H.—22

20

The medical and nursing arrangements at this institution are thoroughly satisfactory. Great interest is taken by the public in its welfare. Indeed, I am inclined to think the committee, if anything, err on the side of over-solicitude. The garden is in its usual creditable condition.

LAWBENCE HOSPITAL. Number of patients on 31st March, 1897 ... ~. ... 9 Admitted during the year ... ... ... ... 106 Total under treatment ... ... ... 115 Discharged ... ... ... ... ... ... 100 Died ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 9 Bemaining on 31st March, 1898 ... ... ... ... 6 Sex. —77 males, 38 females. Locality from which Patients came. —Tuapeka County. Country. —New Zealand, 50; England, 15 ; Scotland, 19 ; Ireland, 23; China, 3 ; Victoria, 1; Italy, 1; Canada, 1; America, 1; Norway, 1. Beligion. —No record. Total collective days' stay in hospital, 3,385; individual average days' stay, 29-43. Daily average cost per head, ss. ljd.; less patients' payments, 4s. sd. Outdoor Patients. —lndividual cases, 60. Bevenue and Expenditure. Bevenue. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. From Government ... ... 260 8 6 Bations ... ... ... 275 17 5 Local bodies ... ... ... 520 5 0 Wines, spirits, ale, &c. ... ... 3 9 0 Subscriptions and donations ... 70 2 0 Surgery and dispensary ... ... 47 7 7 Bents... ... ... ... 111 3 Fuel and light ... ... ... 60 18 9 Patients'payments ... ... 120 12 0 Bedding and clothing ... ... 15 11 5 Other sources ... ... ... 12 5 6 Salaries and wages ... ... 376 18 5 Balance from last year ... ... 149 15 2 Water-supply ... ... ... 10 0 0 Bepairs ... ... ... 14 0 0 Printing, advertising, postage, and stationery ... ... ... 516 0 Insurance ... ... ... 340 Interest ... ... ... 0 2 6 Other expenses... ... ... 57 3 5 Total ... £1,134 19 5 Total ... ... £870 8 6 Inspected 4th April, 1898. This hospital is progressing under the superintendence of Dr. Newell. Several improvements have been made ; notably, asphalting of the courtyard and a more satisfactory water-supply. The patients' comfort seems well looked after by matron and wardsman, and the order and cleanliness throughout were most excellent. The hospital is well supplied with fresh vegetables and fruit from its own garden.

MASTEBTON HOSPITAL. Number of patients on 31st March, 1897 ... ... ... 7 Admitted during the year ... ... ... ... 81 Total under treatment ... ... ... 88 Discharged ... ... ... . . ... ... 74 Died ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 Bemaining on 31st March, 1898 ... ... ... ... 6 Sex. —ss males, 33 females. Localities from which Patients came. —Masterton, 49 ; Pahiatua, 3 ; Eketahuna, 7; Mauriceville, 1; Tenui, 7 ; Taueru, 1; Carterton, 1; Brancepeth, 6 ; Mangamahoe, 3; Wellington, 2; Bideford, 2; Mangatainoka, 2; Tupurupuru, 1; East Coast, 1; Mangahao, 1; Dreyerton, 1. Country.— England, 27; Ireland, 7; New Zealand, 36; Scotland, 4; New South Wales, 1; Victoria, 1; Germany, 2; China, 1; Denmark, 2; France, 1; Tasmania, 1; South Africa,'l; Belgium, 1; Jersey, 1; India, 1; Sweden, 1. Beligion. —Church of England, 37 ; Boman Catholic, 14; Presbyterian, 21; Wesleyan, 8; Salvation Army, 5 ; Lutheran, 1 ; heathen, 1; no religion, 2. Total collective days' stay in hospital, 2,464 ; individual average days' stay, 28. Daily average cost per head, 7s. 4-Jd. ; less patients' payments, 6s. 84-d.