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clot of blood pressing on the posterior lobes of the cerebrum. On opening the abdomen the omentum was found to be enormously thickened and the intestines were matted together from old standing peritonitis. The liver was small, hard and contracted, and its surface was lobulated. On making a section of it (owing to the contraction of the capsule of glisson), the constricted lobules stood out like peas on the cut surface.

The Coroner held an inquest on numbers 5, 8 and 10.

Some of the surgical operations performed during the last half-year:

• Primary amputation of the thigh immediately above the knee joint, 1.
• Removal of tarsal bones of foot, 1.
• Removal of middle finger, 1.
• Removal of great toe, 1.
• Removal of hydatids from liver, 1.
• Removal of necrosed bone from tibia, 1.
• Removal of haemorrhoides, 7.
• Reduction of dislocation into axilla, 2.
• Reduction of dislocation into the foramen ovale, 1.
• Removal of a large splinter of wood from the centre of knee joint, 1.
• Removal of pus from large abscesses, 3.
• Operation for the cure of strabismus, 1.
• Operation for the removal of cataract, 2.
• Operation for the cure of urinary fistulas, 1.
• Circumcision, 1.

... were females; of the males one-fourth came from the Waimea District, and of the females nearly one-half came from the Hokitika District. Of the males considerably over one-half were miners.

Among the medical cases it may be seen that rheumatism, as usual, forms a prominent part, there being a very large number treated during the past half-year. There have been 4 cases of fever, one only of which was of a malignant type.

Cases of aneurism are remarkably rife on this Coast. On looking over the list of diseases it may be seen that four cases of a serious nature were admitted during the past six months. Of those, two (which were admitted in extremis), proved fatal. No less than five cases of death from this fearful disease (for which I may say there is no cure), have come under my own personal notice within the last six months.

Among the surgical cases there were a large proportion of severe accidents, one of these required immediate amputation above the knee joint. This case progressed remarkably well,—at the end of the fifth week the stump was entirely healed up, and he was able to walk about on his crutches. He has since returned to his home.

Amongst the improvements to the Hospital during the last half-year, I may mention the addition of a well-regulated steam bath, which has been very useful in the treatment of cases of a rheumatic nature.

A glance at the beginning of this Report will show that the largest number of patients in the Hospital at one time was 56, and the smallest number 36, the mean average has been 45. These numbers, especially the latter, are unusually large, and show that the Hospital has been rather overcrowded during the last half-year. The cause of this may be partly owing to the inclemency of the season, but more especially, as I mentioned in my last half-yearly report, to the gradual accumulation of cases of a chronic or incurable nature which are really only fit for a Benevolent Asylum.

The largest number of admissions into the Hospital occurred during the months of July and August, and the smallest number in November. The attendance of out-door patients and the number of separate cases treated has been considerably in excess of the previous half-year. Of the 234 cases treated in the Hospital (which is 19 in excess of the previous half-year), 187 were males and 47 were females.

H. W. Maunsell,
Surgeon-Superintendent,
Hospital Reserve,
January 22nd, 1872.

To the Committee of Management of the Hokitika Hospital,

Gentlemen,—After the perusal of the Report of the Surgeon-Superintendent, we feel that there is but little left for us to say, except to congratulate you on the efficient state and admirable working of the Institution. We have visited the Hospital frequently during the past six months, and must express our regret that the long contemplated removal of the Hospital is still deferred. During the past year, the weather has frequently rendered the river not only dangerous, but absolutely impassable, and great inconvenience has resulted, not only to ourselves, but to the public in consequence. We would therefore urge on you the necessity of having the building removed.