H.—Bl

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Milton, 2 ; Kelso, 2 ; Catlins, 2 ; Green Island, L; Heriot, 1 ; Wanaka, I; Greytown, 1 ; Hampden, 1 ; Palmerston, 1 ; Waitati, 1. Visited on 25th January and 29th March. On the first visit I was much disappointed with the general appearance of this institution. The grounds were untidy, and the only sign of recent activity noticeable was some recently fallen trees —a very doubtful improvement. On the occasion of my later visit the place was in much better order. On both occasions it was evident that the patients were contented and professionally well cared for. At a subsequent meeting of the Otago Board I did not support a proposal to enlarge this institution. It is reassuring to gather from the Medical Superintendent's report that a great deal of work has been done by the patients during the past year. Fever Hospital. Medical staff, stipendiary : H. Short, M.B. Matron : Elizabeth J. Young, R.N. Localities from whence patients came: Dunedin, 27 ; Suburbs, 12; Seacliff, 1; Taieri, 1; Anderson's Bay, 2 ; Middlemarch, 3 ; Milton, 2. Maternity Hospital. Medical staff, honorary : F. R. Riley, F.R.C.S. (Eng.). Medical staff, stipendiary : L. Russell Ritchie, M.8., M.R.C.S. (Eng.). Matron : R. M. Every, R.N., R.M. Localities from whence patients came : Oamaru, 3; Timaru, 1; Greymouth, 1; Mosgiel, 3 ; South Otago, 2 ; Invercargill, 2 ; Central, 3 ; Southland, 4 ; suburbs, 37 ; Dunedin, 116. Visited 27th March, 1914. Only 3 patients in bed. 4 waiting. There is great need of an isolation ward at this Hospital, there being no provision for isolating any infectious or suspicious case. Tapanui Hospital. Medical staff, honorary : William Robertson, M.R.C.S. (Eng.). Matron : Sister Naismith, R.N. Localities from whence patients came : Country, 50; town, 9. Visited on Ist April, 1914. There were eight patients. Since the opening in November, 1912, there had been 76 cases in this small Hospital. The building has not been very well carried out, and will shortly need renovation. Kaitangata Hospital. i Medical staff, honorary : Bruce Baird, M.8., Ch.B. Matron : Fanny Clements. Localities from whence patients came : Kaitangata Borough, Balcultha Borough, Bruce County, Clutha County. on 30th March, 1914. There was one patient. The Hospital is frequently empty. There had been 40 cases during the year, but many of these were adenoid cases which remained only a short time. The Hospital makes a good nucleus for a district nurse and for emergency accident cases, but is scarcely required for any other purpose. The place was in good order. Port Chalmers Hospital. Medical staff, honorary : W. H. Borrie, M.8., CM. ; G. Hodges, M.8., CM. Matron ; Amelia Veitch, R N. Localities from whence patients came : Port Chalmers, 3 ; Dunedin, 1; Wickliffe Bay. 1; Oamaru, 1. Visited on 31st March. 191 I. No patients. The Hospital has been made little use of. The number of patients has declined from 11 in 1911 to sin 1913. It serves a purpose as an emergency ward, but should have been much smaller. Tuapeka Hospital. Medical staff, stipendiary : William Sutherland, M.8., B.Ch. Matron : •). Drew. Locality from whence patients came : Tuapeka County. Visited on 31st January, 1914. Although there is room for some 27 patients in this Hospital, including isolation and maternity wards, there were only 4 patients in the institution at the time of my visit. The place was in excellent order, though considerable improvements are needed in the drainage. The town water-supply is not reliable, and the water used in the kitchen comes from an underground rain-water tank. I consider it will be possible for the Otago Board to make some further use of this institution. The Medical Officer receives £300 a year and also house, fuel, and light. This seems a large sum to pay a Medical Officer, who would be well recompensed at a salary of £1(X) per annum and his house.