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CHRISTCHURCH MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. McKillop reports : — I have the honour to forward my report for the year ended 31st December, 1928. On the Ist January, 1928, there were 886 patients on the register. During the year we had 175 admissions (90 men, 85 women), 66 patients were discharged, and 9 transferred to other institutions. The total number of committed patients under care was 1,061, and 918 remained on the 31st December (inclusive of 59 absent on probation). Ninety-two voluntary boarders received treatment, 50 men and 42 women. The marked increase in the number of voluntary boarders is particularly pleasing : each year an increasing number take advantage of the provision in the Act sanctioning admission as voluntary boarders. Many have come through the clinics at the General Hospital, which have been remarkably well attended. The general health of the patients has been good. During 1928 there were 68 deaths (27 men, 41 women), the chief cause being senile decay. I am deeply gratified at the consideration our many wants have received at your hands and at the hands of the Public Works Department. Many important additions and renovations have been carried out: the chief addition being a forty-eight-unit building at Templeton, which has been in occupation for some months. This is in the nature of a farm colony, and the patients in residence there are very happy and contented. Tenders have been called for another forty-eight-unit building at Templeton to accommodate feeble-minded patients. This should be in use before the end of the year, and will mark a great advance in the treatment of the feeble-minded, as well as affording increased accommodation at the main institution, thus allowing better classification. The farm buildings at Templeton have been rebuilt, and the water-tower completed. Extensive renovations are in progress at Sunnyside : during the past four years the institution has been painted and renovated throughout, and the alterations have given it a bright and airy appearance. It is intended to apply for a grant to build an extra day-room at North House, a building situated some distance from the main building : there should then be accommodation for a hundred patients there, and I propose to use this entirely for senile women patients, thus keeping patients suffering from the general physiological changes of old age apart from the others. The farm returns have been very satisfactory : work on the farm and in the gardens continues to provide agreeable and healthy employment. The patients' recreation has been arranged on the usual lines : the new cinematograph machine is greatly appreciated by patients and staff. I have to tender my thanks to the Deputy Inspector (Mr. Acland), the. Official Visitors, Mrs. Williams and Mr. Hanna, and to the clergy of all denominations, for their regular visits and the interest they have taken. I regret to have to record the death of our Patients' Friend, Mr. Souter. He is greatly missed by every one, and the memory of good deeds and kindly interest will last for many days. I am glad to take the opportunity of recording my thanks to Drs. Russell and Hart for their assistance and co-operation; their promotion to more important positions is very pleasing. They have been succeeded by Drs. Brown, Lewis, and Bellringer, who are taking a live interest in the progress of the institution. I have also to thank Mr. Thomas and the office staff, the Matron, Head Attendants, and other heads of departments for the assistance they have given me in carrying on the work of the Hospital. lam very fortunate in having a very good staff of senior nurses and attendants, who have entered whole-heartedly in carrying out any improvements suggested. To the staff as a whole I tender my thanks for their good work during the year. SEACLIFF MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Gribben reports : — I beg to submit my report for the year ended 31st December, 1928. At the beginning of the year there were 1,176 patients on the register (643 males and 533 females), and at the end of the year 1,188 (649 males and 539 females). The admissions numbered 144 (79 males and 65 females). Seventy-two patients were discharged, comprising 39 males and 33 females. Of voluntary boarders 40 remained from the previous year and 22 were admitted. Seventeen voluntary boarders were discharged, 1 committed as ordinary patient, and 1 died. Sixty patients died during the year (34 males and 26 females). The average weekly number of patients resident during the year was 1,161 (638 males and 523 females). The health of the.patients has generally been good. Of the 60 deaths which took place, 19 were due to senile decay. An extensive building programme has been in progress. Work on the new kitchen and laundry block has proceeded satisfactorily, and these buildings are now well forward. A considerable amount of excavation has been carried out round them in preparation for the roadway. The new oil-store and petrol-storage tank are nearing completion. The new coal-bunker was completed, and has facilitated the handling of coal. The Neuropathic Hospital at Puketeraki was occupied in August. The water-supply at this unit has not been satisfactory, and I would urge the installation of an additional source of supply. An addition of sixteen bedrooms and a sitting-room, together with a bathroom, boiler-house, and hot-water system, was made at the Nurses' Home, and the resulting room in the wards has helped in a measure to relieve congestion. Additions to G Ward in progress include bathrooms, extra store accommodation, a hot-water system, and sanitary conveniences. The fire appliances throughout the institution were brought up to the requirements of the Fire Inspector. A new Medical Officer's residence was erected, and is now occupied. The new electrification scheme is in progress. Unfortunately it has necessitated the cutting-down of a large number of trees along Russell's Road and in other parts of the grounds. At Waitati a new bathroom for Female Ward No. 2 is in course of erection, and an addition is being made to ihe present laundry.

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