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The Asylum buildings are in a good state of repair. The European block was painted and colour-washed outside during the year. Minor internal improvements

were also carried out.

The fireplaces in each ward are satisfactory, and added much to the comfort of the patients in the winter months.

Electric light was installed in October. All the wards are well lit, ventilation is improved and risks from fire lessened.

Urinals and water-closets-automatically flushed-are a necessity, as with the present sanitary arrangements it is almost impossible to keep the latrines free from odour.

The padded rooms are unsatisfactory, though they were re-padded lately. The painted canvas coverings are difficult to clean and prevent getting offensive.

The rubber-coated pads which you suggested for the special rooms will be a great improvement from a hygienic point of view.

The present buildings though admirably suited as a Detention House for the insane, cannot be said to be suitable for the treatment of mental disorders. Its only advantage is its proximity to the Government Civil Hospital, which obviates the necessity of a Resident Medical Officer. The insane requires for efficient treatment bright and pleasant surroundings and above all things occupation both in-door and out-door. This they cannot have in their present cramped space. Accommodation is also limited, and both the European and Asiatic blocks have been over-crowded several times during the year. With the growth of the Colony this

becomes a serious matter.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

THE PRINCIPAL CIVIL MEDICAL OFFICER.

ERNEST A. R. LAING,

Medical Officer in charge of Lunatic Asylums.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES HOSPITAL,

KENNEDY TOWN, HONGKONG, 8th January, 1903.

SIR, I have the honour to report, for the information of His Excellency the Governor, regarding the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Kennedy Town, for the year 1902.

I enclose a Return of Diseases and Deaths in the Hospital during 1902. Small-pox.-17 cases of small-pox were admitted, of whom 3, all Chinese, died. Further experience confirms my opinion of the value of Salol in the treatment

of this disease, to which I referred in my last year's report.

Cholera.--52 cases of cholera were admitted, of whom 33 died. Of the fatal cases a large proportion were moribund at the time of arrival, 21 dying within 24 hours after admission. The racial mortality was as follows:--

Europeans,

Cases.

Deaths.

Mortality.

13

6

46.15 2

Portuguese,

Chinese,

16

13

81.26

Others races,

23

14

60.87

52

33

63.46%