H—7.

If we omit cases of congenital mental deficiency, who are not eligible for admission under this category, voluntary boarders now form slightly over 25 per cent, of our admissions During 1938 there were 329 voluntary admissions, of whom 269 or 81-7 per cent, were mthm tvrelve months. In the case of 26 boarders whose mental disorder became m degree sufficiently pronou and sustained as to render it improper for them to remain on a voluntary basis, a reception order was granted. Alterations, Additions, and Improvements. Capital expenditure incurred upon new buildings, additions, and improvements during the year amounted to £128,816, and the following summary shows the ma]or items making up the to . Auckland (£907). Water-supply has been improved for fiie-fighting purposes. The new kitchen at M. 3 Ward has been completed. King seat (£71,149). The hospital block is now complete and will be occupied at an early date. hntoherv The boiler-house and laundry machinery has been installed and is now in operation. he butche y and bakery will be in use at an early date. Two male villas and a Nurses' Home are in course of erection. The workshops block and garages for departmental vehicles are neanng completion. Residences for the Medical Superintendent and Engineer have been completed. Necessary roading, water-supply, and telephone services have been extended. Tokanui (£6,903). The provision of separate kitchens in wards has been of great advantage. The water-supply to the institution has been improved. A new villa for male patients should be ready for occupation during the coming year. Porirua (£23,948). The new boiler-house and workshops block will be ready for occupation at an early date. The new bakehouse and butcher's shop is in course of erection. A cottage has been provided for an additional Assistant Medical Officer. The general roading has been improved during the year. Nelson and Ngawhatu (£15,458). The Nurses' Home is nearing completion and will be occupied at an early date. Three new villas are in course of erection. Ilokitika (£1,140). A commencement has been made with the erection of two additional villas. A bicycle-shed has been erected for the use of staff. Ohristchurch (£5,974). Templeton Farm Colony (£810). The equipment for the new laundry has been installed and will be in operation at an early date. Seacliff (£2,527). A new sick-bay with surgery has been erected in F. 4 Ward At Waitati a new kitchen and bathroom have been added to 1.1 Ward. Programme for Current Year. i 1,1 j a TIPW entrance porch will be constructed at No. 7 female ward, which is the admission 1 reatW improve the arrangements for visitors to recently admitted patients. centre. With certain fairly inexpensive alterations, this building will be very and should be ready for occupation by the end S It is hoped to proceed with the elect™ of quarter, for angle male staff, and two • ™ tsSsSKSOTT sSS&R&ftSSr * r 4 1 lbe ** • and SSrofTh.t~t«. "henre include lament of the »a.n hall which is very necessary.

3