The out-patients' register shows a large attendance almost daily under this category. It is difficult to understand how they can ail be in " indigent " circumstances; but I find that nearly all of them bring recommendations from the Committee, who continue to devote a great deal of time and attention to the welfare of this hospital.

LAWEENCE. This hospital was visited on the 15th January, 1886. There were resident at this date eleven male patients and four female; total, fifteen. One of these, an old man, belongs to the " refuge " class, but makes himself useful about the outside premises. As many as twenty-two beds have been occupied upon one occasion since my last inspection. My visit was a very unexpected one, but I found all in good order. Changes have been made in the staff since my last report, which was, in some respects, an unfavourable one. Mr. and Mrs. Duffy, the new steward and matron, have brought matters into much better order—all untidiness has disappeared, and everything is neat and clean. I noticed a number of additional articles of furniture and ornament which have been placed in the wards, such as screens, looking-glasses, boxes for stores, and pictures (unframed). There were also many glasses containing cut flowers. White counterpanes have been introduced, and are kept scrupulously clean. A filter has also been provided, and a safe, in which the milk is kept cool and fresh. Much, however, remains to be done before the large ward for males can be considered furnished. The bedsteads are ricketty and out of date, while the forms provided as seats are not suitable for invalids, who should have the use of comfortable chairs and couches. Iron bedsteads with woven-wire mattrasses are now obtainable at small cost, and " mechanical beds," affording much relief both to patient and nurse, are also to be had. That patented by Mr. Jowsey, of Timaru, is especially to be commended for its simplicity and variety of purposes. There is a good stock of bed and other linen in the store-room, which, for convenience of keeping a variety of goods, has been partitioned into two parts. The supply of water from the underground tank has not failed during the present drought; but it would be very desirable to lay on a supply from the town mains, available for flushing urinals and for other important uses. With the exception of a night-warder, the steward and matron have no assistants, and they perform the whole of the domestic work and the washing. Under such circumstances, the condition I found the hospital in is the best evidence of their ability and industry. Dr. Withers, the Medical Officer, resides in a newly-built detached house on the premises, and continues to render excellent service. • I had the opportunity of Consulting with him as to some cases of serious nature now under his care. A case-book (rara avis) is here kept and duly entered up. The register provided by Government has fallen into disuse, but should not be neglected further.