H.—7.

There were 26 voluntary boarders (15 males and 11 females) under treatment during the year, 7 males and 4 females being new admissions. The discharges were 6 males and 1 female. The cases admitted under section Bof the Act were 24. The number on probation with their people is 13 males and 11 females. The parole system continues to work very well, and the number of male patients allowed this privilege in varying degrees is now 220. The three new villas were opened in February last, 100 female patients being received from Porirua. The recreation of the patients has comprised pictures, dances, and concerts ; while parties have been to the races, show, &c. ; and in the summer bathing parties of men and women. The pictures will cease shortly, owing to there being no supply of silent films, and will be very much missed by every one. During the year a new washing-machine has been installed in the laundry, a new steamer in the kitchen, and the Hospital is being rewired. Lectures have been given to the senior and junior staff. Four attendants and one nurse obtained the senior nursing certificate. Mr. Battson, Official Visitor, has visited the Hospital regularly. In conclusion, I have to express my thanks to all members of the staff for their help and co-operation in the work of the Hospital.

PORIRUA MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Williams reports : — I have the honour to present my report for the year 1930. The total number of people under care during the year was 1,976, of whom 1,809 were committed patients and 167 voluntary boarders. Of committed patients, the number on the register on the Ist January was 1,535 (823 males and 712 females) ; on the 31st December there were 1,458 (855 males and 603 females). The number of admissions for the twelve months was 274 (157 males and 117 females) ; the number discharged was 127 (62 males and 65 females), of whom 107 were " recovered." The number transferred was 113, and the number of deaths was 111. During the year 167 voluntary boarders were under our care ; of these, 93 entered the Hospital for the first time, while 24 were readmissions. We were able to discharge 59 as recovered or greatly improved, 8 required committal, and 6 died, leaving 94 in residence at the end of the year. Thirty-three persons (12 males and 21 females) were admitted under section 8 of the 1928 Amendment Act; all were subsequently committed. It is evident that knowledge concerning this much less harsh form of admission is becoming more widespread —our own figures, for example, are twice those of last year. Overcrowding is still of serious dimensions, more particularly on the male side. Conditions on. the female side were considerably relieved by the transfer to Tokanui early in February of 100 patients ; unfortunately, however, the number of women patients is still uncomfortably close to the prescribed limit. It is very evident, too, that as soon as circumstances permit it will be necessary to provide special accommodation for senile cases requiring only custodial care, and for the mentally deficient. This applies more particularly to the male population, and if such provision were made not only would undue congestion be relieved, but also would be possible a more rational system of classification, with its consequent advantages from the treatment point of view. The general health of patients during the year has been satisfactory. There have been no epidemics, nor any serious or avoidable accidents. A satisfactory amount of work in the way of renovations, additions, &c., has been accomplished during the year, and much of this has tended to the still further comfort of patients. Steam-kettles have been installed in various wards ; hot water has been laid on to the wash-hand-basins where required ; extra bathroom and lavatory accommodation has been added in some parts and enlarged in others. A new servery has been added in A and C Wards, and a host of minor defects have received attention. Outside, too, much has been done. Renovations have been made to the main building, Rauta, the farm buildings, and elsewhere. The five villas, the whole of Rauta, and many other wards have been completely repainted. Repairs have been made to the main drive, and the new access road has been entirely reconstructed. Authority has been given for the repainting of the main building, and this very necessary work will be commenced as soon as weather conditions have settled. Some thousands of trees have been planted on various parts of the estate, for shelter-belts and for beautifying purposes. On the therapeutic side have been added radiant-heat baths, electric sterilizers and drums, and a new surgery is being built in A Ward. The psychiatric clinic at Wellington Hospital continues to function usefully, though, to be sure, we are now finding the two days weekly allotted there barely sufficient to cope satisfactorily with the large numbers attending for treatment. The number of consultations during the year was 819 ; of these 287 were first visits. All classes of nervous and mental disorder were represented, though the bulk consisted of minor neuroses and psychoneuroses. It was noted, too, how large a part conditions of economic stress played in the etiology of the disorders encountered, more particularly those of an anxiety and of paranoidal nature. As heretofore, patients were referred from many sources, and from all parts of the Wellington District.

6