Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 1901.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 31 July 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 1901.

According to the annual report of the Inspector-General of Asylums, just presented to the Legislative Council, the number of registered insane persons on the 31st Peoember, 1900, was 2,672; namely—males, 1,581; females, 1091; being an increase of 115 over the previous year. The proportion of the male insane to the population is, exclusive of Maoris, 3*47 per 1000 or one in 308. The percentage of deaths on the average number resident during the year was 5-61, as compared with 6-30 for the previous year. The percentage of recoveries on the admissions was : males, 34-33; females, 47*52; total, 39-64 as compared with 37-58 for the previous year. The average total cost per patient was £27 11s llfd, or £2l 9s s|d if receipts for maintenance sales of produce, etc., are deducted, the latter figures being an increase of 12s s|d over the cost of the previous year. There is an actual deficiency in the sleeping accommodation at the asylums of the colony of 99. In regard to Seacliff Asylum the Inspector-General says the range of single rooms, day rooms, etc., on the female side are, practically, ready for occupation, and will be an immense relief to the overcrowded refractory ward. At the Nelson Asylum only minor improvements are required, Auckland Asylum has been extended to the fullest size that the area of the site admits of, though there is room for a new laundry which is much needed. Until a new asylum is constructed, nothing the Inspector can do will prevent the overcrowding of the new asylum which must bo designed to accommodate 1000 or 1100 patients. As the only means of overtaking the requirements for the next few years at a reasonable cost, separate blocks should be provided for idiots and imbeciles and epileptics, and a nurses home, as has been done in the new English asylums. If possible also a means of isolating tuberculosis patients must be found. Dr. M'Gregdr also says that he thinks all the asylum clerks and stewards are under paid. Their responsibilities are heavy and their work is in all cases admirably done. The medical .superintendents are without exception highly qualified and each in his own way deserving of the highest confidence and esteem. No department could have better 'officers.