PP.—7

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The new laundry lias been completed, except for the installation of machinery. The water-tower is finished, but will not be ready for use until the pumping-station is completed. There has also been delay in commencing the new farm buildings. The ground in front of Sefton has been levelled and made into a lawn, and a rockery built. The ground round the lighthouse has also been sown and fenced similarly to the bowling-greens, helping to improve the. entrance to the grounds. The annual picnic was held in January, and was greatly enjoyed. During the Christmas season the patients were entertained by visiting parties, and thanks are due to the Rev. Mr. Hayward, Mr. G. Davidson, and the Municipal Band for their kind services. The Official Visitors (Miss M. F. Reynolds, Messrs. A. Clifton, Hon. H. L. Michel, and H. M. Coulson) have paid visits and taken an interest in the patients' welfare. At the end of the year Mr. Dowling, Head Attendant, resigns, after twenty-six years' service. His services will be greatly missed, and he carries the good wishes of the staff in his new venture. I wish to express my thanks to the staff for their good work during the year. CHRISTCHURCH MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. McKillop reports :— I have the honour to forward my report for the year ending 31st December, 1929. On the Ist January there were 918 patients on the register. During the year there were 205 admissions —122 males and 83 females. The total number of committed patients under care was 1,123 ; 72 patients were discharged and 38 transferred to other institutions ; 960 patients (inclusive of 56 on probation) remained on the register on the 31st December. Of 87 voluntary boarders who received treatment 51 were discharged to their homes, 4 were committed, and one died. The general health of the patients has been very satisfactory. There were 53 deaths (32 males, 21 females), the principal cause of death being senile decay. A number of important structural alterations have been carried out. Extensive alterations and additions to North House will enable us to use this ward as a separate unit. Our most urgent need is a building to replace " B " Ward, and I am pleased to note that plans are being drawn for this purpose. The work of installing the new boilers was commenced some months ago, but the rate of progress has been very slow. The farm and garden returns have again been very satisfactory. The farm recently purchased at Templeton will prove a decided asset to the institution ; one attendant and twelve patients are now in residence there. I desire to record my appreciation of the co-operation and assistance of Professor Hercus, of Otago, and his staff. They have always been pleased to assist us in research work. At his suggestion two years ago I commenced using iodized salt throughout the institution for all purposes. There has been a noticeable decrease in goitres, and there has been no instance of toxic results. A number of cases of general paralysis have been treated by tryparsamide, and the results have been very satisfactory. I have to tender my thanks to the Deputy Inspector, Mr. Acland; the Official Visitors, Mrs. Williams and Mr. Hanna ; and the clergy of all denominations, for their regular visits, which have been appreciated by patients and staff. I have been very fortunate in having efficient and agreeable medical colleagues, and I have to thank them for their co-operation, and for the live interest they have taken in the progress of the Institution. I have also to thank the office staff, the Matrons, Head Attendants, heads of departments, and the nursing staff for the assistance they have given me in carrying on the work of the Hospital. SEACLIFF MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Childs reports : — I have the honour to submit my report for the year ended 31st December, 1929. At the commencement of the year there were 1,188 patients on the register (649 males and 539 females), and at the year's conclusion 1,186 (657 males and 529 females). The admissions numbered 133 (88 males and 45 females). Forty-two patients were discharged (20 males and 22 females), while 11 males and 2 females were transferred to other hospitals. Eighty patients died during the year (49 males and 31 females), 13 between the ages of eighty and ninety, 17 between seventy and eighty, and one over ninety. At the beginning of the year there were 46 voluntary boarders (25 males and 21 females). Twelve males and 6 females were admitted, 9 males and 8 females were discharged, while I of each sex died. One voluntary boarder was committed. The average weekly number of patients resident during the year was 1,165 (746 males and 519 females). The number placed on probation during the year was 64 (38 males and 26 females). The health of the patients has been uniformly good, but it has been otherwise with the nursing staff, a considerable number having been off duty through sickness often of a serious nature ; and 1 regret to report the deaths of Attendant D. Hendry and Charge Attendant J. W. Churchman. Dr. Gribben was in charge of the hospital until the 24th April, when I took over. Dr. Gribben, although his health was causing some concern, did all he could to make me familiar with the work in the different branches of the Hospital, and the help thus given made the task of taking-over as simple and pleasant as possible.