7

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of water in the pipes is 100 lb. to the square inch, the theory of the filtered effluent from the septic tank penetrating the pipes against this pressure may, while affording subject for argument, when reduced to facts be regarded as practically impossible. At Avondale, the theory of the drain broken into in laying foundations for new buildings cannot be credited, because it was an old storm-water channel, and, as at Porirua, the storm-water and sewerage systems are separate. Dr. Roberton (whose advice and co-operation Dr. Barraclough has had), myself, and the Public Works Department's engineer have carefully examined the source of the water-supply and found it free from contamination. To complete our observations, I have asked for a geological survey to be undertaken by Dr. Bell. At Porirua there were eleven cases in all —six women and two men patients, and two nurses and an attendant. Two of the women died ; but fortunately in neither case was the prognosis as to mental condition good. A very sad event was the death of the attendant, who was much respected and esteemed. At Avondale there were nine cases, all male patients, with two deaths. In neither case was the prognosis good with regard to mental condition. The resignation of Dr. Levinge after long and faithful service is an epoch-marking event. Only those whose memory takes them back to the time when he was appointed to Sunnyside can appreciate the full worth of his services to the State. He is succeeded in office by Dr. Gow from Mount View. The vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Morrison in the office of Superintendent of the Mental Hospital at Nelson has been filled by Mr. Chapman from Sunnyside. Mr. Chapman's enthusiasm and kindliness will be appreciated in his new sphere of usefulness. During Dr. Beattie's absence on leave Dr. Barraclough has been officiating at Avondale. He is entitled to the credit of managing the institution under most trying circumstances connected with the extensive alterations and additions in progress, entailing the employment of temporary kitchens and the like. This state of affairs means on the part of the Superintendent constant watchfulness and powers of reorganization to meet the varying conditions. Dr. Truby King was granted six months' sick-leave, and we were pleased to welcome him back restored to health. The reception house and estate at Orokonui have been added to his charge, and could not be in better organizing hands. Dr. Crosby, whose work as Acting-Superintendent at Seacliff met with the entire approval of the Department, is now at Mount View. D. MacGregor, Inspector-General.

ENTRIES OF VISITS BY THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL TO THE VARIOUS MENTAL HOSPITALS.

Auckland Mental Hospital. 11th September, 1904.- -I have seen all the patients, examined all the buildings, was present at dinner twice, timed the distribution, tested the quality, quantity, and cooking of the food •supplied, investigated the sufficiency and comfort of clothing, boots, beds, &c, and found everything in order and good. The patients and attendants expressed themselves satisfied. In some instances sufficient care was not taken to see that the flannels, &c, were properly fitted and buttoned. Four females and four males confined to bed, and receiving every care and attention. Twenty-five males and forty-eight women wet or dirty. There are no bedsores. Four women were restrained at different times, and for sufficient reasons, as shown by the book kept for that purpose. The number of patients out on trial was six men and five women. Two male attendants and six nurses were engaged since last visit to replace two men who left to better themselves. Three of the six nurses left to join the Hospital staff, and two to be married. One nurse who was suspended for a month for striking a patient did not return, and was therefore dismissed. I was anxious to satisfy myself how things were going on in Dr. Beattie's absence on leave, in the hands of Dr. Barraclough and Dr. McKelvie. A good spirit pervades the staff, and I find the institution working well. A contract has been let to provide for the overcrowding on the male side. The new buildings on the female side have removed the pressure there. A great deal of painting has to be done, especially on the male side. I have instructed Dr. Barraclough to requisition for the necessary authority, specifying the money required. After careful consideration and inquiry, I think if the attendants received a rise of wages and another clear day a month they would be content with the present clear month's holiday, seeing the great difficulties in the way of reducing the excessively long hours at present unavoidable. 12th June, 1905. —This Hospital was inspected and found in good order in all its departments. It has been a task of very great difficulty that Dr. Barraclough had to face during the building operations that have been going on so long. It is hard to realise the confusion and embarassment implied in having to work an institution like this with an extemporised kitchen and the other offices attached thereto, and I desire to record my profound thankfulness to Dr. Barraclough and his staff for the wonderful way they have overcome these inevitable difficulties. The new buildings will in about two months be ready for occupation, and the relief will be verygreat. No Medical Superintendent within my experience has been called on to face such a task as Dr. Barraclough has successfully got through while acting as substitute for Dr. Beattie. Dr. McKelvie also is to be congratulated on the loyal way in which he worked in such difficult circumstances. I found the patients all suitably and warmly clad in this inclement weather. Their food and bedding are ample, and when the new buildings are available their comforts in many ways can be increased in a way that has not hitherto been possible at this Hospital. The number of patients in the Hospital is—males 354, females 227 ; eight males and eight females are out