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revolving sprinkler. The purification system has,|l believe, been most successful in the Old Country. The aerating sewage-filter just described seems to complete the bacteriolytic process of purification which is commenced in the septic tank. There has been some delay in procuring all the enormous quantity of road-metal required to complete the filter-beds, so that we cannot yet state final results from this important work which promises so well. In connection with the electric-lighting plant, the storage-battery which was obtained a few years ago has become much deteriorated, and the chief engineer reported that its life could not be much prolonged. The storage-battery was designed to keep such lights going as were required after patients were in bed. For this purpose it is obvious that either the battery will have to be renewed or that a suitable auxiliary plant (such as a Diesel oil-engine and small dynamo) should be obtained. Each alternative has its advantages. In the meantime the services of a third engineer have been obtained in order that the lighting should be direct from the dynamo until late at night, and so save the load on the crippled storage-battery. The very large quantity of work that has to be done in the laundry was altogether beyond what could be undertaken by hand-labour, and the installation of machinery became a question of urgency. A roomy addition to provide the necessary accommodation was therefore made to the laundry in the early part of the year. Excellent washing-machines, &c, were obtained from the best makers in England. These, which have been working since midwinter, have given every satisfaction. Some important changes in the staff took place during the year. Dr. Barraclough, who had been away in Auckland for twelve months taking temporary charge of the Mental Hospital there, returned in August to resume duty as Assistant Medical Officer here. He, however, decided to resign at the end of the year with a view of entering into the private practice of his profession in this district. Dr. Barraclough, who had been in the service of the Department for upwards of five years, has done excellent work as my colleague at this institution, and I much regretted losing his assistance. Dr. Johnstone, who was with me while Dr. Barraclough was in Auckland, also proved himself a capable and trustworthy officer. Miss Tuersley, the Matron, after several years' conscientious service, resigned in August, and her position was filled by the promotion of Miss Ogilvie, the senior charge nurse at Seacliff Mental Hospital. The staff as a whole has done well, and of its members I have to record my appreciation for their co-operation in carrying out the work in the various departments of the institution. I have, &c, The Inspector-General of Mental Hospitals, Wellington. Gray Hassell.

WELLINGTON MENTAL HOSPITAL. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report and statistics on Mount View Mental Hospital for the year ending the 31st December, 1905. I assumed office on the Ist March of that year. The number of patients resident then was 255; of these, 139 were males and 116 females. The average number under treatment during the year was 246. At the end of the year there were 238 patients in the Hospital. The admissions for the year totalled 81. Of these, 13 had previously received treatment, either here or in some other New Zealand or Australian mental hospital. In addition to those admitted in the usual way, 11 cases of incipient or borderland insanity were brought here for " safe custody," under section 17 (giving them the benefit of early observation and treatment), on an order from the Magistrate, who remanded them for a week at a time, " pending medical examination." Of these cases, 7 recovered sufficiently to be allowed to return to their friends after a short stay in the Hospital, whilst the remaining 4 were detained after the legal requirements had been fulfilled. Thirty-seven patients, exclusive of those remanded here, were discharged, and sixteen died during the year. In September, anticipating our future requirements by taking advantage of the extra accommodation there provided, 40 patients were transferred to Auckland. The general health of the community has been good, we have had complete freedom from tuberculosis, and with the exception of one regrettable fatality, of which I notified you fully at the time, there have been no serious accidents. The ordinary outdoor work for the patients has gone on steadily. The dairy herd has been substantially increased, and this has necessitated our putting a larger portion of paddock-land under cultivation in root-crops. The usual fortnightly entertainments have been held, occasional cricket-matches have taken place, and at times small parties of patients have shared in the attractions of the city. Reading-material for the patients' use has been greatly added to here through the courtesy of the Stationmasters at Wellington and Te Aro. They have gone to much trouble in following out Dr. Levinge's thoughtful suggestion of sending the periodicals left in the trains to the Mental Hospital. In regard to the building, no new additions have been made, but our thanks have been due to the Public Works Department for many renovations, and for alterations which will make the institution more efficiently worked. Our thanks are also due to a philanthropic lady who has given a considerable Sum towards procuring extra comforts for the sick. I have to record the deep regret felt by every one connected with the institution on the sudden death of Mr. John Cook which took place last May. For twenty-eight years Mr. Cook was a most valued worker in the management of the Hospital estate. To the officers and members of the staff I have to tender my thanks for their hearty co-operation and help in carrying out the work of the institution. I have, &c, Arthur Crosby, The Inspector-General of Mental Hospitals, Wellington. Medical Superintendent.