H.—7.

The usual entertainments and games were provided throughout the year. Mr. Dunlop, Superintendent of Waikeria, arranged for performances by the Waikeria Concert Party, and the excellent programmes were greatly appreciated by all. I am deeply indebted to the members of the clergy who have conducted the devotional services, the Te Awamutu Library Committee for donation of books, various returned soldiers' associations for gifts of money and extra comforts, branches of women's institutes, and all those openhearted individuals who by their generosity and interest in the hospital have materially contributed to the happiness of our patients. Mr. Findlay, our Official Visitor, has again given every assistance in promoting the welfare of the hospital. In conclusion, I desire to thank all members of the staff who by their efforts and co-operation have helped me in the care of the patients and administration.

PORIRUA MENTAL HOSPITAL. Dr. Hart reports : — I have the honour to submit my report for the year ending 31st December, 1938. The total number of cases under care during the year was 2,011, of whom 1,774 were committed patients, 228 voluntary boarders, and the remainder of cases were remanded for observation. Admissions numbered 429—under certification, 307 ; as voluntary boarders, 113 ; and on remand, 9. During the year 301 persons (196 committed patients and 105 voluntary boarders) were discharged, whilst a further number were sufficiently recovered mentally to leave the hospital on probation to the care of relatives or friends. Deaths numbered 118, and 30 patients were transferred to other mental hospitals. These figures in comparison with those of the previous year show a deduction in the number of deaths, a slight reduction in total number of cases under care and number of admissions, whilst the number of discharges and the percentage of voluntary boarders on total admissions have both increased. Over 26 per cent, of all admissions for the year entered hospital voluntarily. During the year psychiatric work has been carried out as formerly in the psychiatric wards in the Wellington Public Hospital and at the out-patients' clinic at-Wellington and Palmerston North. In the latter portion of the year, owing to medical staffing difficulties, the clinic at Palmerston North was temporarily discontinued. The number of individual cases dealt with in this extra-mural work was as follows : (1) Cases in psychiatric wards, Wellington Public Hospital, 232 ; (2) out-patients' clinic, Wellington, 189 ; (3) outpatients' clinic, Palmerston North, 64. The major structural work completed during the year was the boiler-house block containing, as it does, engineers', carpenters', painters', and upholsterers' shops. Unfortunately, the non-arrival of the boilers and certain other machinery has prevented the erected building from being brought into full use. This delay has also prevented the reconstruction of the old boiler-house block as an occupational therapy centre. A shearing-shed, with equipment, yards, dip, &c., was erected on the farm. The bakers', butchers' shop, and cool-storage block is nearing completion, whilst an additional residence for an Assistant Medical Officer will be ready for occupation at an early date. An additional washingmachine, a blanket-washer, and three modern electrically driven hydro extractors were added to the laundry equipment. Remodelling of the driers, which is at present in hand, plus an additional vac ironer, should raise the laundry efficiency to the desired standard. It is hoped that the already planned decentralization kitchen scheme for the main building will be commenced at an early date. The completion of this scheme along with certain additional equipment for existing kitchens in other units is complementary to the proposed improved variety in patients' dietary. I also hope that financial provision will be made during the year to arrange for the necessary increase in medical and clerical office accommodation and visiting-rooms in the present administration block. Comprehensive improvements and overhaul of the hospital sewage scheme have been under review for some considerable time, but, apart from the relaying of a portion of the sewage channels about a year ago, very little progress has been made towards completing this urgent and necessary work. Throughout the year the artisan staff have been fully occupied in renovating, repairing, and making minor alterations to existing buildings. Certain other repairs and renovations, such as painting, have been completed by outside contract. Some 71 chains of hospital roads and 21 chains of paths were bitumen-sealed during the year. Apart from occupational work for patients in the artisans' shojxs, sewing-rooms, gardens, farm, &c., there has been during the year a definite expansion in the more specialized occupational work such as spinning, weaving, cane-work, and simple handicrafts. A female and male instructor give tuition in these subjects, and it is hoped in the coming year to increase the types of specialized work undertaken. Activities on the farm, orchard, flower and vegetable gardens have continued much as formerly. Additional acreage has been taken for the growing of vegetables. Apart from minor fluctuations due to variation in seasons, the returns from the vegetable gardens have during the last three or four years shown a steady increase.

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