H.—7

8

The percentage of males who recovered was 34-52, and of females 39-39. The recovery-rate is lower than usual. This is due entirely, I believe, to the character of the cases admitted. The Assistant Medical Officer, who has had four years' experience in asylums in Ireland, states that he has never seen a more hopeless class than those admitted to this Asylum. My experience coincides with his. The death-rate was 9-18 per cent.—males 9-94 percent., and females 7 - 69 per cent. This high rate is due to tuberculosis, general paralysis, and senile decay, these three diseases, if senile decay can be called a disease, accounting for 23 out of a total of 48 deaths There was an excessive amount of sickness during the greater part of the year. In addition to the epidemic referred to above, we had an epidemic of measles and a few cases of scarlet fever. We are at present almost entirely free from sickness, and in the absence of unforeseen conditions should have a reduced death-rate for the ensuing year. There have been no serious accidents within the Asylum. One nurse, on her way home at night, was seriously assaulted and shot at. The weapon was pointed directly at her forehead. She put up her hand instantly, and received the contents in the palm, the bone being fractured, and the bullet lodging there. A great deal of outdoor and indoor work has been done by the staff and patients. At present we are building a new laundry entirely by Asylum labour. This should be completed early in the year, and when completed will enable us to utilise the old laundry for female patients, after authority has been granted to make the necessary alterations. We are now overcrowded to the extent of 58 patients. This means 90 patients before the end of next year if something is not done urgently to provide further accommodation. The increased cost per head this year is due to the increased contract prices. In this connection I desire to urge that the salaries of the male charge-attendants and of the seconds-in-charge in all wards be increased. The male charges are, with one exception, married men who have homes to support, and their salaries have not increased with the increased cost of living. The seconds-in-charge are at present paid the same salaries as juniors, although they have charge every alternate night, and during about sixty days each year. Our thanks are due to the proprietors of the Herald for daily papers, supplied free; to Hulse's Band for regular entertainments; and to the Official Visitors for their interest and support. I have also to thank Dr. McKelvie and the staff generally for their hearty co-operation. I have, &c, R. M. Beattie, The Inspector-General of Asylums, Wellington. Medical Superintendent.

SUNNYSIDE ASYLUM, CHRISTCHURCH. Sir — I have the honour to forward the usual statistical tables, together with the accompanying remarks thereon, and particulars about the work of this Asylum for the year 1902 : —

Percentage of discharges of first cases on admissions ... ... ... 33-3 „ all discharges on admissions ... ... ... .. 28-4 „ deaths on admissions... ... ... ... ... 7 - 4 „ deaths on number under treatment ... ... ... 4 - 5 On the Ist January, 1902, there were 546 patients on the Asylum books —viz., 303 males and 243 females, which, together with 95 admissions, gave a total of 641 under treatment for the year.

Male. Female. Total. Admissions. Admitted first time Readmitted 51 15 27 2 78 17 Totals 66 29 95 Discharges. Recovered and relieved Not improved 32 3 19 2 51 5 Totals 35 21 56 Number discharged who were admitted during year Number died „ Number transferred „ Number remaining „ 21 4 2 39 6 3 27 7 2 59 20 Totals 66 29 95 Deaths 17 12 29