H.—9

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one. lam glad to notice some material improvements since my last visit. The room occupied by a warder—now dispensed with—has been made into a linen- and store-room, for which it is very well suited. The old linen-room has been converted into an excellent bath-room, supplied with both hot and cold water, and very conveniently placed for the use of female patients. The new kitchenrange furnishes the hot water here and also on the male side of the hospital, and works efficiently. The scullery has been divided by a partition, so as to form a store-room for groceries and other supplies. In the wards I noticed some new paillasses, and a large folding-screen presented by a lady. Some painting is badly wanted, the ward-doors looking shabby in this respect. Although nothing is lacking for the patients' comfort, yet an amount of untidiness is apparent, as has been noticed in previous reports. The floor of the large male ward is discoloured beyond the remedy of scrubbing. I recommend that the central part be covered with linoleum floor-cloth, and that the portions between and under the beds be darkly stained and waxed or varnished. The fever hospital has not been used for a considerable time ; it requires cleaning and dusting. The grass surrounding it should also be cut. I have made particular inquiries respecting the quantities of meat and other articles consumed. The supply of the former is liberal; but, considering the fact that the contract is not for " best joints " only, I do not find any evidence of extravagance in the order-book which I examined. The hospital is well looked after by the Committee, and Dr. Garland's services as Visiting Medical Officer are highly spoken of. Bth January, 1886.

PATEA. The establishment here called the "hospital" is scarcely worthy of the name, possessing as it does few of the comforts or appliances necessary for the proper treatment of the sick. Fortunately this class is not a numerous one, for three out of the four patients whom I found resident to-day would be fit inmates of a refuge. No such establishment exists, however, in the district. The rooms and belongings are kept very clean, and the best is certainly made by the warder of the poor means at his command; but there is a general appearance of abject poverty. The building has never yet been finished —the upper floor has not been lined, and admits the rain ; the outside badly requires painting ; sacks take the place of carpets, and the blankets and pillow-cases are worn into numerous holes. The front room, occupied by the four male patients, has been made more sightly and less draughty by papering its walls. This, and the provision of a portable zinc bath, are the only improvements which I have to note. The patients appear to be well looked after, and their dietary satisfactory. 20th February, 1886.

PICTON. This evening I paid a visit to the hospital. There are ton in-patients under treatment —nine males and one female. Several of the men would be more properly provided for in a refuge. As usual, I found every part of the establishment scrupulously clean and in the best possible order. Some small improvements have been made since my last visit, such as placing linoleum floor-cloth upon the kitchen-floor, and fencing in the estate. The steward and matron appear to me very well qualified for their position, and deserving of encouragement. 15th September, 1885.

EIVEETON. I inspected this hospital on the 19th January, 1886. There were three male and one female inpatients under treatment; but none of the cases were of a serious nature. A fortnight ago ten beds were occupied, and in October last as many as fourteen. The fever ward has not been required for its special use, but has been tenanted by ordinary patients when the other rooms have been full. No structural alterations have been made since my last report; but additions to the hospital are contemplated. The institution is to be a " separate " one under the Charitable Aid Act. I think the multiplication of large hospitals is a matter for regret. A cottage hospital in connection with the Invercargill establishment should have sufficed to meet the wants of the district. I found everything in good order and very clean. Some additional furniture and appliances have been procured, such as two iron bedsteads with mattrasses, and a good water-bed. Dr. Young has been succeeded by Dr. Nelson as Visiting Medical Officer.

. THAMES. On the 30th October, 1885, I made a thorough inspection of this hospital, its surroundings, and the Old Men's Eefuge. I found comparatively few beds in occupation, the patients numbering thirteen males and one female. During this month twelve have been admitted; the average for each calendar month reaching nearly twenty. Although my visit was paid at an early hour, I found everything, without exception, in excellent order, the atmosphere of the wards being perfectly free from bad odour or " stuffiness." A good deal has been done here since my last visit. The new surgical ward is in constant occupation, and is furnished with twelve iron bedsteads, provided with woven-wire stretchers. These were made by Hinckley and Co., of Auckland, at a cost of £3 each. They are very comfortable, and will doubtless prove serviceable. With some minor improvements in the patterns and details of these bedsteads, it would no longer be necessary to go outside the colony to procure what are required for our asylums and hospitals. Between the bedsteads are neat lockers ; some comfortable chairs, a pembroke table, commode, and chiffoniere completing the furniture. There are Venetian blinds to the windows, and good linoleum on the floor in the centre of the ward. When the walls have been painted and decorated with pictures this ward will have a very cheerful and even handsome appearance. The new operating-room is also very good in its way—well lighted