23

tinsel, which, at some future time, might in a few cases be still further improved by resection—one of the novelties of modern surgery.

The remainder of the cases presented no feature of special interest.

CHEST AND TRUNK.

There were six cases of wounds in this region, two only of which were of a dangerous nature, and both terminated fatally after the patient lingering for a week or ten days. In the one, the ball entered near the spine, taking an oblique direction through the scapula and ribs, and, after passing through the left lung, made its exit in the axilla. In the other, the ball passed directly through the right lung from before backwards about four inches from the mesial line, and between the fourth and fifth ribs. There was constant oozing of frothy mucus, tinged with blood, from the wounds, with escape of air at each act of expiration. Tight bandaging and drawing the edges of the wounds together seemed to give temporary relief. Both subjects were old men and of an enfeebled habit of body.

HIPS AND LOWER EXTREMITIES.

There were 15 cases, several of which were mere flesh wounds and only required time and simple applications. There were four cases of comminuted fracture of the femur, two of which (one European and one Native) terminated fatally, and the other two are still under treatment. These cases are among the most severe casualties of the battle field. The primary shock to the system and the subsequent details connected with the injury and its treatment, call for a large amount of constitutional vigour, whilst the pain and suffering, with the exhaustive nature of the discharges from generally so extensive a suppurating surface, in spite of all aid—Medical, Surgical, or dietetic—is a greater charge on the system than it can usually bear, and a large proportion of such cases terminate fatally. I am of opinion that in these cases no union takes place, for many weeks or months after the occurrence of the injury, and too much importance is, in the early stage, often attached to the position of the limb at the expense of the comfort and more safety of the patient.

I may add that simple water dressing sufficed in the majority of the cases, followed afterwards by escharotics and other treatment.

There were wounded at Omauraui 33 natives (inclusive of three women.) Three have died, 23 have gone to the Chatham Islands, and four remain under treatment. The women were permitted, when their wounds had healed, to go whither they pleased.

There is in the hospital a friendly native (Honi), who was wounded at the Wairoa more than a twelve month ago, and has been under medical treatment there until three months ago, when he was sent here for further advice. This is a bad case of fracture of the femur. There is now great shortening and deformity of the limb, and several serous openings connected with masses of necrosed bone. He has improved vastly whilst here.

The hospital is visited regularly by two Justices of the Peace, and often by the Superintendent, as well as by ministers of religion of all denominations. A small library owes its existence to the liberality of a few persons, and all are reminded that any addition thereto will be thankfully received.

LUNATICS.

There have been 10 certified cases of lunacy under treatment this year. Five have been discharged, and five remain. Three of the five discharged had been drinking heavily, and, after a temporary confinement of a few weeks, they recovered.

The five that remain seem cases of a permanent character. They often become violent and require coercive measures, disturbing the rest of the prisoners. Except in this particular, I have not noticed any injurious result from the admixture of the lunatics with the prisoners generally.

THOMAS HITCHINGS,
Provincial Surgeon.

January, 1867.