H.—7

12

beyond bounds unattended. The case of tlie.se patients is considered from every aspect before parole is granted, and is always under review In 46 cases, equally divided between the sexes, there is deemed to be a good chance of recovery, and 30 are being treated with the same object, though hope of success is more remote. The recreation of the patients and stall' is well considered, and the relations between them appear to be harmonious. The food served during the visit was i>l , good quality and sufficient quantity. Progress i« being made in installing a cold-store, the necessity for which has at times been felt in the summer months. The most cordial relations exist between the chaplain (the Rev. Mr. Smail) and the patients. He continues to be a frequent visitor to the wards and to take an interest in the patients' amusements, and is rewarded by a large number attending Divine service. 1 went over all parts of the farm, and was very pleased witli the quality and condition of the stock. The success in sales of young bulls, the progeny of Carpet Prince, warrants paying a good price for another bull, provided it has the qualities we seek. The purchase of a small threshingplant would soon repay itself. A cottage should be provided for Mr, Bloor, the farm-manager, now confirmed in his appointment. A site near the byres has been surveyed, and the plans artready. If the land now leased could be purchased at a reasonable price it should be bought. When negotiations were opened some time back an agreement could not be come to owing to large differ ence between the estimated value placed on the property by the buyers and sellers respectively. The books and registers were examined, and found up to date and neatly and correctly kept. 13th July, 1911. I spent this afternoon at the Mental Hospital, giving some special interviews and checking .some items selected at random in the store, finding them exactly right in every case. The visit was too brief to record. Everything seen was, as at my last report, in good order. The number of patients resident was 658 (m., 344; f., 314).

SEACLIFF MENTAL HOSPITAL. 28th January, 1911. Finishing with a night round, 1 yesterday completed a scries of visits to this Mental Hospital, including the Auxiliary Hospital at Waitati and the institution on the Otago Peninsula known as The Camp. I also took the opportunity of the dry season to satisfy myself on the potentialities of the proposed new water-supply by visiting the source of the Waitiripaka Creek. On the books there are described as resident 814 patients (m., 503; f.. 341), and 42 (m., 40; f.. 2) as on probation. All the resident patients were seen during the course of the visits, 787 at Seacliff and 57 at Waitati. Bach had an opportunity to speak to mc, and I conversed with many. No rational complaint was made igainst the management or treatment, and the patients who approached mc with the object of facilitating their discharge had their cases reviewed, and I had no difficulty in deciding that their detention was necessary for their own good or in the public interest. The number of patients under special-observation notices is 36 (vi.. 23; !'., 13); the number of epileptics is 82 (m.. 55; f., 27) —17 of the 55 are in the special building at Waitati for the beet-conducted; 12 males labour under general paralysis; the number of those classified as suicidal is 32 (m., 17; f., 15). and as dangerous 81 (m., 10; I., 71). The 71 is disproportionately large, but is accounted for by transfers from this institution which have taken place in the past, leaving a larger proportional residuum of violently inclined patients who, because of their mental condition, were unfit for transfer. The above numbers include most of the patients whose v:ux' is a source of anxiety to the responsible officials. The number of patients in whose case recovery is regarded as possible is set down at 39 (m., 24; f., 5), and these are naturally the subjects of special treatment. The number of patients who require to be fed or are assisted to wash and dress is 106 (m.. 39 ; f., 67). These added to the above include most of the patients that are the particular care of the nursing staff. At Waitati all are fit foi employment, to attend Divine service, and to join in recreations. Of the patients resident at Seacliff, 787 (m., 446; f., 341), the number attending Divine service is 112 (m., 77; f., 35), and a very small fraction do not join in recreations, while the number usefully employed is 531 (m., 345 ; f., 186). The number of men on parole is 172. I found all parts of the institution clean and in good order, and the general health of the patients good. The food served during the visit was abundant and of good quality. Owing to the dry weather there has been ;> shortage of water, but by careful conservation of the supply the crisis is being tided over. I conferred with Dr. King about some necessary works, and decided upon the following as the most urgent : At the Simla Annexe, the addition of two new dormitories and a day-room, twelve single rooms, and a sunk enclosing-fence, in order to better classify the refractory cases by removing to this building the less disturbed, and transferring them when more trustworthy to the open-door part of Simla. At the Byres Annexe, the addition of a sitting-room for the patients, and one for the staff, is « necessity, and can be carried out economically. In the main building. No. 2 ward, front dormitory, should be converted into a day-room, as was done on the women's side some time ago with great benefit. The extra accommodation at. Simla will permit of this being carried out. T found the patients at Waitati happy and comfortable under Dr. Donald's care, and was pleased with the arrangements for the welfare of the patients at the Camp under Mr. Boys. I went into the question of selecting .■' visiting medical officer for this institution. I have pleasure in indorsing Dr. King's opinion of the good work done by Dr. Tizard at Seacliff, and of recording the highly satisfactory state in which the work of this large institution is being carried out.