H.—7.

The increased time for recreation now enjoyed by our staff is very much appreciated, and is reflected in the carrying-out of their duties. In September a weekly out-patient clinic was started at the Auckland Public Hospital, working in conjunction with Dr. Buchanan, of Auckland Mental Hospital. Consultations and attendances for treatment numbered 68, and of these, 21 were new cases. The year has been one of continuous activity, consisting of excavations for new buildings ; the laying-out and improving the grounds around the new villas and residences ; the sowing of 4f acres of lawn around villas 12 and 13 ; the planting of shelter-belts, hedges, ornamental trees, and shrubs ; the excavating for the underground cables for electrical power; and the removal of overhead power-lines. The time has come, I think, for the appointment of a full-time artisan, capable of attending promptly to the many small requirements of maintenance, &c., which would be more economically dealt with in the beginning rather than allow them to be costly replacements at a later date. The increasing size of the institution and the fact that the older buildings are requiring more items of maintenance would provide sufficient work to keep him fully occupied. The farm continues to be a useful adjunct to the hospital, and its many outlets for occupational therapy have proved very beneficial to our patients. The patients, on the whole, are happy and contented, and the new transfers soon respond to the environment. They are given as much parole within the boundaries of the hospital property as possible, consistent with their mental conditions, and this privilege, together with that of being allowed to sit up until 10 p.m., is much sought after and is appreciated very much, as it allows of the patients enjoying to the full the benefits associated with radio, each villa having its owr. set. The patients are fully occupied with constructive works in the grounds, gardening, laundry, and sewing-room, some having their own gardening plots. Their amusements have not been neglected, football, cricket, tennis, and croquet being provided. During the winter months weekly dances are held, but we are handicapped by the lack of a recreation hall, preferably one with cinema facilities, which would be appreciated by patients and staff. Up to the present a day-room in one of the villas has been used, although not suitable for dancing, but the arrival of 150 patients on transfer will necessitate new arrangements for the coming winter. The Hon. P. Fraser, Minister in Charge of Mental Hospitals, visited us on the 17th December, and spent the morning inspecting the villas and the hospital generally. Mr. McFarlane, of the Public Works Department, continues to show his keen interest in the growth of Kingseat, and his many helpful suggestions are appreciated. I am most grateful to the following, who have done much for the entertainment and welfare of the patients : — The Official Visitor, the Rev. Mr. Wood, Mr. Hooker, The members of the various women's institutes, The Auckland Hospital Auxiliary, Mental Hospitals Branch, Several local branches of the Returned Soldiers' Association, and also to the many people throughout the Auckland Province who have sent us newspapers and reading-matter. Finally, I wish to thank the clerk, matron, head attendant, and all the staff for their very helpful and encouraging services throughout the past year.

TOKANUI MENTAL HOSPITAL. Br. Tothill reports : — I have the honour to submit the annual report for the year ending 31st December, 1936. At the end of December Dr. Prins, who had been Medical Superintendent for the past eight years, died. In spite of failing health the welfare of his patients and staff was always his first consideration. He was greatly esteemed in the district, and our deepest sympathy is extended to his widow and two sons. The total number of patients under care was 692, with a weekly average of 567. Admissions numbered 80 (40 males and 40 females), 67 being admitted for the first time. There were 21 voluntary boarders under treatment, 9 being new admissions. During the year 8 voluntary boarders and 48 patients under certificate were discharged, 49 had sufficiently recovered to be allowed home on trial, and 4 were transferred to other institutions. There were 29 deaths. Two modern male villas were erected, and are much appreciated by the patients. A new Medical Superintendent's house is now in occupation. The sewerage system and digester was completed and is functioning satisfactorily. Part of the water-main from Te Awamutu has been renewed, the water-main to the Nurses' Home replaced, and a new reticulation water-supply to the staff houses introduced. An outside dormitory was converted into a main store and a bowser-pump installed. Model concrete piggeries have been built on the Farm. Painting, road-construction, planning of gardens, and general maintenance have been carried out. Alterations in the main buildings, in anticipation of a change-over of patients, are in progress, and the telephone system, is being overhauled. The usual recreations and entertainments have been held, the talking pictures proving most popular. The performance of the Te Awamutu Band and the concert parties provided by Mr. Findlay, the Official Visitor, have been greatly appreciated. In conclusion, thanks are due to all members of the staff for their loyal co-operation and also to visitors for their interest in the welfare of the institution.

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