H.—7.

TOKANUI MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Macpherson reports: — I have the honour to forward my report on the Tokanui Mental Hospital for the year ending 31st December, 1926. On the Ist January, 1926, there were 315 patients (210 males and 105 females) on the register. In a.ddition to 18 transfers, the admissions during the year numbered 47 (30 males and 17 females). The total number of patients under care was 380 (244 males and 136 females). Nine male and 5 female patients were discharged recovered ; two males were discharged relieved; and two males and one female were discharged not improved. Two male and 2 female patients were transferred to other institutions. Deaths during the year totalled 20 (16 males and 4 females), so that there remained on the register at the close of the year 337 patients (213 males and 124 females). During the year 7 male and 11 female voluntary boarders were under treatment. Four males and 4 females were discharged, and 1 male and 1 female patient died, thus leaving under care on the 31st December, 1926, 2 males and 6 females. Of the 20 deaths occurring daring the year, 4 were due to lobar pneumonia and 3 to senility. The incidence of typhoid fever during the latter part of the year suggested the presence of a carrier. The cases, two in number, occurred on the female side, and steps were taken to locate the carrier, but without avail. The general health of the inmates has, on the whole, been good. The Frank Hay Ward was opened for the reception of patients at the beginning of the year, and its comfortable and homelike surroundings make it very suitable for the reception of recent as well as convalescing patients. Extensive decorative work has been carried out during the year. The whole of the outside of the institution, excepting the two latest units, has been painted, and the interior woodwork cleaned and painted or stained. Owing to the increase in the number of the female nursing staff it was found necessary to provide a separate dining-room, and this we managed by utilizing the old storeroom. This gives the staff a sitting-room as well as a dining-room, and greatly adds to their comfort. lam hoping that the erection of the mortuary will be put in hand shortly, as the present arrangement is neither satisfactory nor, indeed, sanitary. A commodious fruit and vegetable store is in course of erection, and will prove of great benefit to the institution in remedying the past lack of storage facilities. Recreation for our inmates has been provided by occasional concerts and dances during the winter months, and I have again to express my thanks to Mr. Battson, of Te Awamutu, for the kindly interest he has taken in the matter of promoting entertainments for our patients ; also to Mrs Wood, of Te Awamutu, for parcels of magazines and sweets. All arrangements and alterations necessary for the installation of the cinematograph here have been completed, but the apparatus has not yet come to hand. During the year we lost the services of Mr. Brabyn, our Official Visitor, and shall miss his kindly interest in the welfare of the institution. I have to acknowledge the loyalty and steady co-operation of the responsible officers during the year. In conclusion, I should record that from the Ist April to the 30th September of last year the institution was controlled by Dr. R. M. Beattie.

PORIRUA MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Tizard reports :— I have the honour to present my report on the Porirua Mental Hospital for the year ending 31st December, 1926. On the Ist January there were 1,261 patients in the Hospital. At the end of the year the number was 1,322 —viz., 723 males and 599 females, inclusive of 27 males and 44 females absent on probation —thus showing an increase of 61 (39 males and 22 females). The total number under care during the year was 1,539 (829 males and 710 females), the average weekly number resident being 1,232 (684 males and 548 females). Ninety-one (35 males and 56 females) voluntary boarders were under treatment during the year : of this number 3 females were committed as ordinary patients, and 30 were discharged (8 males and 22 females). Of those admitted on remand—l 3 (8 males and 5 females)- 2 males and 2 females were committed as ordinary patients, and 1 male and 1 female were admitted as voluntary boarders. Of those admitted on urgency request, there were 11 (6 males and 5 females : of this number 9 were committed as ordinary patients. Of 131 discharged, 99 were discharged recovered, 14 not improved, and 18 transferred to other Mental Hospitals. The deaths during the year were 86 (48 males and 38 females), general paralysis, phthisis, circulatory disease, and senility being the principal causes. During the year three villas have been opened to accommodate male patients. Of these two contain mostly workers, and all of them are parole patients, who greatly appreciate their liberty within the estate. The remaining villa contains a type of more or less helpless patient. One of these villas is under the management of female nurses, and their work is much appreciated by the inmates. The addition of these villas has greatly improved our classification of male patients. The convalescent home, " Vailima," still continues to fulfil a long-felt want for convalescent and, by direct admission, for suitable female patients, who, as well as friends and relatives, have been laudatory in expressing their opinions of the home and its beautiful garden and walks. A similar home for male patients is under construction, and will be opened shortly. This home will be under the supervision of female nurses, and occupies a site commanding a magnificent outlook on the surrounding country. The Admission Cottage will shortly be available, thus enabling us to examine new admissions there instead of their being brought directly to the main building.

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