H.—31.

embolism, the other an emergency case admitted in a moribund condition. In addition one case died after transfer to the Public Hospital. There were thirteen infantile deaths, of which six were due to prematurity. Dr. Inglis states that the Matron, Miss Broadley, has not spared herself in carrying out her duties, and many of the good results are due to her care and treatment. Christchurch. —The Matron, Miss Trotter, and her staff have done excellent work, and Dr. Lindsay recognizes this in his report. The year so far as the ante-natal clinic was concerned was a busy one, necessitating one extra full day a week. The visits to the clinic numbered 1,668, as against 1,541 during the previous year. In addition, seventy-two visits were paid to patients in their own homes. Dunedin. —The number of births of living children at this institution has been greater this year than last. Dr. Siedeberg reports that there were no maternal deaths out of 177 deliveries, and two deaths of infants. There were thirteen babies born between seven and eight and a half months, and of these all lived except one, which was quite immature and weakly. Thirty-two patients we.re admitted to hospital for ante-natal care. Nearly every patient booked for admission has attended beforehand for constant supervision and treatment. There have been important staff changes in this institution. Miss Holford, who had held the the position of Matron since its inception in 1905, retired on superannuation in November. Miss Holford's long service was marked by absolute devotion to duty. She has held a unique place in the respect and affection of patients and pupils alike, and her influence on the nursing profession not only with regard to her own special work, but also in connection with all that appertained to the welfare of nurses as a body of professional women, has been far-reaching. It is in a large measure due to Miss Holford's foresight and initiative that the nurses of the Dominion have been formed into an organized body—the New Zealand Trained Nurses' Association —capable of managing its own affairs and of expressing opinions on matters concerning the well-being of nurses generally. She bears with her into retirement the best wishes of the Department she has served so well. Miss Gow, who as Sub-Matron was associated with Miss Holford for over twenty-one years, was obliged, on account of ill health, to apply for extended leave in November, so that the institution was deprived of its two principal controlling officers at the same time. It is hoped, however, that Miss Gow will be able later to return to the post which she has filled so faithfully and complete the full term of her official life among those who have so long benefited by her valuable advice and teaching. Miss V. Oppenheim succeeded Miss Holford as Matron, and Miss Sparkes is holding the position of Acting Sub-Matron pending Miss Gow's return. Invercargill.-—This hospital is increasing in popularity, and there were 237 admissions, compared with 190 in 1926. There were no maternal deaths. One baby died from congenital heart-disease. It was found necessary to increase the staff by one on account of the additional work due to the opening of an ante-natal clinic. Miss Yorks, the Matron, after a few months' service, broke down in health and was granted twelve months' sick-leave, the Sub-Matron, Miss Arnold, being promoted to the position of Acting-Matron during her absence. Wanganui. —This hospital also shows an increase in the number of patients admitted. Dr. Wilson reports ante-natal work has greatly increased, with the result that the number of avoidable complications was diminished. There were no maternal and three infantile deaths in 153 deliveries. Gisborne. —There were 165 births —an increase of eight over last year's figures. There were, in addition, seven women admitted for ante-natal treatment and discharged before confinement. Six babies were also admitted for treatment. There were no maternal or infantile deaths. An antenatal clinic was established during the last three months of the year, and some thirty patients took advantage of it. As has been the case in all other institutions, this has necessitated an increase in the trained staff. Dr. Williams, reporting upon the year's work, remarks : " The year has been a very successful one. Not only have a larger number of patients than ever before passed through the hospital, but also the percentage of mortality is low. A pleasing feature of the practice of this hospital is the increasing number of Maori patients who take advantage of it, and this constitutes a tribute to the kindness and tact of Matron Clark, which it would be difficult to exaggerate."

St. Helens Hospitals.—Statistics for 1927.

34

T Births (Living Still- Deaths of Deaths of Outdoor Pupil Midwives P u pil Mateinity Children). births. Mothers. Infants. Cases. qualified. 'wPj ' u qualified. Wellington .. 543 13 2 13 78 12 18 Christchurcb .. 334 6 1 15 191 6 14 Gisborne .. .. 165 1 . . 1 6 3 8 Wanganui . . . . 153 2 3 16 5 8 Invercargill . . 233 5 1 18 3 6 Dunedin . . .. 171 5 . . 4 55 5 7 Auckland .. .. 676 23 2 13 234 16 29 Totals, 1927 .. 2,275 55 5 50 598 50 90 Totals, 1926 .. 2,155 59 4 31 635 68 26