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We are gradually extending the scheme whereby as many wards as possible will be provided with their own kitchens. So far this system is a great success, in that better and more varied menus are provided for the patients concerned. The social interests of the patients have been well and generously catered for bv outside organizations. The Mental Hospital Branch of the Auckland Hospital Auxiliary has been of the greatest assistance. It provides a monthly sum of money for the Recreation Fund, and also donated a substantial bonus for the purchase of Christmas extras. Station IZB supplied fifteen loud-speakers and 150 sets of head-phones, which were installed throughout the main building. The Returned Soldiers' Association installed sets in the other wards, and also gave us, on perpetual loan, the use of a public-address outfit. This latter has proved a great boon, especially at entertainments in the main hall. Weaving and wood-working classes have been held during the year by Mesdames Wigg and Ohms. These arts have stimulated great interest among the patients, and remarkably fine results have been, obtained. Many of the finished articles were sold at a fair which Matron, with the help of many willing friends, conducted towards the end of the year. In spite of inclement Weather, this bazaar was well attended, and resulted in the sum of £72 being added to the patients' Recreation Fund. Mr. Neville Carlsen has continued to provide periodic concert parties during the year. To all those persons and organizations mentioned, and to many others not mentioned, I feel I owe a very deep debt of gratitude for the help given. The annual picnic established itself, among the patients, with the usual reputation of being " the best held yet." Dr. Macky and myself have paid monthly visits to the Inebriates Homes on Rotoroa and Pakatoa Islands in company with Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M. I append figures relative to the psychiatric clinics held by Dr. Hunter and myself at the Auckland Public Hospital. The figures actually are an understatement, due to the fact that my clinical notes covering a certain period were stolen and destroyed when my car was stolen :— Tuesdays. Thursdays Total. (Dr. Hunter). (1) Number of separate persons seen .. M. 290 58 348 F. 25 20 45 315 78 393 (2) Number of— (a) First visits .. .. .. .. 275 78 353 (b) Subsequent consultations .. .. 487 302 789 762 380 1,142 (3) Sources of reference — Tuesdays. Thursdays. Pensions Department .. .. .. 254 55 309 Medical practitioners . . . . 27 19 46 Voluntary calls . . . . . . 13 3 16 Prisons Department .. .. 14 1 15 Nelson Mental Hospital . . .. 1 .. 1 Seacliff Mental Hospital . . . . 1 .. 1 Police Department .. .. 2 .. 2 Minister of Crown .. .. 1 .. 1 Salvation Army .. .. .. 1 .. 1 Public Trustee .. .. .. 1 .. 1 315 78 393 During the year our Matron, Miss Mayze, received from His Majesty the decoration of M.B.E. This recognition of long and meritorious service was extremely popular with staff and patients, and I desire to put on record my own congratulations and my appreciation of the honour conferred upon a most worthy officer. In concluding, I must express my gratitude to the medical officers, matron, head attendant, clerk, and all other members of the staff for the help and encouragement given me during the year.

KINGSEAT MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Hunter reports : — I have the honour to submit my annual report for the year ended 31st December, 1937. The total number of patients under care during the year was 605 (310 males and 295 females), with a weekly average of -576. Patients admitted by transfer were 22 (13 males and 9 females). Transfers to other hospitals numbered 5 (2 males and 3 females). There were 5 patients (3 males and 2 females) discharged, and there were 11 deaths (8 males and 3 females). Voluntary boarders numbered 6 (3 males and 3 females) throughout the year, there being no admissions, discharges, or deaths.

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