H.—3.

After much turmoil, this institution has entered on what, I hope, will be a long period of effective and peaceful work. I think there will be a danger to the efficiency of the nursing staff if the proportion of experienced nurses to probationers is allowed to fall by pressing economy too far. It is a great pity that a proper supply of hot water was not provided for the fever wards. This ought to be remedied as soon as possible, considering how important properly-regulated bathing has become in the treatment of typhoid fever. I noticed a considerable falling-off in the amount recovered from patients for their maintenance and treatment in the Hospital, and on inquiry I found that, since February, 1891, patients coming from the northern districts are charged only 3s. per day, while the daily cost per head is 4s. llfd. The grounds round the Hospital are not kept so well as they ought to be, and especially the tennislawn in front ought to be kept in better order. As a whole, this Hospital is thoroughly well managed, and deserves the confidence of the public. I am glad to find that the Board won their case on appeal against Lovett, for I am certain that surgeons all over the country would have found their position very embarrassing had it been otherwise. Nowadays many fractures and other injuries are successfully treated which formerly would have been held to necessitate immediate amputation ; and if the risk of failure which has to be faced in such cases were to be made a ground for actions of mal-praxis, wooden legs would be commoner than w T e hope to see them.

BLENHEIM HOSPITAL. Number of patients on 31st March, 1891 ... ... ... 21 Admitted during the year... ... ... ... ... 90 Total under treatment ... ... ... 11l Discharged ... ... ... ... ... ... 78 ' Died ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 Eemaining on 31st March, 1892 ... ... ... ... 25 Sex. —85 males, 26 females. Localities from which Patients came. —Marlborough, Wellington, Napier. Nationality. —English, 52 ; Irish, 16 ; Scotch, 10; Maori, 1; New Zealand, 27 ; German, 1; Victorian, 2 ; Chinese, 1; French, 1. Beligion. —Church of England, 67; Eoman Catholic, 23; Wesleyan, 8 ; Presbyterian, 11; Freethinker, 1; Confucian, 1. Total collective days' stay in hospital, 7,638; individual average days' stay, 68-81. Daily average cost per head, 3s. lid.; less patients' payments, 3s. 7Jd. Bevenue and Expendituee. Bevenue. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. From Government ... ... 743 15 4 Eations ... ... ... 477 13 1 Local bodies ... ... ... 629 5 5 Wines, spirits, ale, &c. ... 20 11 6 Patients'payments ... ... 126 7 0 Aerated waters ... ... 8 10 0 Surgery and dispensary ... 184 410 Fuel and light ... ... 70 10 0 Bedding and clothing ... ... 78 7 2 Furniture and earthenware ... 85 12 6 Washing and laundry ... ... 1000 Salaries and wages ... ... 427 19 4 Funerals ... ... ... 36 0 0 Eepairs ... ... ... 39 12 7 Printing, advertising, postage, and stationery ... ... ... 23 13 2 Interest ... ... ... 457 Insurance ... ... ... 11 0 0 Other expenses ... ... 21 8 0 Total ... ... £1,499 7 9 Total ... ... £1,499 7 9 This Hospital continues to be one of the most effective country hospitals in the colony. Its surgical record for the year is even brilliant. Dr. Cleghorn's success in cases of brain surgery shows what can be done by a man who keeps himself thoroughly abreast of the most recent developments of medical science.

CHAELESTON HOSPITAL. Number of patients on 31st March, 1891 ... ... ••■ 5 Admitted during the year ... ... ... ... ... 28 Total under treatment ... ... ... 33 Discharged ... ... ... ... ••• ... 25 Died ... ... ... ... ... ••• •■■ 4 Eemaining on 31st March, 1892 ... ... ••• .... 4

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