E.=*

On the side of recreation, a large, attractive, open pavilion has been put up facing the bowlinggreen. A great improvement has been effected in the bakery by installing an up-to-date plant. A, milking-machine apparatus, set up in the main farm buildings, is also doing excellent work. The most urgent needs which ought to be met in 1915 are- (1) Improved bathing facilities; (2) suitable accommodation for patients suffering from tuberculosis; (3) a separate quarter for socalled " criminal lunatics " ; (4) further accommodation for female patients ; (5) additions and improvements to the main kitchen. Farm and garden returns for the year have been very satisfactory. There has been some fallingoff in the fishing returns, and steps have been taken to improve this source of food-supply, which hasHbecome doubly important owing to the war. The Orokonui Branch Mental Hospital has been well and harmoniously run by Dr. Ross and his staff ; but more means should be provided for the adequate development of this institution, as it could then further relieve Seacliff. .. - :.:..; ...?... The Camp Auxiliary at the Peninsula continues to be well conducted. I have to thank Dr. Gray, Dr. Ross, and other colleagues for their loyal help and support at. alltimes. V Religious services have been held by various denominations throughout the year. .:.;.: :.,"', The thanks of the authorities are due to the Otago Daily Times and Witness Company and-to the Evening Star Company for newspapers supplied free, and also to other donors and entertainers who have contributed to the amenities of our institutions,. .. F. Triiby Kino.

PORIRUA MENTAL HOSPITAL. During the year 1914 the total number of patients under treatment was 1,159, and the average number resident 908. We commenced with 892 on the register, and ended, with 946 (523 males and 423 females). Of the 267 patients admitted, 219 (138 males and 81 females) were admitted for the first time. 127 patients were discharged recovered, which makes a recovery-rate .of slightly over 48. per cent, of the number admitted. Fifty-six patients died, a ratio of 6-16 per cent, of the average number in residence. The recovery-rate was 8 per cent, and the death-rate 1-1 per cent. less than in the previous year. T observe that after the declaration of War there was a decline in the average number of admissions per month, as far as male patients were concerned, but a fairly Well-marked, increase in the number of female patients admitted. The numbers dealt with, however, are too small to Warrant me in coming to any conclusion on the question whether the war has had any appreciable influence on the incidence of insanity in this part of the Dominion. Dr. McKillop, who has done very good work at this mental hospital since October, 1911, as-Senior Assistant Medical Officer, and who had had training and experience in military duty in England, obtained leave in August to join the New Zealand Military Force. He received a commission, in the Army Medical Corps of the Expedition which went to Samoa. He subsequently returned to Wellington and joined the Second Reinforcements which proceeded to Egypt. Dr. Simpson, the Junior Medical Officer, whose value I appreciated, was transferred to Christchurch Mental Hospital at the end of January. His position here was not filled except for a short time during April and May, when Dr. Davie acted as locum tenons. The difficulty of obtaining medical men to fill vacancies on the staff which was felt in the first half of the year Was greatly accentuated on the outbreak of war. When Dr. McKillop joined the Army in August I was left without any resident assistant. None Was obtainable, but, fortunately, Dr. Graham Robertson, who had just given up general practice in this district, offered to act as a non-resident assistant, which he continued to do until the end of the year. No changes in the higher officials of the various departments of the institution have taken place. Two new appointments were sanctioned —a Sub-Matron and an assistant head.attendant. The former was filled by Miss Hamil, who was a charge nurse at Seacliff, and the latter by Mr. James Brown, who was charge night attendant here. Both, I believe, will do good service in their new positions, which were designed to give more effective supervision of the nursing staff. Among the attendants, changes were brought about by the war. Seven of them on the permanent staff and several of the probationers joined the New Zealand Forces which went to the front, and it is pleasing to note that one of the latter —W. Singleton—has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. Another probationary attendant —A. E. Gascoigne, a young man of exceptional promise— who enlisted Was killed in action at the Dardanelles. During the year the two large day-rooms referred to last year—one for male and one for female patients —were in course of building, and have since been completed and occupied. The site for the new auxiliary block containing wards for recent cases and invalids was prepared. T trust that this important addition will be completed and ready for use before the end of 1915, as our present accommodation, especially for female patients, is overtaxed. The general health of the patients has been good, No epidemic of consequence or serious accident has occurred. Gray Hassell. . :

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