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Venereal Diseases.-There is again an increase in the admissions from these diseases, the numbers being 298 as against 272 in 1894.

I enclose in appendix B. a return shewing the spread of venereal diseases in the Colony since the repeal of the C.D. Act.

Injuries.--There is an increase under this heading, the numbers being 165 compared with 132 in 1894, with 13 deaths; all the fatal cases being Chinese. Many of these injuries were the result of accidents, e.g., seven were caused by fracture of skull, three from severe scalds, and one a case of severe burns.

Surgical Operations.--There were 108 operations during the year with 7 deaths.

Fractures and Dislocations.--In addition to the operations the following fractures and dislocations were treated amongst the in-patients :--

Skull (Base),

Skull,

4

5 (2 compound).

Scapula,

1

Clavicle,

1

Humerus,..

3

Radius,

6

Radius and Ulna,.

3

Metacarpal,

Ribs,..

2

3

Femur,

Tibia,

Tibia and Fibula,.

Fibula,

Patella,

Patella, Skull and Jaw,

Dislocation of Elbow,

Shoulder,

"2

21

""

""

Knee,..

}}

"

Ankle,

3 (1 with dislocation of knee). 5 (1 compound).

1

1

2

1

1

1

1

1

Alcoholism.--There is a slight diminution in the number of patients admitted suffering from this complaint as compared with last year, the admissions being 66 as against 70 in 1894. This is, however, considerably above the average of the last ten years; none of the cases proved fatal.

Poisoning. There were only seven cases of poisoning admitted during the year, the smallest, number for years.

In the two fatal cases the poisonous agent was opium.

Small-pox.--There were 25 cases under treatment with four deaths; particulars are given in

table VIIC.

Vaccinations.--Two hundred and forty-seven (247) vaccinations were performed during the year with the following results :-

Primary Cases, Re-vaccinations,

Successful.

Unsuccessful.

Total.

84

15

99

..115

33

148

247

Lunatics.—As will be seen from table VIIb. seventy-nine cases were under treatinent during the year with eight deaths, the nationality of these cases is given in the table VII6.

Appendix. A return showing the spread of venereal diseases since the repeal of the C.D. Acts is given in appendix B.

The fees received from patients in the Government Civil Hospital during the year amounted to $15,395.48; of this the Board of Trade paid $2,250 and the Police $813.45. The fees received from. patients in the Lunatic Asylums amounted to $411.00; those from the small-pox patients $111.40, giving a total of $15,917.88.

Gifts of Flowers, Newspapers, &c.-I take this opportunity of thanking many residents of the Colony for their visits and frequent gifts of flowers, newspaper, &c. to the patients.

I have the honour to be,

The Honourable

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,

Colonial Secretary.

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

J. M ATKINSON,

Superintendent.