21

H.—7

I conversed with all the patients and boarders. Some spontaneously expressed their appreciation for the care and attention with which they were treated, and none had any complaint to make, though two sought to get their liberty, for which, unfortunately, they were not fitted. There are no special-observation notices, Dr. Alexander holding (in my opinion, rightly so) that such special cautions should be used as sparingly as possible. The following require particular attention for the reasons assigned: — u« Males. Females. Total. Epileptics ... ... ... ... ... ...3 2 5 Suicidal (potentially) ... ... ... ... ...1 1 2 Tendency to be wet and dirty ... ... ... ...1 3 4 Actually wet and dirty ... ... ... 1 1 The record of employment is as follows : — Males. Females. Total. Farm and garden ... ... ... ... ...14 6 19 Workshops ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 ... 1 Laundry ... ... ... ... ... 3 3 Kitchen ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 2 3 Domestic duties ... ... ... ... ... 6 10 16 Needlework only ... ... ... ... 3 3 22 23 45 Actively employed reading and writing only . . ... 3 2 6 Not employed ... ... ... ... ... 1 ... 1 26 25 51 This record speaks well for the tact with which the patients are managed, and goes to explain the complete absence of excitement, the evident contentment, and the good physical condition of the patients. To it may alio be ascribed the rendering possible of the large amount of liberty enjoyed, as many as 22 (m., 15; f., 7) being on parole. There is a nursing staff of thirteen, but eight other members of the staff have relief duties. Five of the nursing staff have been in the service for five years and upwards. I have again to report on the satisfactory change in the deportment of the patients, the attention to little details of male attire, and the characteristic home-like touches of decoration due to the presence of nurses in Mitchell Wing and, it should be added, the influence of Mrs. Milne, the Matron. The general health of the patients is good, and no one is confined to bed for physical ailment. Four patients are undergoing rest treatment for their mental state, two in the open air, and two indoors. I gave an alarm to test the efficiency of the fire-drill, and two leads of water were playing on the main building in 2 minutes 7 seconds. Chemical extinguishers and hydrants are placed at convenient intervals, and all the apparatus is in good order and condition. The auxiliary dam has been enlarged to augment the water-supply for fire purposes. The electric-light installation has been carefully executed in view of fire risks, and has removed the element of danger associated with the use of lamps. In conclusion, I wish to record the evident desire of Dr. Alexander and those associated with him to do all they can for the welfare of the patients. In those parts of the hospital in which are accommodated patients who are at all trustworthy, the decoration, the furnishing of the bed and sitting rooms, the service of meals, and the general air of comfort suggest a well-appointed private house, while for the few patients who cannot be accorded such privileges one is pleased to observe that every effort is made, compatible with care and safety, to render their habitation as little suggestive of an institution as possible. The books and registers were examined, and were up to date. The case-book is carefully kept. Visits to Patients on Probation. Visits were paid to patients resident at the Camp and at the Home for Feeble-minded at Richmond. In both places the patients were getting on remarkably well and receiving every attention, under Mr. Gribben at the first-named institution, and Mr. and Mrs. Buttle at the second. Mrs. Buttle approached me about getting a wagonette and pair to send the children out driving. I told her that the expense would not be justified until the institution was larger. She asked whether any private subscriptions towards the object would be subsidised pound for pound. This request was subsequently agreed to, and between the months of April and September Mrs. Buttle received subscriptions from one end of the Dominion to the other, totalling £97 Bs. 6d. This sum and the subsidy provided handsomely for the main object, and the surplus was expended in increasing the number of toys, rocking-horses, &c. At my last visit I was pleased to see for myself how much the kindly interest of the public in the children had contributed to their happiness. Frank Hay.