7

H.—7

The institution, such as it is, is kept scrupulously clean, and the patients are well oared for'by the staff. I am glad to learn from Dr. Buchanan that a committee of the staff minister to the patients' recreations, and that people from the town have materially helped. During the next eighteen months will be the hardest time, but thereafter the worst will bo over, and ultimately this should prove a model small institution. Dairy-farming, vegetable-growing, and forestry supply outdoor occupations, and Dr. Buchanan, who has been making observations, reported that in spite of all that is said of the climate it was most healthful and well suited to patients. * Nelson. —Visited in July, 1921, and June this year. In the intervals Dr. Gray has come to Wellington to consult me about matters following upon our taking over the Stoke property from the Education Department. During my recent visit I was impressed and pleased with the orderly way in which the initial stages of the transition were being carried out. I heard no complaints, and there was quite a cheery air about both the Nelson and Stoke institutions. As I have asked Dr. Gray to report on the year's work and the scheme for the immediate future of Stoke and Nelson, I ne:;d add no more here. Porirua.- Visited in January, March, June, July, October, and December, 1921, and in January, February, and May this year. There has been an increase of admissions, which has been felt on both sides. The male side was greatly, and the women's side partially, relieved by transfers. I had hoped that the position might be improved by transferring some of the buildings no longer needed at Featherston, but any at all suitable for our requirements were not available. With, an inexpensive addition of bedroom and day-room accommodation, and some further adjustments by transfer, we should be able to tide over the needs of the immediate future. There have been a few difficult cases, but, on the whole, the work would have been simple had it not been for the congestion. The general health of the patients has been good. The kinematograph outfit purchased by the late Mr. R. C. Bruce's special bequest has been a great joy to large numbers of patients. The reception building continues to prove, if proof were necessary, entirely suitable. A word of praise is due to the staff, who have faithfully seconded Dr. Jeffreys and his colleagues, and T was glad to note the improvement in their mess-rooms. Tokanui. —The reception ward on the male side is being finished, and a building to be occupied by thirty working patients will soon be ready. Great strides have been made in the development of the estate. A building at the southern end, remote from patients, has been occupied by specially selected, inmates from the neighbouring Waikeria Reformatory, who are developing that portion under arrangement with the Department —work we could not have otherwise tackled for some time without prohibitive expense. When the womerf's reception ward has been added to the present buildings near the Te Mawhai end of the estate that part will be fairly complete. With an eye to the future, villas will bo erected, contributing to the ultimate main institution, near the trig, roughly in the centre of the estate, the concrete blocks for building which are being made near the site by a party of reformatory inmates who are expert in this work. This will save the cost of cartage — a large item in building at Tokanui. Had we been provided with a light railway from Te Mawhai, sa originally projected, it would have saved its cost long before this. The most urgent need here is functioning up with the Te Awamutu water-supply, and I trust that the pipes will be purchased and laid as soon as possible. The electrical accumulator battery has had its day, and, as the Horahora mains pass through our estate, arrangements should be made for installing a transformer and using the current. The patients have enjoyed good health and are well looked after. Dr. Macphers'on, who is enthusiastic in providing for their recreation and well-being, is of great assistance to Dr. Gribben. My visits were most pleasant. Ashbum Hall. —Visited, in February and August, 1921, and in March of this year. As a result of these visits to this licensed mental hospital, it gives me great pleasure to record the evidence of the kindly and personal care of Dr. Will and his staff for the well-being of the patients in their beautiful surroundings. In conclusion, I have to express appreciation of the, interest you have taken in the welfare of our patients and the anxious labours of the Superintendents and staffs of our mental hospitals, to whom my thanks are due ; and I wish to tender my thanks to the .Head Office staff, whose relations have been characterized by mutual helpfulness and good will, for their ready co-operation and loyalty. I have, &c, Hon. C. J. Parr, C.M.G. Frank Hay.