5

The first fatal case was one of
Ascites of two years standing, with
disease of kidneys; there was partial
paralysis, and the back and loins were
covered with extensive sloughing bed
sores.

The second was a case of Hiemate-
mesis, which died the day of its admis-
sion.

The third was one of confirmed
Phthisis in the last stage.

The 4th was a man who had been ill
for some months from, it was supposed,
eating poisonous fish. Dropsy super-
vened, and a series of typhoid
symptoms, of an extraordinary charac-
ter, which terminated fatally the day
following his admission. Of the others
who had partaken of the fish, one (a
healthy man, a soldier,) died in the
military hospital. Another case was
recovered only by the greatest difficulty,
after many months of suffering.

The 5th was one of confirmed
Phthisis, in the last stage.

The 6th was Disease of the Brain,
with paralysis, released sphincters, par-
tial insensibility which, after a signal
improvement, terminated in a convul-
sive seizure.

The 7th was a child, 8 months old,
from Hydrocephalus acutus.

I have been thus particular in detail-
ing these fatal cases, as they naturally
excite peculiar interest, and shew, from
their terrible nature, the hopelessness
of almost any mode of treatment.

A case worthy of record was one of
Ophthalmitis with total blindness.
The man had lost one eye in infancy,
he had been under treatment in the
country for a month, previous to his
being led down to Napier. At this
time there was no hope entertained of
his ever regaining his sight. This man
got perfectly well in a month.

Another very interesting case was one
of Abscess at the base of the Skull, some-
where about the origin of the pterygoid
muscles, and between these and the
mastoid process of the temporal bone.
There was great obscurity in this case.
It first burst into the auditory canal,
with partial relief, next into the Eusta-
chian tube, discharging itself at the
back of the fauces. Matter subse-
quently \"pointed\" in front of the
sterno-cleido-mastoid muscle, which
was opened. Subsequently, it pointed
in many parts of the cervical region with
numerous sinuses, all of which were
laid open with a bistoury, and he ulti-
mately recovered.

A case of attempted suicide is wor-
thy of passing notice. The man made
an extensive incision in the throat with
a razor, above the os-hyoides, dividing
all the muscles which pass between
that bone and tongue, and wounding
many branches of arteries which bled
profusely. Torsion was used for ar-
resting the haemorrhage with the most
satisfactory results. The wound heal-
ing in three weeks with water dress-
ing.

I may here mention that a residence
of nearly six years has enabled me to
speak confidently as to the general
healthiness of the Town of Napier and
District. The diseases which may be
said to prevail here are Rheumatism,
Opthalmia (very obstinate in resisting
the usual remedial agents). Neuralgia
of Supra-orbital-nerve (very common).
Worms, particularly in children, and
certain cutaneous diseases, such as
herpes, &c.

Increase of population is progressing
here most satisfactorily, and confine-
ments are recovered from with singular
rapidity.

In conclusion, I may state that the
patients in the Hospital are, for the
most part, contented and happy. They
receive kindness of treatment from the
Master and Matron; and those that
are able are permitted to walk about
the grounds, but on no account to go
into the Town without special permis-
sion from the Surgeon. Those who
have disobeyed this order have been
summarily dismissed.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your very obedient
humble servant,
(Signed) THOMAS HITCHINGS,
M.R.C.S. & L.A.C., London,
Provincial Surgeon.

His Honor
The Superintendent,
Napier.