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The Official Visitors paid many visits, and took a live interest in the patients' condition and welfare. The Mental Hospital Branch of the Auckland Hospital Auxiliary has been active throughout the year. A library has now been established, for which my thanks are due chiefly to the ladies of the branch and to Mr. Hooker, who maintains his interest in the supply of reading-matter for the patients. Many varied entertainments for patients were held during the year, and I wish to thank all concerned for their kind assistance. Mr. Sinclair, our head clerk, left us in April in order to take up duties as Chief Clerk at Head Office. All our best wishes go to him in his promotion. I desire to express my appreciation for the great help tendered to me by medical officers, the matron, the clerk, the head attendant, and all the staff.

KINGSEAT MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Buchanan reports : — I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ended 31st December, 1935. The total number of cases under care during the year was 470 (260 males, 210 females), with a weekly average of 397. Three voluntary boarders were admitted during the year. At the end of the year 13 patients (8 males, 5 females) were on probation, and 5 patients (2 males, 3 females) were finally discharged. Deaths totalled 6 (4 males, 2 females). This year, like the preceding years, has been one of continuous activity. Not only has there been Public Works construction carried out, but steady work has gone on in laying out and improving the grounds. Villas 11 and 14 were completed and occupied in April, and at the end of the year excavations had been commenced for the construction of four additional buildings. Two residences are well on the way to completion and should be ready for use at the end of January, 1936. Additional tennis-courts were built, and are used by both the patients and the staff. A canteen has been erected, and proved itself to be a convenient and useful adjunct. Electric street lighting was installed, thus facilitating the work of the night staff. The old farm cottage, which has been used as quarters for patients, was renovated and made suitable for the accommodation of the Farm Overseer. The careful and painstaking work put into the design and building of the main drive has well justified the time and trouble expended on it. It looks spacious and dignified, and will be a fit setting for the new mental hospital. There is still much planting to be done, and though we are raising much stock in the nurseries, I am asking for a grant to enable us to purchase special decorative shelter trees, &c. The time, I think,, has come for the engagement of an all-time orchardist and gardener. The orchard consists of five hundred trees which are coming rapidly into profit. Skilled and constant attention is becoming necessary if we are to reap full benefit from these. Another necessary appointment now, is that of an artisan, capable of attending to the many requirements of maintenance, &c. With the increasing size of the institution there is enough work to keep him fully occupied. The patients on the whole are happy and contented. They can be fully occupied by constructive work in the grounds, gardening, laundry, and sewing. Their amusements have not been neglected — football, tennis, and cricket being provided for them. I am most grateful to the following people, who have done mu'ch for the entertainment of the patients : — Misa McArthur, of Pukekohe, who generously provided greatly appreciated concerts. The Pukekohe Municipal Band for their delightful recitals. The Divisions of the Women Farmers' Union of Waiuku and Pukeoware for their most acceptable Christmas gifts. The Auckland Hospital Auxiliary for regular donations for the benefit of the patients. The several local branches of the Returned Soldiers' Association for looking after ex-soldier patients. Finally, I wish to thank the matron, head attendant, and all the staff for their very helpful and encouraging services.

TOKANUI MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Prins reports : — I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ending 31st December, 1935. The total number of cases under care has been 684, with a weekly average of 574. Admissions were 78 (male 44, female 34), 65 of these (male 39, female 26) being admitted for the first time. The general health of the hospital has been good, except for an outbreak of influenza m August, when a large number of patients and staff were ill for a few days.

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