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TOKANUI MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Tothill reports : — I have the honour to present my annual report for the year ending 31st December, 1937. The total number of patients under care during the year was 768 (378 males and 390 females), with a weekly average of 585. Admissions numbered 173, of whom 76 were transferred from other institutions and 16 were voluntary boarders. The discharges were 63 committed patients, 12 voluntary boarders, and 5 transferred. There were 37 deaths, senile decay accounting for more than 25 per cent. At the end of the year 680 patients, including 36 on probation and 17 voluntary boarders, remained on the register. Several examinations and reports have been made on inmates at Waikeria at the request of the Justice Department. Considerable work has been carried out in renovating the wards of the older part of the hospital. F. 7 Ward has been completely repainted and various improvements made. Bright colour schemes have been introduced to produce a more homely atmosphere. Wards P. 1 and P. 3 are at present in the process of being overhauled. The change over of sides was effected smoothly and expeditiously. It has resulted in more efficient classification and easier administration. Alterations to the new store and telephone cables were completed. The kitchen chimney was rebuilt, a Public Works overseer's store and office constructed, and the bathroom in P. 3 modernized. Following the annual survey, staff houses on the estate were repaired and renovated. Staff mess-rooms are at present receiving attention. A housing scheme which will meet the requirements of our married staff is still under consideration. The new mortuary is now nearing completion. At the camp, stables and a grain and manure-shed was erected. Various farm buildings have been repainted, and improvements and repairs made in the blacksmith's shop. Draining, fencing, and breaking in new land has been carried out. Sanction has been obtained to build a veranda on to the female admission ward and to convert F. 2 Ward into an independent unit with all domestic facilities. It is hoped during the New Year to have independent cooking and bathing in all the older female wards, conditions which will approximate to those in modern villas. An Assistant Medical Officer's house will be erected in the near future. The institution has outgrown its domestic facilities, and it has been proposed that a new block comprising a laundry, engine-room, bakery, and butcher's shop be constructed. Our present means for treating new patients is not satisfactory owing to the admission wards being in immediate proximity to the chronic wards. It is undesirable that recent admissions should be in contact with chronics, and serious consideration will have to be given to the erection of a modern admission block away from the main hospital and independently situated in its own grounds. Lawns have been laid down round the new male villas, and a nursery garden is now able to supply all wards with cut flowers. The park-like feature of the grounds is being extended, and the policy of maximum parole with safety has reacted to the benefit of the patients. During the year Dr. Corban was transferred to Hokitika, his place being taken by Dr. Couston, from Sunnyside, for whose help I am grateful. In July the Hon. F. Praser, Minister in Charge of Mental Hospitals, visited various parts of the institution. Mr. Broadfoot was present at our annual Fancy Dress Ball, and I was pleased to welcome Mr. McCombs and Mr. Hultquist when they called at the hospital. The usual recreations and entertainments have been held, and in the near future a broadcaster for dance music will be installed. A rugby team was formed, the games providing enjoyment for both staff and patients. Monthly staff dances were organized throughout the winter. Performances by the Te Awamutu Band and a gymnastic display by the Y.M.C.A. of Hamilton were greatly appreciated. Our Official Visitor, Mr. Findlay, has been untiring in his efforts to provide extra comforts and entertainments. His sincere and deep interest in the hospital has been a great help to me. The generous gifts of the R.S.A. of Otorohanga and Auckland brought much happiness to the returned-soldier patients at Christmas. The various devotional services have been conducted throughout the year. Mr. Brookes, the Public Works Department overseer, has been always ready to give his valuable assistance in proposed works, and I am. indebted to the Clerk, Matrons, Head Attendants, and Staff generally for their support and helpful services during the year.

PORIRUA MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Hart reports : — I have the honour to submit my report for the year ending the 31st December, 1937. The total number of cases under care in this hospital during the year was 2,044-, of whom 1,817 were committed patients, 219 were voluntary boarders, and the balance were cases remanded for observation. Admissions numbered 431, under certification 326, as voluntary boarders 97, and on remand 8. During the year 239 persons (152 committed patients and 87 voluntary boarders) were discharged, whilst a further number were sufficiently recovered mentally to be able to leave hospital and go on probation to the care of relatives or friends. Deaths numbered 142, and 66 patients were transferred to other hospitals.

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