55

In reviewing these cases we are chiefly struck by their small number, as compared with those treated in an English Hospital representing a population of the same size, this may be accounted for, partly by the general good health of the community, and partly by the better circumstances of the working-classes, which renders them to a great extent independent of Hospital assistance.

The number of cases treated (76), is scarcely large enough to admit of any general inferences being made, as to the modifying effects of the climate, and habits of life upon our population. One of the cases of continued Fever, assumed a remittent type, a condition which has been observed by some of us, to occur in other cases which have fallen under our observation in private practice. Only three cases of Phthisis (consumption) were treated, though many more cases of this disease must have occurred among the natives, who are not very willing to avail themselves of Hospital treatment; in one of these cases, in which a post mortem examination was made, death, which took place rather suddenly, was occasioned by scrofulous disease of the membranes of the brain.

The two cases of Cancer, tabulated, refer to one person who was admitted a second time. The disease was far advanced and not considered suitable for operation, he has died since leaving the Hospital.

The case of Cephalitis was of an acute character, and on making a post mortem examination an abscess was found in the brain.

Five cases of Paralysis occurred, of these H. R., aged 40, an aboriginal native, was admitted from the Hospital from Wakapuaka, with scrofulous softening of the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis, he is progressing very favorably. It is hoped the benefit this man has derived will induce other natives to avail themselves more readily of the advantages afforded by the Hospital.

The five cases of Bronchitis were of an ordinary character.

In the case of Diabetes, a large quantity of sugar was daily elaborated in the urine, even when he was completely deprived of saccharine and amylaceous food, and though he was discharged from Hospital slightly relieved, the disease is for the most part incurable, and little hope is entertained of his ultimate recovery.

Under the head of Opthalmia, Sclerotitis, Iritis, and Cataract, eight cases of disease of the eye are tabulated, a number which, if borne out by further observation, would seem to indicate that this disease is prevalent in the Colony. One of these cases, that of a boy, A. T., about 10 years of age, who was born blind from cataract, and was lately brought to Nelson from Marlborough for surgical advice, presents features of unusual interest, from the circumstance that in England they are generally operated on in infancy, when sight is developed as soon as the other senses. In this instance the cataract has been extracted from one eye, and divided in the other since he came into the Hospital, and an opportunity is given of watching the development of the faculty of sight, which he as yet assists and corrects by the touch and smell. He has not yet acquired the power of estimating distances, and he calls everything green, as he does not comprehend the meaning of color, but there is every prospect of his acquiring excellent sight. The other cases were of an ordinary character.

Nine cases of Rheumatism were treated, resulting chiefly from out of door exposure, to which many of the population are necessarily exposed, of these J. W., aged 32, was a seaman in the service of the I.R.M.C. and was discharged cured. Of the ten cases tabulated under Contusion, many were of a trivial character, and none call for special remark. One case of anchyloised elbow, which had become stiff in the straight position, was bent to a right angle, under the influence of chloroform and is now progressing satisfactorily.

LUNATICS.

• Of these one Female was a native.

These cases do not call for any special remark, the death was from apoplexy followed by paralysis.