273

in a few days proved fatal. A fatal case of
Scrofula occurred in a Maori sent up from
Shortland in a dying state.

The number of cases of Pulmonary Con-
sumption admitted and terminating fatally
is but little greater than that of the preced-
ing year, and the few particulars of interest
presented by them are noted in the accom-
panying register.

The death of a patient by Hemoptysis
occurred suddenly, while he was sitting in
bed, taking his breakfast. The case was
ascertained to have been one of that singular
disease called Pulmonary Apoplexy.

Five cases of Brain disease proved fatal,
the salient points of which are given in the
Necrological Register.

Two cases of Epilepsy and one of Idiocy
terminated fatally. A considerable increase
in the number of Heart diseases is observable
in the return, and 7 of these proved fatal; to
the same category may be added 4 cases of
Aortic Aneurism, which caused sudden death.
Bronchial and Pneumonic cases were some-
what alike this year and the last; six deaths
are recorded. Liver diseases were admitted
in nearly the usual proportion; one case died.
There were fatal cases of dropsy, and Bright’s
disease of the kidneys. Under the head of
Tumour, is a very remarkable case, the par-
ticulars of which may be seen in the tabular
list; and lastly, under the head of Fracture,
are 2 fatal cases, one of which occurred at
the late fire in Messrs. Ireland’s stores in
Durham-street, and the other in a man sent
from the Thames, whose spinal marrow was
injured at the root of the neck, immediately
below the origin of the Phrenic nerves.
Complete paralysis of the trunk, as well as
of the upper and lower extremities was at
once produced; respiration was carried on by
the Diaphragm alone, and life was prolonged
for the space of five days.

Of the cases under treatment at the close
of the year little need be said, as for the
most part they do not differ from the
generality of Hospital cases, a considerable
number of which are always exceedingly
chronic, and some, of course, incurable. It
is our endeavour to diminish the number of
the latter as much as possible.

With reference to the Hospital itself it
must be evident to the most casual observer,
that the present building is only of a “make-
shift” character, and in many respects
unworthy of the present advanced state of
the healing art, but it is vain to waste time
in abusing an establishment, where in spite
of all its defects many have obtained signal
benefit, and which for many years was
the only “Bethesda” in the province.
Various improvements have been introduced
during the year; for example, the bath-room
has been newly floored, and furnished with a
trapped drain, and the boiler has been re-set
on an economical principle, as regards the
consumption of coals. It is hoped that funds
will soon be available for the erection of an
Hospital, which will be a blessing to the
sick, and a credit, instead of a reproach, to
the province.

The Hospital Visitation for 1863 has been
as follows:—

Total 1,109

The Annual Report of the Lunatic Asylum
prepared by the Resident Medical Superin-
tendent, is herewith enclosed.

T. M. Hocken, M.D.,
Provincial Hospital,
Provincial Surgeon.
March 18th, 1869.