H.—7.

A good deal of road-work has been done, and tenders have been called for colfixing the main road. A destructor has been erected and is now in operation. Coal and coke bunkers have also been' erected, as has also a cool store. Improvements have been made to the swimming-baths, and two new tennis-courts have been laid down. Repairs and painting of the farm buildings at Ngawhatu are under way. A number of other minor works have also been completed, perhaps the most noteworthy of these being the efforts of the " painting " party. The patients have been reasonably well catered for in the matter of amusements and recreation, and in this respect my thanks are due to many individuals, business firms, and societies in Nelson for their continued support and for donations of money and goods. Miss Cooksey and party have been particularly good in providing outings for the children. The Sunshine Fund organized by Mrs. Scantlebury for provision also of picnics for the children has been very successful and the results much appreciated. To the Official Visitor, to the visiting Ministers of religion, to my colleague Dr. Crawshaw, and to the staff generally, for assistance and co-operation, I wish also to express my thanks.

HOKITIKA MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Childs reports : — I have the honour to submit my report for the year ending 1936. At the commencement of the year the patients on the register numbered 418. The admissions proper were 18, while 3 male and 52 female patients were received on transfer. The discharges numbered 15, transfers to other hospitals 3, and deaths 15. The total number under treatment was 491, and the number remaining on the register at the end of the year 458. There were 3 voluntary boarders on the register at the beginning of the year, and during the year 5 were admitted and 6 discharged. The health of the patients generally has been good, the majority of the deaths occurring amongst the senile patients. A new modern villa accommodating 50 female patients was opened and occupied in December. This villa is an open one, and is occupied mostly by patients transferred from Seacliff. A modern residence is in the course of erection for the Chief Clerk, and should be finished shortly. Aorangi and Sefton wards are at present being remodelled, and when finished will be used as an open villa for the better type of elderly patient. The laundry has been enlarged, a new verandah added to Wio Villa, and necessary repairs effected to Moana ward and to the Superintendent's cottage. The usual routine of farming operations has been carried out, 9 acres of swamp land have been cleared, drained, and left fallow, while 14 acres left fallow last year have been sown in grass. A commencement has also been made to put in a deep drain running the full length of the west boundary fence. The grounds around the new villa " Weka " are in the process of being drained and levelled, preparatory to lawns and gardens being laid down. The painting gang has been continuously employed during the year, and the usual maintenancework carried on. A monthly clinic has been held at Greymouth, and occasional visits paid to the Westland Hospital. . The usual games and recreations have been carried out, and the playing-field has been improved. The Hokitika Band has again been very generous in its visits to the hospital, and has supplied music for a number of dances. Thanks are also due to those who have provided entertainments during the year, these being invariably of a high standard. Thanks are also due to those who made gifts to the hospital during the Christmas Season. The clergy have made frequent visits, and I would also thank the Official Visitor for his co-operation. I wish to thank the staff for their assistance during the year.

CHRISTCHURCH MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. MoKillop reports : — I have the honour to forward my report for the year ending 31st December, 1936. On the Ist January, 1936, there were 1,411 patients on the register. During the year 232 patients were admitted, 96 were discharged, and 112 were transferred to other institutions. The total number under care during the year was 1,64-3. In addition, 116 voluntary boarders (59 men and 57 women) received treatment during the year, 55 being still in residence. 2—H. 7.

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