65

Several operation, for the removal of cancers and tumours were performed during the year, and excision of the hip for scrofulous disease of that joint was practised on an adult Maori, who since undergoing this formidable operation has improved in health and is progressing favorably. No epidemic disease has originated or spread in the Hospital during the year. Judging by the number of persons suffering from severe medical disease as well as surgical injury seeking admission we may infer that the public have every confidence in the care and attention which the patients receive in the Hospital.

DEPOT.

There have been many cases of sickness confined chiefly to the children and aged inhabitants; owing apparently to the want of ventilation and cleanliness in the houses, the impure water and a foul latrine (since removed). Diphtheria, ulcerated sore throats, and fever of a low type being the prevailing character of the diseases.

GAOL.

The inhabitants generally are in a good state of health, the assistance of the Hospital staff being required chiefly for the treatment of diseases of a chronic character, such as rheumatism, secondary syphilis, and disorders arising from intemperate habits. We would, however, call the attention of the Government to the necessity for establishing an Infirmary for the convenience of the Surgeons when examining patients or performing minor operations, as also for the purpose of separating any such person whose symptoms may lead to a suspicion of contagious disease. It happened lately that a newly arrived prisoner showed symptoms of a grave character, which compelled the use of an empty ward till the nature of the case was fully developed; which ward was required for the use of prisoners the day following. In this Infirmary, a supply of drugs for the making of medicine should be kept; the present plan of receiving the medicine from the Hospital being attended with much inconvenience and delay.

LUNATIC ASYLUM.

The alterations in the Taranaki Buildings are now complete, and most satisfactory accommodation is provided for lunatics of both sexes. There are also enclosed gardens attached to the buildings, which we hope will shortly be cultivated by the inmates.

Table of Patients treated during the year, &c.

PUBLIC HEALTH.

The recent spread of scarlatina through the Town makes it advisable to draw the attention of the public to its sanitary state. Though the disease is as yet of a mild type, the circumstance that in many parts of the Town nuisances are caused by uncovered drains and overflowing latrines, and that in the absence of waterworks, the sources from which water is obtained, are impure, may tend to aggravate the disease.

S. A. CUSACK, M.B., F.R.C.S.
F. L. VICKERMAN, M.R.C.S.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE NELSON TRUST FUNDS FOR THE YEAR ENDED THE 1st DECEMBER, 1864.

In laying before the Public the Accounts of the Nelson Trust Funds for the Year 1864, no lengthened Report is necessary.

The principal transactions have arisen in connection with the Steam Fund.

By reference to the Report for the Year 1863, it will be seen that the Steamer "Nelson," built in England to order of the Trustees, was notified as having sailed from London for Nelson, on the 9th November of that year. She arrived here on the 6th May after a voyage, (under canvas,) of six months during which she experienced much bad weather, and sustained considerable damage to her upper works and deck fittings. The cost of the repairs of these damages is a considerable item of disbursement, but recoverable from the underwriters against whom it has been charged.

The expense of fitting the paddles, and otherwise preparing her for service has also proved a considerable item. Her total cost, as shown by the account, "Steamer Nelson," after proceeds of sale of surplus stores, stands £8,327 8s. 5d.

Shortly after her arrival, arrangements were entered into for leasing her to the Nelson and Marlborough Coast Steam Navigation Company, upon the following terms:—

The sailing arrangements of the vessel to be so made that she shall not be absent from