H.—7.

HOKITIKA MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Hayes reports : — I have the honour to submit my report for the year 1930. At the beginning of the year there were 251 patients on the register (175 males, 76 females), and at the end of the year 285 patients (176 males, 109 females). The total number under care was 307 (190 males, 117 females), the average weekly being 246 (171 males, 75 females). Admissions numbered 56 (15 males, 41 females), of which 33 females were transfers and 2 males were readmissions. Of those admitted for the first time, 13 were male and 8 female. Discharges were 9 recovered (6 male, 3 female), plus 2 males discharged not improved. Two females were transferred. There were 2 female voluntary boarders resident on the Ist January, and 2 males and 1 female were admitted during the course of the year. Two female and 1 male voluntary boarders were discharged. None was committed. The health of the patients was good, deaths numbering 9(6 male, 3 female). The principal causes of death was senile decay and cardiovascular degeneration. There was one case of typhoid, which recovered. During the year 7| acres of virgin ground have been cleared, drained, ploughed, and left fallow. This is less than last year, due to the working-parties being employed in roadmaking for the new villa and farm buildings, and also assisting in the construction of the latter. In connection with Huia, the new villa, it was necessary to pipe 9| chains of open drain. This was done by pipes made by the working-parties in wet weather, when they could not be employed outside, and proved to be quite economical, as the cost was practically that of the cement only. The vegetable-garden was enlarged by taking in 1J acres from the farm to meet the growing population. The addition to the greenhouse was completed in July, and our yield of tomatoes should be double that of last year. The installation of pumping machinery to the well and water-tower was practically completed at the end of the year. The farm buildings were well advanced, and the installation of laundry machinery commenced. The fowlhouses have been removed to a site adjacent to the new farm buildings. No tree-planting was done in the afforested area this year, but a nursery was started next to Egmont, in which red-cedars have been planted, and should be ready for blanking up next year. These cedars were kindly supplied by the Conservator of Forests. This nursery is also being used to raise shrubs and flowers for the gardens. The new villa was completed in November, and the old block of ten single rooms was demolished. A tennis-court was constructed by hospital labour, and is now in use. The ground at the back of Aorangi was planted with native bush, and it is proposed to follow this plan next year behind the new villa. The usual recreation has been given to the patients, but in addition extra entertainment has been afforded them, due to the kindness of the Municipal Band and Mr. Lawn's orchestra playing at their dances. Thanks are also due to the Eev. Mr. Knowles Smith, the St. Paul's Dramatic Club, and the Maori Methodist Mission. For Christmas entertainment I wish to thank the combined choirs, and.also Mr. George Davidson. Owing to bad weather, the patients' picnic had to be held in two instalments, the picnic being in the grounds, followed later by a drive in the country. The Official Visitors have paid regular visits, and thanks are due to Miss Reynolds and Messrs. Clifton and Coulson in this respect. The Hospital lost in the death of the Hon. H. L. Michel an Official Visitor who was connected with it for over thirty years, and who right up to the time of his last illness paid regular visits and took the keenest interest in the welfare of the patients. In conclusion, I wish to thank the staff generally for their good work during the year.

CHRISTCHURCH MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. McKillop reports : — I have the honour to forward my annual report for the year ending 31st- December, 1930. On the Ist January, 1930, there were 960 patients on the register. During the year 271 patients (141 men and 130 women) were admitted. Seventy-eight patients were discharged and 42 transferred to other institutions. The total number of committed patients under care during the year was 1,231, and 1,051 remained on the 31st December, 1930. During the year 109 voluntary boarders received treatment; 47 (33 men and 14 women) were discharged, 2 died, and 5 were committed. It is very gratifying to note the increasing number who have taken advantage of the section in the Act sanctioning voluntary admission : 26 of the voluntary boarders were recurrent cases who recognized early symptoms of relapse and came in the hope that an attack might be warded off. The general health of the patients has been very good. There were 60 deaths (31 males and 29 females), half the deaths being due to senile changes.

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