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NELSON MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Gray reports : — During the year 1922 we have had under care 332 patients, with an average resident number of 263. At the end of the period under review our numbers showed a net increase of 79, mainly due to transfers from Porirua Mental Hospital. The death-rate was 7-9 per cent, upon the average number resident. Our recoveries totalled 14, or nearly 30 per cent, upon the admissions. It is necessary to point out that the new scheme of admitting to Nelson imbecile boys from all parts of the Dominion must materially alter our statistics. All these patients are non-recoverable, and many of them are in feeble health on admission. It may be advisable in future to treat the statistics for the boys' home as for a separate institution. The general health of the patients has been good, but we have had during the year several cases of enteric fever, due undoubtedly to " carrier infection." The search for these " carriers " is being steadily prosecuted, and in the meantime all patients, except those in whom some definite contraindication exists, have been innoculated against the disease. As foreshadowed in last year's report, we have now opened a colony villa for the imbecile boys of the Dominion. There are fifty-two boys in residence, and everything is working smoothly and efficiently under the devoted and sympathetic management of a charge nurse. Had any argument been necessary in support of the contention that, wherever possible, nurses should replace, attendants in mental hospitals, it has been abundantly supplied in this instance. The children are happier, healthier, and better cared for in every way. Visiting parents have repeatedly expressed their pleasure and confidence in the new arrangements, which ensure a large amount of individual care and attention. The establishment of " half-way houses " for the treatment of so-called border-line cases has recently received much attention in the public Press. The aims underlying the demand for such institutions are such as must receive sympathetic consideration, but in my opinion the practical solution of the problem lies not in the direction indicated, but in the further development of the villa system. Under this system we can supply every reasonable demand in the matter of classification. Each villa is set apart to receive a special class of patient, and the different classes thus dine, sleep, and work as separate units, while under the same administrative control. Our numbers at Stoke Village Mental Hospital continue to increase, and there, are now 114 male patients resident. The development of the place has gone on smoothly, and in spite, or probably because, of, the very great freedom from irksome, restraint. There have been no unfortunate incidents during the, year. Our classification list shows that of 114 patients, 75, or 65-5 per cent., are on full parole, which means that, provided they obey the regulations of the institution and occupy their time usefully they can wander at will anywhere on the estate. Out of 114 male patients 71 or 62-25 per cent, are usefully employed chiefly on farm and garden work. The proposed new villa will materially overcome most of our present difficulties, and I trust its erection will be carried out without undue delay. I wish to express my appreciation of the periodic visits paid to this institution by Miss Hanna, whose suggestions are always helpful, Thanks are also due to the Ministers' Association for Divine services, to tho proprietors of the Evening Mail, and the cinema-manager for free passes to patients. I have to acknowledge the loyal assistance afforded to me by the officers and staff of the institution. HOKITIKA MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Buchanan reports : — The number of patients on the register at the beginning of the year was 253, made up of 184 males and 69 females. At the end of the year the number was reduced to 242 — i.e., 172 males and 70 females. Admissions during the year numbered 15 (9 males and 6 females). Discharges were s—all5 —all males. Seventeen deaths occurred —14 males and three females. Four patients were transferred to other institutions. Tho general health of the patients has been good. Since my last, report the following buildings have been completed : Central store, bakehouse, kitchen, attendants' and nurses' dining and sitting rooms, and nurses' home. Electric light has been installed in all the permanent parts of the institution, and the drainage scheme, though not complete, is partly in use. In the course of the next week we commence building the female wing of the new reception block. The Mental Hospital itself has been given the contract for this work, and I am confident that with the facilities that we have on the spot the work will be carried out expeditiously and cheaply. Nine acres of the estate were planted in trees last August. These have done well. This is important work, for, by means of trees, land which now is of little value will eventually prove a considerable, asset. A further 8 acres are to be planted this year. I owe much to the staff for the loyal manner in which they have co-operated with me in the year's work. ' CHRISTCHURCH MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Crosby reports : — At the beginning of the, year we had 823 patients under care, and at tho close there were 812 on our register. 149 (77 males, 64 females) were admitted, including 5 transferred from other institutions ;85 were discharged (50 males, 35 females) ; and 65 died —a death-rate of 8 per cent. The average number of patients resident in the Hospital during the year was 791. The above figures do not refer to 42 voluntary boarders, 23 of whom sought, admission during the. year. Fifteen of these were discharged, 1 required certification, and 25 remained in the institution at the end of the year. The causes leading to the mental disorder of the 141 admissions were usual ones, those coming under the casual heading of " Previous Attack " being most numerous. This is a point worthy of note, as since it is well established that one attack of insanity predisposes to another, and that premature discharge means greater probability of future relapse, the public should be less insistent

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