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Porirua (£3O). Only minor works were undertaken. Nelson and Ngawhatu (£12,251). The first villa for female patients at York's Yalley was completed and occupied and two other villas are under construction. A start has been made with the new laundry and boiler-house. Good progress has been made with the water-supply reticulation. Hohitika (£8,753). One new villa was completed and another is now under construction. Christcliurch (£3,481). A new residence for an assistant medical officer has been completed. An additional villa (No. 4.) was completed at Templeton Farm. Seacliff (£6,618). A new boiler-house was erected, and a considerably enlarged water storage and reticulation provided at Waitati. Retirements. Dunne the year the Department lost by retirement the services of two old and valued officers Messrs. Ernest Barnes and Henry Glanvill, Head Attendants at Christchurch and Seacliff respectively. " Mr. Barnes left upon the completion of forty years' service with the Department, during which he worked whole-heartedly and unselfishly in the interests of the patients and the institutions. Mr. Glanvill, who retired on medical grounds after thirty-one years of service, set a conspicuous example to others by his loyalty to the highest ideals. _ To these officers the Department owes much ; they both earned and retained the affectionate respect of all those who were associated with them in the work of the Department, and they leave with our best wishes. Appreciation. I desire to express my indebtedness to my colleague, Dr. Russell, the Medical Superintendents, and the other officers of the service, for their unfailing loyalty and help at all times. The work at Head Office has been particularly well done by a highly efficient, harmonious, and co-operative staff, and to Mr. Holder, Chief Clerk of the Department, and the other officers at Head Office, I tender my sincere thanks. 1 have, &c., Theo. G. Gray.

MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENTS' REPORTS.

AUCKLAND MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Buchanan reports:— I have the honour to present my annual report for the year ended 31st December, lyjj. The total number of cases under care during the year was 1,623, with a weekly average of 1,274. The admissions numbered 270 (142 males, 128 females). Of this number, 197 were admitted for the first time. Under Section 8 of the Mental Defectives Amendment Act, 140 patients were admitted. Eighty-one voluntary boarders were admitted during the year, making a total of 166 under care, and of these 56 were discharged. At the end of the year 154 patients were on probation, 116 on full parole, and 204 on limited The general health of the patients was good. Deaths totalled 74 (46 males and 28 females). During the year there were few alterations or new constructions made. A veranda was built on to the male hospital ward, which not only enables us to treat bed cases in the fresh air, but adds considerably to the appearance of the ward. , _ A new make of gas range was installed in the kitchen, and is giving very satisfactory service. The large dayroom in Ward 9 of Park House has been altered, part being made into a dormitory, and the remaining portion being used as a sitting-room. This arrangement allows us to segregate the least impulsive and noisy patients in this refractory building. The results, as far as the patients are concerned, have justified this change. _ Old weather-shelters in the female main building airing-court have been removed, and the whole area turned into a garden. The patients thoroughly appreciate this change, and show active interest in the cultivation of flowers and shrubs. A new stone-crusher was installed in place of the worn-out one. During the year we have taken over the medical inspection of the Inebriate Homes on Rotoroa and Pakatoa Islands. Owing to pressure of work in connection with Kingseat Mental Hospital, I have handed over this work temporarily to my senior assistant, Dr. G. M. Tothill. The study of these cases reveals, in many instances, an underlying neuropathic basis. It would greatly facilitate our work in connection with these Homes, and would be of the utmost benefit to the patients, if the authorities would appoint a man trained in St. John's Ambulance work as one of the staff. . The numbers of our criminal lunatics are creeping up. Fitting accommodation for them is a matter of difficulty, and their supervision is one of grave responsibility. I still hope that a criminal lunatic institution will be established soon.

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