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and this, combined with the expense of fencing-material, the difficulty of transport, and other factors, lias made us concentrate on the area nearer the buildings. This is in a high, state of cultivation, and with a fair acreage now in permanent pasture we shall soon be well placed to direct the full energy of the workers to breaking up new country. We have a very good take of lucerne, and our cropping returns demonstrate that with careful cultivation really good results can be got from this soil. A start has been made to bring in the block south of the road from the creamery to Waikeria. Ashbum Hall. —Visited in May and December, 1917, and in February, 1918. This private licensed hospital is under Dr. Will, who takes a kindly and individual interest in the patients. In common with all institutions, this one has had its troubles with depletion of staff and changes among the probationers, but apparently every effort has been made by the management to prevent this factor from inconveniencing the patients. There are very few cases of acute mental trouble, and for the majority of the patients the institution is a comfortable home. In conclusion I have to thank, the staff of the Head Office, who have worked short-handed and at times under high pressure, but always willingly. I have, &c, Frank Hay.

MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENTS' REPORTS.* AUCKLAND MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Beattie reports : — We had 1,235 patients under treatment during 1917, as compared with 1,216 in 1916. The average numbers resident were 633 males and 384 females, giving a total of 1,017. The number admitted during the year was 225. This number was considerably less than that of last year, when 268 were added to our numbers. Of the 135 males admitted, 45 were labourers and 16 farmers. The chief causes were congenital deficiency (32), heredity (24), senility (18), alcohol (16), and syphilis (15). At the end of the year 1,061 patients remained on the books, an increase for the year of 51. It is necessary to point out that during the year no additions were made to our accommodation. Our refractory wards, both male and female, were very much overcrowded, and with the prospect of a considerable increase in the coming year the successful administration of the Hospital becomes wellnigh impossible. If we are not to build in anticipation of patients, or be able to transfer friendless patients to other institutions, it becomes essential to make annual additions to our accommodation to meet our increasing population and provide for classification. The returned soldiers have not added appreciably to our numbers. The few cases admitted have been due to causes outside the war. Ido not anticipate a large increment as a direct result of the war, but we have probably not yet begun to feel the effects of the many contributing factors which the war has introduced. The recovery-rate was: For males, 3704 per cent., and for females, 3333 per cent. The death-rate was : For males, 932 per cent., and for females, 8 - 07 per cent. Two female deaths were caused by typhoid fever. No defect was discovered in drainage or in water or milk supply. The mild epidemic was probably due to a carrier. It is generally easy to ascertain the previous existence of typhoid when considering our European patients, but it becomes practically impossible in the case of Maoris. My opinion inclines to the belief that Maoris are responsible for our outbreaks. Examination has revealed the existence of several Maori carriers. In addition to our ordinary committals 46 patients were sent to us on remand. Of these, II were ultimately committed. The remainder were discharged recovered, or will be so. We had also 6 voluntary boarders. The general activities of the Hospital have been carried on as usual. The administration has been more difficult and anxious than usual on account of the numbers who have left us for military service and the difficulty of securing suitable candidates to fill their places. I have had, as is usual, to rely upon the loyalty and fidelity of the senior staff, but more so this year than previously. We fully realize the insignificance of our difficulties in the face of the immensity of our national crisis. My thanks are due to the District Inspector, the Official Visitors, the Medical Officers, and staff generally for the advice and support which have been loyally accorded me. SUNNYSIDE MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Gribben reports : — At the beginning of the year 1917 there were 692 patients on the register, of whom 333 were males and 359 females. During the year there were admitted 73 males and 63 females, and at the end of the year there were remaining 748 patients, an increase of 56 for the year. There were 44 deaths, giving a death-rate of 63 per cent, on the average number resident. There were 30 recoveries (14 males, 16 females), giving a rate of 22 per cent, on the admissions. The health of the patients was generally good. There was, of course, the usual proportion of senile cases, which fill up the infirmary wards and, especially under present conditions, severely tax the senior and experienced members of the staff. I think it is a pity that something definite

* Dr. Truby King was unable to furnish a report on Seacliff, as the returns were not prepared when he left for England early in January, 1918.