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Mr. Croucher is to be thanked, too, for his continued generosity in supplying buses to the patients for their various picnics and visits to various sports meetings and other functions in the district. I wish to express my appreciations also to the various ministers of religion for their attendance and work here; and also to the staff generally for their continued loyal help and co-operation.

SEAVIEW HOSPITAL Dr. Childs reports — I have the honour to submit my report for the year ended 1947. The number of cases under care during the year was 560 (279 males and 281 females). The admissions numbered 24 (17 males and 7 females). There were 19 transfers (3 males and ; 16 females) and 4 voluntary boarders (2 male and 2 female). Patients discharged were 10 (5 males and 5 females), voluntary boarders 2 (1 male and 1 female), while there were 5 transfers (3 males and 2 females). There were 21 deaths (12 males and 9 females). At the end of the year 10 males and 6 females were on probation. The health of the patients generally has been good. The Grey River Hospital clinic has been held monthly ; occasional visits have been made to the Westland Hospital and consultations held at this hospital. Few of the cases admitted this year have been suitable for electric convulsive therapy. A considerable part of the hospital estate has been taken over by the Public Works Department for the purpose of building an aerodrome. The Medical Officer's cottage, owing to difficulties in obtaining supplies, has not yet been completed. Through the good will of the Country Library Service a small well-equipped library is now at the benefit of the patients. A sound projector was supplied by the Department during the year, and this is an acquisition. Good programmes have been shown to the patients, and it will be useful for teaching. The usual routine of farming and gardening has been carried out satisfactorily. Maintenance work has been in progress throughout the year, but owing to shortage of supplies maintenance at times is difficult. Recreation and amusement have been carried out as much as possible. There was a very successful picnic—the picnic is becoming the event of the year. Thanks are due to the various local societies for entertaining the patients at the hospital, and in particular the Hokitika Band, which plavs for the dances. I would also like to thank the various ladies' committees, the racing club, and others for inviting the patients to local functions. The clergy have made frequent visits and held regular services. Mr. Shand, Head Attendant, has retired after forty years' service with the Department, and good wishes are extended to him and Mrs. Shand. Although the nursing shortage position was relieved to some extent during' the year, it is now acute again on the female side, and for the first time the male side shows a considerable shortage. I wish to thank-the staff generally for their help during the year.

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