H.—7

10

Sunnyside. —Visited in February and September, .1918, and in January, February, and May, 1919. I have mentioned elsewhere the additions about to be carried out and the Peception Block being fitted for occupation. The laundry cannot now do the work, and extension will need to be undertaken. Meanwhile a proportion of the washing is sent to Mount Magdala. The temporary adjustments in the kitchen permit of its working fairly satisfactorily, but we hope to get, the new kitchenpans and make the kitchen thoroughly efficient. On the farm a building to house implements is badly wanted. Dr. Gribben will doubtless mention in his report the satisfactory working of the home farm, and that at Templcton. It remains for us to add the term " creditable," knowing the personal interest he has taken in the matter. Owing to the slackening off of repairs and renovations during the, war a lot will need to be done, especially on the male side, where the old plaster is disintegrating and patching has proved unsatisfactory. The, problem will reed to be tackled and replastering carried, out ward by ward, and until this is done, money spent in decoration is wasted. The different departments of this Hospital are working well. The cinema entertainments are much appreciated, and the conduct of the patients viewing the pictures in. large numbers has been uniformly good. The shortage of the female staff is remarkable, considering that few will ever have been better off than they are in. the Nurses' Home. Seacliff. —Visited in February and September, 1918, and in February, 1919, when Dr. Cow, the Deputy Inspector-General, was doing relief duty at the Hospital. The ground-slip mentioned in my last report, together with the indifferent water-supply at (Seacliff proper, has determined additions which would have been put up in the slip area being transferred to Waitati. The laundry also requires considerable extension, and this also should be transferred to Waitati, where there is a. sufficient, water-supply, leaving a small laundry at Seacliff for urgent, work. , With the facilities provided by motor traction the main laundry could be economically worked at Waitati. Tin; central bathroom is about to be started. A new water-reservoir has been erected above Simla, where the sanitary arrangements have been remodelled. The staff shortage has been least felt at this Hospital, and the work of the year has been up to its usual standard. Dr. Jeffreys is still acting for Dr. King, whose leave has been extended to complete the special work he is doing in England. A number of minor works are, to be carried out at. Seacliff and Waitati, in addition to those enumerated elsewhere in this report. Hokitika.- Visited in February and September, 1918, and in February and June, 1919. Tt was decided to place this institution under a Medical Superintendent, but owing to the absence of medical officers at the front the appointment has been delayed. It will be made during the current year, on the retirement of Mr. Sellers, the. return of Dr. King, and other contingencies permitting the readjustment of the medical staff. There are few admissions here, and every now and then the vacant accommodation is filled to relieve other institutions. The institution is old, and will need to be rebuilt bit by bit. The, institution is most scrupulously clean, and in spite of its age and shortcomings is comfortable. Nelson.- Visited in January and December, 1918, and in June, 1919. Everything working smoothly. Another instalment to the rebuilding is about to be gone on with. The patients are comfortable, because the old building is kept fresh and clean. Dr. Mc.Killop is Acting Superintendent. in the absence of Dr. Jeffreys. Porirua. —Visited in February, July, September, and. December, 1918, and in March and April, 1919. The new Reception Hospital is evidently filling a. need, and we have had many appreciative letters from patients and their relatives. Dr. Hassell has had the assistance of Drs. Prins and Macphorson in carrying on the administration of this large institution th ough another successful year. There is an excess of patients on the female side, which in due, course will be, relieved by transfer to Tokanui. The drainage system has been completed ; the septic-tank effluents are now piped into the harbour. We lease some Maori land in connection with the farm, and, as the leases are running out, we should consider the question of purchase. The buying of stock and doing our own killing for meat-supply is contemplated; Under the will of the late Mr. R. C. Bruce a sum of £500 was left to Porirua. This considerate and kindly legacy is much appreciated. I discussed its application with the trustees, and it was decided to purchase a first-class cinematograph outfit for the patients' recreation. Tokanui. —Visited in February, August, November, 1918, and in January, 1919. The development which was set back owing to the war is now to be. pushed on, and 'n anticipation we are erecting a building for twenty working patients and staff at ?n end of the estate remote from the, present institution buildings. The Prisons Department have completed a well-graded road through the property past the proposed site, of the ultimate main institution. The many works in progress or contemplated this year are mentioned elsewhere in the report. Some uneasiness has been caused by the fact that the water (which is otherwise pure and a good potable, sample) shows a marked tendency to attack the. boiler-plates. The Dominion Analyst is giving every assistance 1 to solve the problem. Ashhurn Hall.-- Visited in February and September, 1918, and in January and. February, 1919. This private mental hospital, placed in beautiful surroundings, continues to fulfil the function of a, comfortable home-like institution for patients able to appreciate it. As it will be some, time before this report can be presented to Parliament in the ordinary course it is intended to add a special note regarding the work of the Department in relation to soldiers from the beginning of the war to as late a date as possible. In conclusion, Sir, I have to thank you for your support and encouragement, to congratulate the administrative heads of the different institutions and those associated with them on the successful conclusion of another year's work, and to express my indebtedness to the Head Office .staff for their loyal co-operation, T have, [&c, Frank Hay.