H.—7.

in December, during heavy rains, a creek overflowed its banks and did extensive damage to the kitchen garden, as well as flooding the kitchen, store, and workshops. Despite the loss of a portion of our main crop of vegetables, the gardener has contrived to keep the kitchen well supplied with fresh vegetables. The treatment of cases of schizophrenia with insulin was commenced in June. One series of cases has completed the treatment, and a second series is at present undergoing and will shortly complete it. The technique of this work is intricate and exacting, and unremitting medical and nursing attention is necessary for its success. At this stage figures relating to our results would be fallacious, but the results have been most encouraging, in some cases quite startling. The treatment has its undoubted dangers, but, despite them, it is a marked advance in the treatment of these unfortunate people, and my opinion is that it is well worth pursuing. lam much indebted to the Otago Medical School and to Professor D'Ath in particular for a great deal of help in the investigation of these cases. For the entertainment of the patients I am. indebted to various organizations. Concerts have been provided by the Dunedin Male Voice Choir, the Justices of the Peace Association, the Orphans Club, the Dunedin Choral Society, and the United Congregational Choir. The Salvation Army, the West Harbour Band, and the St. Kilda Band have provided enjoyable band entertainments. The staff Sports Club has entertained the patients at various times. Many of these concerts have been given through the agency of Mr. Stevens, of the Patients' and Prisoners' Aid Society, and I am grateful to him and his society which has provided the transport for these concert parties. The Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association and the Waikouaiti Racing Club granted free admission to the show and race meeting. To them and to the companies who provide the weekly picture programmes I wish to express my thanks. The Returned Soldiers' Association have provided tobacco and other comforts for the soldier patients, and I am in their debt also. I have to acknowledge the gift of more wireless sets from the Patients' and Prisoners' Aid Society. Every ward in the hospital is now equipped with a set, and the entertainment so provided is greatly enjoyed by the patients. lam on the honorary staff of the Dunedin Public Hospital and visit there twice a week. During the year 189 new cases were seen either in the wards or in the outpatients' clinic. I saw 27 cases on my monthly visits to the Oamaru Public Hospital. Dr. Hay has conducted a monthly clinic in the Invercargill Public Hospital, and 34 new cases were seen by him. The Hon. P. Fraser, Minister in Charge of Mental Hospitals, visited the hospital on the 28th October. He spent the whole day with us and saw round the greater part of the institution. His knowledgeable interest in our work was greatly appreciated. Mr. C. B. Barrowclough, the District Inspector, and Mr. A. Stevens, the Official Visitor, paid us many visits and showed a kindly interest in the well-being of the patients. To Mrs. McLaren, the Matron, and to Mr. Beasley, the Head Attendant, I would tender my thanks for their loyal co-operation. They and their staffs worked most efficiently, and the way in which the nursing staff, both male and female, worked to make the insulin treatment a success is worthy of the highest commendation. I have also to thank Mr. Thomas, the Chief Clerk, and the various other heads of departments and their staffs. The shortage of medical staff placed much extra work on Dr. Hay and Dr. McLachlan, and the insulin treatment added to their already onerous duties. I wish to place on record my appreciation of their ungrudging work and helpful co-operation.

MENTAL NURSES. In December the usual examination was held for the registration of mental nurses, when the following passed : — Passed top for Dominion : Miss M. T. Miller (Porirua). Auckland: Nurses —J. R. Carnie*, E. J. Christie, I. E. H. Porter, E. J. Wendelborn. Papakura : Attendant —D. R. Curin. Nurses—N. L. Jackson, A. M. Jones, E. L. Quinn. Tolccmui: Attendants—L. H. Allen, C. A. McDonald, W. J. Pittams*, R. J. Wilkinson. Nurses —H. 0. Harris, P. Jacobs, M. D. Moyes, M. Puch. Porirua : Attendants—H. A. Beasley, B. C. Ewing, H. M. Stitt, C. Todd. Nurses—E. Burton, M. B. Cartwright, 0. Davies, E. Ford*, N. D. Hebbend, S. E. Hickman, K. V. Kane*, T. M. McConachy, M. T. Miller*, M. A. Poole, E. M. Shelton*. Nelson: Attendant—L. J. McMurray, Nurses—C. I. H. J. Higgs*, J. F. Knight, M. M. Pascoe, M. Rees. Hokitika: Attendants —J. S. G. Diedrichs, A. F. J. Dowling. Ghristchurch : Attendants—R. G. S. Burke*, D. E. A. Cocks, R. A. D. Fulton*, W. K. Greer, H. J. McLeod, C. P. Pablecheque. Nurses —M. N. Ashby, J. Cundell, E. M. Davidson, L. E. Hickman*, N. E. Johnson*, R. E. Torrie, R. M. White. Templeton Farm: Male Institution Officer —W. J. T. Maunder. Female Institution Officer—T. E. M. McAra. Seacliff: Attendants—H. D. Bell, B. Jaquiery, G. M. Proudfoot, A. Rankine, T. S. Ruddiman, L. Stewart. Nurses —J. M. B. Burns, P. M. Kofoed, M. A. Maker, J. J. Rankine, F. M. Valentine, E. V. M. Wilson.

* Passed with distinction.

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