H—7

The drought periods during the last few years have shown the necessity for an adequate water-supply to the vegetable-gardens so that seeds and seedlings can survive planting and produce, throughout the year, the continuous supply of vegetables which are essential to the health and well-being of the patients and staff. The question of an increased water-supply to the gardens should be given early consideration. The new laundry, engine-room, butcher's shop, and bake house, becomes more urgent as the number of patients and staff increase; the old buildings are too small to cope with the work to be done. This replacement was authorized in 1939, but the war has prevented it being carried out. We hope that the necessary buildings will be commenced as soon as practicable. The patients' accommodation is overcrowded to the extent of two villas—that is, 50 men and 50 women —so that provision for further accommodation will require consideration very shortly. A permit has been granted for the building of new cow-byres, which are very necessary, as the old buildings and equipment are below the standard for the production of milk under satisfactory hygienic conditions. Amusements and recreation have been catered for as usual. Weekly dances and pictures, picnic parties, visits of bands and orchestras, and church services by various denominational ministers have been appreciated. The Te Awamutu Rotary Club continues to take am active interest in the welfare of the hospital, and this is much appreciated by both patients and staff. In conclusion, I wish to express my thanks to all members of the staff for their help and' co-operation in the work of the hospital.

PORIRUA HOSPITAL Dr. Hart reports : I have the honour to submit my report for the year ended 31st December, 1947. The total number of eases under care during the year was 1,994, of which 1,627 were committed patients, 354 voluntary boarders, and 13 persons were remanded for observation. Admissions for the year totalled 704, of which number 240 were voluntary boarders. The gradual increase-of the admission rate to this hospital over recent years has been predominantly due to the increase in the number of voluntary boarders admitted. This is well shown in the comparison of the figures of five years ago, when 108 voluntary boarders were admitted in 1942, as against 240 admitted in 1947. The figures in relation to length of residence of those discharged fully recovered in comparison with other years is also worthy of note. In 1942 the percentage of those cases discharged recovered within three months of admission was 25 per cent., whereas in 1947 the percentage was 38 per cent. Two noteworthy trends are shown in the hospital statistics : firstly, that more people and' a group or grade of mildly maladjusted people who formerly did not come to our hospitals are now seeking admission and treatment as voluntary boarders; and secondly, that the length of residence of these cases (patients and boarders) whom we were able to discharge fully recovered has been reduced. The latter change is no doubt due to the more modern methods of psychiatric treatment available in recent years. During the year under review 491 persons (patients and boarders) were discharged, 114 cases died, and 16 patients were transferred to some of our other hospitals.

9