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The painting gang has been continuously employed during the year, and the usual maintenancework carried on. The Hokitika Band, as usual, has visited the hospital on many occasions, and supplied music for the dances. A monthly clinic has been held at Greymouth, and visits made to the Westland Hospital when requested. Recreation and games have played an important part, more so than in former years. Thanks are due to those who have provided entertainment during the year and to those who made gifts to the hospital during the Christmas season. The clergy have made frequent visits, and are taking an increasing interest in the institution. The Official Visitor, who has been on an extended tour of Europe, visited the hospital before leaving and on his return. I wish to thank the staff for the material assistance they have given during the year.

CHRISTCHURCH MENTAL HOSPITAL. Db. McKillop reports : — I have tie honour to forward my report for the year ending 31st .December, 1937. On the Ist January, 1937, there were 1,366 patients (752 males, 614 females) on the register. During the year 240 patients were admitted and 57 were transferred from other institutions ; 152 patients were discharged and 38 were transferred to other institutions. The total number under care during the year was 1,663. During the year 106 voluntary boarders (59 men, 47 women) received treatment, 48 being resident on the 31st December. The number of deaths was 79, the principal cause of death being senile decay. We were fortunate in being able to avail ourselves of treatment by malaria, and many general paralytics, post-encephalitics, and cases of dementia prsecox benefited by this treatment. During 1937 many works of major importance have been carried out : Two new tanks for an efficient water-supply for all purposes have been completed, and the pumping-machinery is at present being installed. The new bakehouse will be in use in the course of a few days. It is intended to utilize the area occupied by the old bakehouse as extra store accommodation, as this is urgently required. At Templeton two new villas are in occupation ; the laundry has been completed, but the equipment is not yet to hand. The grounds have been carefully laid out, and visitors have frequently complimented us on the excellent lawns and gardens. The results of the occupational therapy classes both at Sunnyside and Templeton have been most encouraging, and it is pleasing to note that the provision of new workrooms and equipment for the extension of this has been approved. The clinic at the Christchurch Hospital has been well attended, with an average of twelve consultations weekly. In January 1937, it was decided to start a monthly clinic at the Timaru Hospital, and many ex-patients and others have come for advice ; on my last visit there were twelve consultations, including five new patients. The farm has had a very successful year, and, in addition to supplying our own wants and supplementing the requirements of other institutions, quite a quantity of cereals was sold at satisfactory prices. The new poultry-houses are nearly completed —they are of the latest design, and will enable us to carry on this branch of farming under the best possible conditions. The removal of the old houses and runs will greatly improve the amenities of the male villa and north house. The question of laying down hard tennis-courts for the staff on the site vacated will be discussed with you later. The entertainment-of the patients has been carried out on the usual lines. I have to thank the many concert parties and the companies who provided the picture programmes. These have been a source of great enjoyment to the patients and staff. Mr. H. D. Acland, K.C., District Inspector, and the Official Visitors, Mrs. Williams and Mr. Hanna, have paid many visits to the institution and are keenly interested in the welfare of the patients. During the whole year the medical staff has worked short-handed : Dr. Couston was transferred to Tokanui, and I was very sorry to lose the services of such a capable and efficient officer. I have to record my appreciation of the services of Dr. Bellringer, who has had so much extra work placed on him. I have also to thank Mr. Thomas and the office staff, the Matron, head attendants, and the staff as a whole for the wonderful work they have done during the year.

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