Medical Report,

To the Committee of the Otago Benevolent Institution.

Gentlemen,—I have the honour to report that during the past year the health of the inmates has been generally good, although the complaints inseparable from advanced age and broken constitutions have been numerous.

The deaths have been three in number—James Walsh, aged 67 years; George Brown, 49; and Mary Duggan, 70—these died from old age, with the exception of Brown, whose death was caused by lung disease of long standing. Mary Duggan was brought to the Institution in a very neglected and deplorable state. An operation for cataract was recently performed on an absolutely blind man; owing to an unfortunate occurrence this has not been so far successful, and a further one will be necessitated, which will doubtless restore sight.

The children have been on the whole in excellent health and condition and free from any epidemic. I must again here add my testimony to the unflagging zeal of Mr. and Mrs. Quin, master and matron, whose attention to the wants of the inmates is not to be surpassed. I always attribute much of our freedom from disease to their constant watchfulness in the matters of cleanliness and ventilation.

There have been many cases of illness amongst the outdoor recipients of the charity, all of which have received attention.