H.—7

10

pleted, alterations can be effected in the main building, and then the classification in this institution will be satisfactory. The connection of our drainage with the town system is being pushed. Sunnyside. —Visited July, August, September, October, November, December, 1913, and in March and April, 1914. The new ward for women is pleasant and convenient. The fire mentioned elsewhere made it necessary to concentrate the energies of the artisan staff in providing temporary accommodation, but we are now in a position to tackle the large building programme detailed in Dr. Gow's report. I wrote last year about the ill-planned interior of the old building, which was also commented upon in the report of the Commission. When the new buildings are up some modifications in the old will be curried out. The current for electric lighting is about to be obtained from the Lake Coleridge supply. We expect to get this at a cost per unit which will enable us to use it for heating single rooms and dormitories and for electrifying some of the present machinery. Mr. Smail is a daily visitor, moving freely among the patients at all times, and I can endorse what Dr. Gow has stated of his kindness and tact in dealing with them and the success of his efforts in contributing to their well-being. Seacliff. —Visited February, June, August, October, and December, 1913, and in March and April of this year. A number of important works are in progress. These completed, further extension will be on the women's side, leaving additions for males at Waitati whicb is still in a developmental state. The hospital was in the usual good condition, as were also the institutions at Waitati and Ihe Camp. Hokitika. —Visited April, July, and October, 1913, and March of this year. As usual, everything satisfactory. The time is not distant when some of the older buildings will need to be renewed. A start will shortly be made by adding a small sick-ward. Nelson. —Visited June and December, 1913, and March of this year. Dr. Mackay retired on superannuation on the 31st March of this year. He left the institution beloved by the patients and regretted by the staff. Dr. Jeffreys, the Senior Assistant Medical Officer, Seacliff, was appointed Superintendent, a well-merited promotion. Parts of this hospital are old, wooden, and will need to be rebuilt, but the initial step in the scheme of rebuilding is a new kitchen, plans for which are now prepared. The Richmond Home for boys has suffered a great loss in the retirement of Mr. and Mrs. Buttle, who managed it from the beginning, and whose attitude towards tin , little patients was parental. The institution is too small, and the site too small to justify extension, therefore it will have to be moved elsewhere. Meantime Dr. and Mrs. Howard have taken over the management. Porir-ua. —Visited January, February, March. September, November, December, 1913, and January, March, and May this year. There was nothing calling for particular comment. The buildings now in progress will make this a very complete institution. Tokaniii. —Visited frequently in the earlier part and in July, September, November of last year, also in February, April, and May of this year. Pending the electric-light installation, &c, the buildings are not used to their Fullest extent; but additional buildings are on the way, and when the permanent kitchen, laundry. &c., are in working-order, as they soon will be, the number accommodated can be more than doubled. A water-service under pressure is being considered. Mr. Vickerman, of the Public Works Department, presented a very valuable report on this subject. The work being done on the estate, developing the land and roadmaking, A-c, is exceptionally good. Ashburn Hall. —Visited June and October, 1913, and March and April this year. Always found in good order, clean and comfortable, the meals well cooked and served, and the patients looking well cared for. Conclusion. Last month there was a conference of the Medical Superintendents. It was most pleasant and helpful. Upon this occasion and the former conference a year ago the time was taken up mostly witli staff and building matters. Doubtless the conference will now be a yearly fixture, and will be the occasion for discussing questions of care and treatment, of the failure or success of different methods, and so forth, matters of practical and scientific interest, as well as routine questions of rules and regulations. I have to thank Dr. G-ribben and Miss Maclean for their assistance, and Mr. Router and the Head Office staff for their loyal co-operation. I have, &c, Franr Hay.

MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENTS' REPORTS. AUCKLAND MENTAL HOSPITAL. Sir, — I have the honour to report as follows for the year 1913 : — During the year we treated 1,091 patients: of these, 246 were admitted in 1913. The total remaining at the end of the year was 896, of whom 552 were males and .344 females. The chief causes assigned for the mental affliction of the males were alcohol, heredity, and syphilis, in the order mentioned, and for the females climacteric and heredity. As usual, more single than married men were admitted, and more married than single women. Of the males, 96 were single and only 48 married; of the women, 40 were single and 43 married.