H.—3l

100

Oamaru Hospital. . Medical staff, honorary: J. Whitton, M.D. ; R. G. S. Orbell, M.D. ; W. Hargreaves, M.D.. M.R.C.S. (Eng.). Medical staff, stipendiary : J. Scott, M.B, Ch.B. (Edin.). Matron : A. G. Keddie, R.N. Localities from whence patients came: Waitaki County, 128; Oamaru, 103; South Canterbury, 7 ; Shipping, 1 ; Wellington, 1 ; Southland, 1 ; North Canterbury, 1 ; Ashburton, 1 ; No address, 2. Visited on 6th April, 1914. There were 21 patients. There had been 245 patients during the last year. New American stoves had been put in the wards, which were found much better for heating and use less coal in the fireplaces. They are rather unsightly. The new shelter for consumption, in which were 2 patients, is not altogether a success. There is no ventilation on the south side, and the asbestos ceiling is not well put on, and will need refixing. The Hospital was in very good order. Other Charitable Institutions. Door of Hope, Auckland. Visited on 30th January, 1914. There were 14 girls in, and 13 babies for special treatment. A midwife trained at St. Helen's is assisting the Matron. The whole place is scrupulously clean, and is doing excellent work. The maternity work is carried out in conjunction with St. Mary's, Otahuhu. Home for Aged Needy, Wellington. Visited on 6th July, 1914. There were 42 inmates. The Home presented its usual very comfortable aspect, and the inmates —many of an advanced age —were in fair health. Karitane Harris Baby Hospital. Visited on 15th April. There were 17 babies. There is now room for 21. One room is to be made into an incubator for premature babies, heated by steam. Some rooms are to be added outside for the purpose of taking in a few nursing mothers with their babies. Hawke's Bay Children's Homes. Visited on 7th March. At the Girls' Home there were 33 girls, at the Boys' 17. This is a comfortable and well-kept Home. The children looked well and happy. A small building had been added for any epidemic of sickness, but had not yet been occupied. Mount Magdala, Christchurch. Visited on 11th April, 1914. There were 186 women. New baths and sanitary fittings are to be put in, and are badly needed. The old rooms in which epileptic and dirty inmates are housed should be pulled down. They are insanitary and badly ventilated. It is intended to build a new dormitory and dining-hall for inmates when funds are available. This Home is a boon for the class of women and girls who are taken in and cared for by the nuns. Many have spent numbers of years there. In the Children's Home, which is quite distinct, were 82 little girls from three years of age to fourteen. The elder ones were employed in the week-end cleaning. The chUdren are carefully educated, and the seven girls in the Sixth Standard all obtained a proficiency pass. *