H.—3l.

SECTION 2—KING GEORGE V HOSPITAL, ROTORUA. Dr. L. A. Lewis, Medical Superintendent; Dr. W. S. Wallis, Orthopaedic Surgeon ; Dr. R. S. Whiteside, Assistant Medical Officer; Miss Seakell, A.R.R.C., Matron. I have the honour to present the report on this institution for the past year. Of the 933 patients under in-patient treatment during the year, 741 were suffering from general diseases, as distinct from orthopaedic conditions. The average stay of the general cases was twentyfour days. A review of the statistics show that the proportion of general cases, as distinct from orthopaedic, is increasing. The proportion of orthopaedic cases in hospital remains at rather less than half of the total number. Rather more than half of the orthopaedic cases are deformities, the result of infantile paralysis. A number of these are readmissions for further corrective treatment. Contrary to current ideas, recovery of muscles has been noted years subsequent to the onset of paralysis. The need for after-care does not appear to have been sufficiently realized in some cases which have returned for further treatment. The policy of concentrating the services and accommodation has been continued. The separate isolation hospital has been closed and the infectious diseases accommodated in the Lowry Wards. As well as effecting economy, this move has resulted in a more adequate care of the patients than was possible in the old situation, especially in view of the fact that for the past six months some fifteen patients suffering from enteric fever have been treated at a time. In all, some forty cases of enteric fever have been under treatment. The majority of these came from Waikari Bush. The infection was of a serious type, five deaths occurring. Complications were frequent and relapses common. Orthopcedic Section.—ln addition, the infantile-paralysis cases, a number of patients suffering from spastic paralysis, malunion of fractures, and deformities due to other diseases have been under treatment. In all, 192 orthopaedic patients have been under treatment, with an average stay of ninety-two days. The new plaster-room as an annexe to the theatre has facilitated the work of this section. Maternity Ward. —Three beds have been available in this section during the past year. No cases have been refused admission, but the accommodation available has been made only occasional use of and at no time has more than one of these beds been occupied. Eight maternity cases have been admitted during the year. Private Wards. —An increasing use of these has been made. Thirty-six patients have been admitted under the care of outside practitioners. This service promises to improve the standard and widen the scope of the work done in hospital by the introduction of new methods and by the professional intercourse it affords. Theatre and Plaster-room Annexe. —Of the 371 operations performed, major orthopaedic were 52 ; minor orthopaedic were 69 ; major general were 124 ; minor general were 126 ; 130 fixation plaster applications were made; 30 plaster casts were made in the process of preparation of long calipers and spinal jackets ; 189 bed-boots were made. Nvrsivg. —Five nurses passed the State examination (two with honours) during the year. I desire to place on record my appreciation of the co-operation of the responsible officers and the spirit of loyalty to the institution shown by all members of the staff. My report would not be complete without a grateful acknowledgment of the work of the Red Cross, the Women's Club, and the Sunshine League. Through their activities the lot of the patients has been brightened and their recovery hastened. I regard these bodies as performing an indispensable part in the work of the hospital. SECTION 3.—OTAKI SANATORIUM. Dr. E. Ibwin, Medical Superintendent; Miss Davies, Acting-Matron. In regard to the patients treated during the past year, 44-34 per cent, left the institution with the disease arrested and fit to return to work, 38-26 were definitely improved (of these a certain number were taken home by relations to continue the treatment), 19-39 were discharged without appearing to have gained by their stay (these were either suffering from complications or were too chronic or advanced to benefit by treatment). It is to be regretted that many patients have been sent on here who, after examination, have proved to be too advanced for sanatorium treatment; these are usually kept one or two months and then returned to their respective districts. The treatment relied on has been (1) Rest, fresh air, graduated activity, and work. (2) This has been supplemented in most cases by medicinal treatment. (3) In intractable and unsuitable cases, inunction of tuberculin ointment has been tried ; in the case of children particularly this latter treatment has produced rather striking results. In regard to food, which .is an important factor in the treatment, it is simple, of excellent quality, and has a nutritive value adequate for the needs of the patients, the supply of milk, cream, eggs, mutton, and vegetables from the farm being particularly good. Applications for admission have been dealt with reasonably soon, the number of such applications showing an increase during the colder months. One hundred and eight patients were admitted during the year. Of these, 7 were below sixteen years, 6 were nurses, 9 were clerks or typists, 69 were engaged in domestic duties, 1 was a school-teacher, 1 was a music-teacher, 2 were waitresses, 4 were seamstresses, 7 were shop-assistants, 1 was an art student, and 1 was a Salvation

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