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The Official Visitors have taken regular interest in the patients and the hospital; their visits are very much appreciated. On behalf of our patients I wish to thank our many benefactors for gifts of money, books, &c., bringing sports teams to our hospital, and for showing hospitality in inviting our patients to visit them. The patients appreciate the visits of the clergy and the services which they conduct. In conclusion, I wish to express my thanks to all members of the staff for the help and co-operation in the work at the hospital and for the good work they have done during the year. R. G. T. Lewis, Medical Superintendent.

TOKANUI HOSPITAL I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ended 31st December, 1948. The total number of cases under care during the year has been 931, with a weekly average of 764. The admissions were 127 (54 men, 73 women). Of these, 94 (48 men, 46 women) were admitted for the first time, a decrease of 16 over those of the previous year. Discharges numbered 65 (20 men, 45 women), while there were 39 (19 men, 20 women) on probation, and the number of transfers totalled 20 (6 men, 14 women). Voluntary boarders treated were 78 (40 men and 38 women), an increase of 11. Of these, 38 (17 men, 21 women) were first admissions, and discharges numbered 47 (24 men, 23 women). The general health of the patients has been good, deaths totalling 56 (32 men, 24 women), most of these occurring among our elderly patients. The number of elderly patients being admitted is increasing, and their care and supervision, with the present staff shortage and lack of accommodation, is maintained only with the greatest difficulty, with increasing strain upon the medical and nursing staff. The female nursing staff is very short, being 29 nurses only, instead of a normal establishment of 73. The male nursing position has improved slightly, there being 50 instead of 78. The male patients' accommodation is overcrowded to the extent of 100 patients—that is, two villas—while the women's side is overcrowded to the extent of one villa (40 patients). Since last report the " Camp Property," 168 acres, on the Waikeria Road, was transferred to the Lands Development Department in October, 1948, to be divided into two units for settlement of returned servicemen. A start has been made to build twenty-one staff houses near the Main South Road on the hospital property. When these are completed, the staffing position on the male side should improve. The patients' allowance has proved a popular and beneficial addition to their welfare and happiness. A 16 mm. sound projector has been added to the equipment -for staff training and has been useful in the teaching of the various subjects for the State examinations. The appointment of a Dental Officer is necessary for the care and attention required for patients' teeth, dental repairs, and the manufacture of dentures ; all are essential to the general health of the patient. The Minister of Health, the Hon. Miss Mabel Howard, visited the hospital in June, 1948.

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