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MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENTS' REPORTS.

AUCKLAND MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Buchanan reports : — I have the honour to present to you my annual report for the year ended 31st December, 1930. The total number of cases under care during the year has been 1,508, with a weekly average of 1,223. The admissions have numbered 247 (136 males, 111 females). Of this number, 191 were admitted for the first time. Eighty voluntary boarders were admitted during the year, making a total of 149 under care, and of these 55 were discharged. The increased number of admissions now taxes our accommodation to the utmost, and we already have to look round to find which wards will best carry the surfeit. At the end of the year 72 patients were on probation, 48 on full parole, and 303 on limited parole. Ninety-nine patients were admitted under section 8 of the Mental Defectives Amendment Act, 1928. The general health of the patients has been good, although there have been 12 cases of dysentery in M. 2 Ward. The number of consultations at the Psychiatric Clinic was 701, showing an increase of 208 over last year's figures. The details of these numbers have been forwarded to you in a separate report. In April we were fortunate, through the courtesy of Dr. Gilmour, Bacteriologist of the Auckland Hospital, in procuring benign tertian malarialy infected blood, with which we treated eight general paralytic patients. Unfortunately, the patients available were mostly too advanced in this progressive disease for us to expect a cure. One definite cure was effected, and one man was decidedly improved. Of the remaining six, five have shown no improvement and one died. Infected blood was passed on to Porirua Mental Hospital. The new residence for the Medical Superintendent has been completed and is now in occupation. This leaves the old house vacant and ready to be occupied as a residential clinic as soon as money is available for the necessary alterations and furnishings. In view of the overcrowding in the other parts of the institution, I hope money will be forthcoming in 1931 for this work. Verandas have been built on to F. 7 Ward and Oakleigh Hall. These provide additional nursing facilities, besides improving the appearance of both wards. A circular walk has been constructed through the more picturesque parts of the grounds, and makes a promenade full of interest and gives greatly appreciated shade for walking parties during the hot weather. In August the boiler supplying hot water to the main building broke down irreparably, and we have had to depend since then on an extempore method of heating water by discharging steam into two cylinders. This is not satisfactory, and lam of opinion that, the installation of another but larger boiler will best meet our requirements. Among other changes and alterations, the main male bathroom has been reconstructed ; showers have been installed in M. 3 ; curtains have been hung between the individual baths in the main female bathroom, providing much appreciated privacy. Steam-heated boilers for the making of tea are now in several wards. Copper piping has been substituted for iron piping for hot water in many parts of the building. A veranda has been added to the Senior Medical Officer's house. A steady programme of painting has been carried on throughout the institution, and the Nurses' Home has been painted throughout. I think the time has come when the Department should consider the advisability of disposing of the property of 90 acres, known as " The Reef," which lies adjacent to the Zoological Gardens. Its grazing-properties are poor, and owing to the tramways being now established in the Great North Road the driving of the stock to and from " The Reef " has become a difficult and to a certain extent a dangerous undertaking, The accommodation of the Summer Camp at Kingseat was increased, and now houses thirty patients. These patients are employed in preparing building-sites and roadmaking for the new hospital. They are happy in their surroundings, appreciate the freedom they obtain, and express a reluctance to leave Kingseat to return to Auckland. The usual round of entertainments was provided —bands, concerts, dances, and visits to the local picture-theatre. Competitions in bowls and tennis took place. The annual picnic, as usual, was greatly enjoyed. Regular visits were paid by the Official Visitors. I take this opportunity to record thanks to my whole staff for their loyal co-operation during the year.

TOKANUI MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Prins reports I have the honour to submit my report for the year ending 31st December, 1930. The total number of oases under care has been 613, with a weekly average of 530. The admissions were 64 (males 34, females 30) of these, -32 males and 30 females were admitted for the first time. The transfers were 106 (males 4, females 102). The general health of the Hospital has been exceptionally good. ■ The deaths have been 21 (males 8, females 13), senile decay being the principal cause. The discharges numbered 29 (males 16, females 13) ; of these, 10 males and 9 females were recoveries.

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