to undergo surgical operations of various kinds, 124 being serious cases; notwithstanding which the mortality showed a rate of only 5.6 per cent.  As a rule many weeks and months of care and attention are needed to restore the general health of those who may have, while in the hospital, successfully recovered from an operation, but there has not hitherto been the needful funds or any organisation for following up such cases after they have left Sparkhill.  Such a work could be carried on by a District Nursing Society if there were funds to defray the extra expense, and at their last annual meeting the Managing Committee decided to appeal to their friends for assistance towards forming an endowment fund for the treatment of patients at home during their convalescence, and also for aiding nurses during times of sickness.  An anonymous donation of L1,000 has been sent in, and two other donors have given L500 each, but the treasurer will be glad to receive additions thereto, and as early as possible, for sick women nor sick men can wait long.  The total income for 1883 amounted to L1,305 16s. 4d., while the expenditure was L1,685 4s. 11d., leaving a deficit much to be regretted.

Lying-in Hospital.—­Founded in 1842, and for many years was located in Broad Street, in the mansion since formed into the Children’s Hospital.  In 1868 it was deemed advisable to close the establishment in favour of the present plan of supplying midwives and nurses at the poor patients’ homes.  In 1880 the number of patients attended was 1,020; in 1881, 973; in 1882, 894; in 1883, 870.  In each of the two latter years there had been two deaths in mothers (1 in 441 cases) about the usual average of charity.  The number of children born alive during the last year was 839, of whom 419 were males, and 420 females.  Four infants died; 37 were still-born.  There were 6 cases of twins.  The assistance of the honorary surgeons was called in 24 times, or once in 37 cases.  The financial position of the charity is less satisfactory than could be wished, there being again a deficiency.  The subscriptions were L273, against L269 in 1882 and L275 in 1881.  There was a slight increase in the amount of donations, but an entire absence of legacies, which, considering the valuable assistance rendered by the charity to so many poor women, is greatly to be deplored.  The medical board have the power to grant to any woman who passes the examination, the subjects of which are defined, a certificate as a skilled midwife, competent to attend natural labours.  One midwife and four monthly nurses have already received certificates, and it is hoped that many more candidates will avail themselves of the opportunity thus readily afforded to them, and supply a want very generally felt among the poor of the town.  Subscribers have the privilege of bestowing the tickets, and the offices are at 71, Newhall Street.