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movement. Because of the importance of the matter, especially at the present time, and of Dr. King's special knowledge and power of imparting it, he was given leave without pay, and Dr. McKillop, senior assistant, replaced him at Seacliff as Acting-Superintendent. Dr. McKillop, a Major in the N.Z.M.C. at Gallipoli, had been invalided home, but his health was restored before Dr. King left. By the courtesy of the Defence Department Dr. Gray, another of our officers with considerable experience in mental diseases, was recalled from France, and recently resumed duty at Seacliff. . The general health of the patients has been good, and the condition of the patients, their diet and their clothing, and the order maintained throughout the institution, reflect credit on those officiating in Dr. King's absence, and on the staff working under unusually hard conditions at the present time. Connected with Seacliff are the Camp Auxiliary Mental Hospital (which, as stated above, it is proposed to close) and Waitati. At this last institution the accommodation for epileptic patients is being enlarged and improved. It is also proposed to add two units for 50 patients each. The medical staff also visit the Anzac House Hospital at Karitane. At Seacliff proper the new reception-cottage for men is working excellently, and without exception the inmates expressed their satisfaction to me on my visits. The same remark applies to the Anzac House Hospital, which for convenience we administer and visit for the Defence authorities, but the inspection of which does not come strictly under this Department. It is placed under the charge of Mr. Maurice Quill, our second head attendant at Seacliff. The ground-slip towards the north end of the main building makes slight gradual and uniform progress, but is not yet dangerous. It is here that many years ago two isolation cuts were made, and part of the building on the slip was placed on a floating foundation. There is a perceptible twist in a line of single rooms in this locality built in wood. These and a similar row on the male side, both built many years ago, have repaid their original cost, and should be rebuilt after the war. The general store-rooms need extension, and I went into this matter in detail, so that the work could be carried out without delay when the building programme was no longer limited to urgent requirements. A. general bathroom in the cloister or ambulatory between the main administration block and the first male pavilion is planned, and should now be proceeded with. The basement here is used for fire appliances, which can be as conveniently placed elsewhere, and is easily and privately reached from both sides of the institution. It will repeat the features instituted at Sunnyside and working there so successfully—of foot-baths, tepid showers, and swimming-pool, as well as ordinary plunge-baths, with dressing and undressing rooms. Hokitika. —Visited in January and May, 1917, and in February, 1918. Mr. Sellars, who succeeded Mr. Downey as lay Superintendent, is carrying the, institution on in its old successful traditions. Miss Williams, the newly appointed Matron, was transferred to the Education Department, and was succeeded by Miss Drummond, from Seacliff. The laundry has no machinery, and though hand washing can be carried on for some time yet, a.proper drying-chamber is necessary. Hitherto, with a plentiful supply of clothing, delay in the laundry owing to wet weather, &c, did not make any material difference, but the obligation to keep expenditure down when prices for clothing are so high and our class of goods practically unprocurable has accentuated the primitive laundry arrangements. This institution is very old, and has almost served its time. The recognition of this fact has kept us from introducing modern kitchen and laundry appliances until they formed a unit of the rebuilding scheme. Old though it be, the institution is kept scrupulously clean, and the patients are comfortably provided for. Nelson. —Visited in January and July, 1917, and in January, 1918. The drainage alterations were completed, and many small works have been carried out pending the rebuilding. The old institution continues to shelter the patients comfortably, being kept scrupulously clean and in good order. The patients are well fed and clothed. Dr. HasselPs health had been indifferent towards the latter part of last year, and in January this year Dr. Jeffreys exchanged positions with him, and already he has benefited by the change of work and scene, and hopes soon to resume duty at Porirua. Porirua. —Visited in January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, 1917, and in January and April, 1918. The principal feature since last report is the occupation of the reception and hospital block, which is beautifully situated, apart from the main Mental Hospital, and is well adapted for its purpose. There has been a very large depletion of the Porirua staff as a result of the war, and therefore the work of the senior officers has been very anxious. Dr. Moore was transferred to Auckland, and Dr. Prins entered the service towards the end of the year, and after doing interim duty at Sunnyside, and was stationed at Porirua. Dr. Jeffreys relieved Dr. Hassell in January. The piping of the septic-tank effluent into the harbour is progressing satisfactorily. The purchase of the Mitchell property adjoining the Mental Hospital estate is a noteworthy addition to our resources. A patient was admitted suffering from cerebro-spinal meningitis. Fortunately the condition was immediately diagnosed, and precautious were taken against infection, which proved successful. The automatic-telephone service between the different parts of the institution and the officers' quarters is proving useful and most convenient. Tokanui. —Visited in January, March, November, and December, 1917, and in February, 1918. The third male unit is about ready for occupation, and arrangements are being made for furnishing. The hot-water supply is still to be carried to it. AVhen this is completed the first building (temporary) can be dismantled, and partly re-erected on a distant part of the estate at headquarters for working the land in that locality. The main road to this point is very bad in winter, and daily transport means a large shrinkage of working-hours. The second unit for women patients is now being built. The next most urgent requirements are the laundry and administration offices and stores. The fire service is now installed, and has been done by our own labour. We have also fitted up a cool chamber. It has been almost impossible to get a sufficient number of competent ploughmen to bring the undeveloped lands under cultivation,