H.--7.

buildings are clean and comfortable, the staff efficient, and the grounds and surroundings beautiful. All who have relatives here may rely on it chat they are well treated and cared for. The cottage has been made very attractive and comfortable. Visited by Deputy Inspector, 27th August, 1901, and 9th February, 1902.

MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENTS' REPORTS. AUCKLAND ASYLUM. Sib — I have the honour to forward my report for 1901. Our population increased during the year from 487 to 515. Unfortunately the admission-rate continues high. It is pleasing, however, to note that only thirty-seven female patients were admitted ; and it was fortunate, both for ourselves and for the patients, that that was so. Our accommodation for females is overtaxed, and with an average increase present discomforts and difficulties would have been intensified. The average number of patients resident for the year was 502-25 ; the percentage of recoveries, 40-7 —males, 32-89 ; females, 56-75—and the percentage of deaths, 7-17. Of those who died, 222 per cent, were tuberculous. I regret to record that four cases of typhoid fever came under treatment during the first three months of the year. These are the only cases I have had to deal with since I first became connected with the Asylum. One male and one female attendant and one male and one female patient were attacked. The male attendant, who had been ill for probably a fortnight before making complaint, died a few days afterwards. He was a young man of more than average ability and one of the best attendants I have had. His loss was severely felt by myself and by the whole staff, with whom he was a general favourite. lam of opinion that his condition was clearly traceable to the Auckland City nightsoil depot at Point Chevalier. The other three cases, which were probably due to the first, recovered. The general health of the patients has been good, although we have now a large number of old and feeble patients, who are gradually showing signs of more rapid decay. The usual work of the Asylum has progressed very favourably during the year, whilst a large amount of work has been done in the ventilation of the main building and in various unseen directions. The new female airing-court was opened early in the summer, and has proved a great acquisition. The female patients now having about 3 acres of ground for recreation, have become less difficult to control, and consequently less irksome to the nurses, whilst the general health has much improved, and the constant friction and irritations induced by more cramped confinement have been to a large extent removed. The new male hospital wing was opened in October. It is the most convenient portion of our Asylum. It is sun-exposed for the whole day, and commands an extensive view of the upper reaches of the harbour and many miles of landscape. I desire again to draw attention to the urgent need for increased female accommodation. We are unfortunate in this Asylum in having a very large refractory female population, and our indoor accommodation for these patients is quite inadequate. I am pleased that my suggestions for increasing the accommodation have been approved, and I trust that there will be no unnecessary delay in authorising the commencement of the work. My thanks are again due to the officers and staff for their loyalty and devotion to duty; to the Official Visitors, who exhibit unfailing interest in the welfare of the patients and the Asylum, and who are always ready to assist me with solicited advice ; and to the Fire-brigade's Band, and the proprietors of the Herald, for music and newspapers furnished gratuitously. I have, &c, E. M. Beattie, The Inspector-General of Asylums, Wellington. Medical Superintendent.

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