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The usual games and recreations have been carried on, and again the Hokitika Municipal Band has made many visits, playing at most of the dances. Thanks are also due to others who have visited the hospital to entertain the patients, and to those who made gifts at Christmas time. The clergy have made frequent visits during the year, and I would also thank the Official Visitors for their support. I desire to thank the staff for their assistance during the year.

CHRISTCHURCH MENTAL HOSPITAL, Dr. McKillop reports :— I have the honour to forward my report for the year ending 31st December, 1935. On the Ist January, 1935, there were 1,310 patients on the register. During the year, 244 patients were admitted, 69 were discharged, and 17 were transferred to other institutions. At the end of the year, 1,411 patients were on the register, inclusive of 95 males and 102 females who were absent on probation, and 3 males and 1 female on escape. The number of voluntary boarders who received treatment was 107 of whom 43 were discharged, 3 were committed, and 2 died ; 59 remaining for further treatment. The general health of the patients has been very good. There were 57 deaths, more than half being the result of old age. It is interesting to note that there were only two deaths from general paralysis, which has been responsible in the past for a considerably higher percentage. The progressive decrease in the death-rate from this disease can be considered due to two reasons (a) the advance in treatment of the disease itself, and (b) the regulations now in force for the treatment of the causal agent. The increase in the number of admissions is more apparent than real, and is due to the opening of new villas at Jenkins's Farm and at Templeton. The provision of the villa at Jenkins's has enabled us to transfer many young men there, and the villa is fully occupied. The inmates do very useful work on the farm and in the gardens. Workshops are in the course of erection, and when completed will afford opportunity for training lads in congenial trades. Contracts have been let for two further villas there, and boys on reaching adolescence will be transferred from Templeton Farm School —the adjoining property. I cannot speak too highly of the work of Miss Findlay, Matron, at Templeton and Jenkins's, and of the staff under her control. At Sunnyside, the new kitchen at the Reception House has been completed : work is about to be commenced to ensure a satisfactory water-supply, and provision has been made to build a new bathhouse. General maintenance work has been carried out by the artisan staff, and several wards have been renovated. We have had a very good year on. the farm, and prospects for the present harvest are much above the average. The patients' recreation has been carried out on the usual lines. Many concert parties have visited the institution, and I have to thank them and the companies who have supplied picture programmes throughout the year. Mr. Acland, District Inspector, and the Official Visitors — Mrs. Williams and Mr. Hanna—• have visited the institution at frequent intervals and have 'taken their usual keen interest in the welfare of the patients. I have to thank Drs. Lewis, Bellringer, and Couston for the great help they have given me. Mr. Thomas and the office staff, the matrons, head attendants, and other heads of departments have given very efficient service, and I thank them and the staff as a whole for the manner in which the work of the hospital has been carried out.

SEACLIFF MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Hates reports : — I have the honour to present my annual report for the year ended 31st December, 1935. The total number of patients under care during the year was 1,352 (760 male, 592 female). Of these 112 were first admissions, 19 readmissions, and 3 transfers, the admission totalling 134 (76 male, 58 female). Discharges were 50 (31 male, 19 female), of which 24 were " recovered " and 9 were transfers. There were 66 deaths (32 male, 34 female), the principal assigned cause of death being senile decay. Voluntary boarders under care numbered 84 (46 male, 38 female) of whom 43 (24 male, 19 female) were admitted during the year. The number of voluntary boarders discharged was 42 (22 male, 20 female), of whom 20 were " recovered." There were 4 voluntary boarders committed, and 7 died. At the beginning of the year there were 1,218 patients and 41 boarders, and at the end 1,236 patients and 31 boarders. Overcrowding, despite the reduction of 11 in the resident population, is still evident to the extent of 197 (138 males, and 59 females). A new wing has been added to the Nurses' Home providing accommodation for 21 nurses and dining accommodation for junior and charge nurses. Various maintenance works have been attended to, and new coal and coke bunkers provided for Seaclif! and Waitati respectively. At the end of the year a new shower bathroom for the male side was started, and it will be a welcome and needed 2—H. 7.

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