To the Committee of the Benevolent Institution.

Gentlemen,—I have the honour to report that during the past year the health of the inmates of the Institution has been, on the whole, good.

There have been three deaths—Henry Long, 69, of heart disease and dropsy; Charles Hensburg, 65, of serous apoplexy; and John M'Leod, 71, of chronic bronchitis and Bright's disease.

The children have been free from the epidemic diseases which have been prevalent in the City and suburbs.

I am aware that the depressed state of affairs still precludes any departure from the present mode of affording charitable relief, but I cannot any the less again draw the attention of the Committee to the urgent requirement existing for a Hospital or Institution for incurables. Many of our inmates suffer from more than old age and infirmity, and require frequent medical supervision and nursing. It is pleasant to have to add that those old people who are the principal sufferers, and who are bedridden, receive the kindest attentions and friendly offices from their comrades, who are themselves but a remove from requiring similar assistance.

Mrs Quin's constant attention to cleanliness and ventilation, and to the comfort of the inmates generally, leaves nothing to be desired; and her own severe loss has thus not been felt in anything that relates to the well-being and order of the Institution.