The Globe. MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 870, 9 April 1877, Page 2

The Globe. MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1877.

Attention has more than once been called through the public papers to the unsatisfactory condition of the Auckland Lunatic Asylum. These disclosures were such as to excite the gravest apprehensions both on account of the overcrowded state of the Asylum, and what we cannot but call the defective management. Since then, as will be observed by telegram, Dr. Skae, the newly appointed Inspector of Lunatic Asylums, has reported upon it. His investigations appear to have fully corroborated the unofficial statements made by the Auckland newspapers. As regards overcrowding, Dr. Skae says that the building, which was originally erected to accommodate fifty patients,now contains one hundred and sixty-five, or more than three times the number it was built to contain. It is no wonder that we read that these unfortunate creatures are sleeping everywhere and anywhere—in corridors and in other places. That such a state of things —which, by the way, is only the least of the evils alleged — should have existed for years, is a grave reflection on those having the supervision of the institution. However, now that attention has been officially called to it—though the press some time ago revealed all the facts — it is to be supposed that immediate measures will be taken to remove the unfortunate patients to more commodious quarters. * In commenting a few days ago upon tbe remarks of the Hon. J. D. Ormond, we urged upon the Government the necessity of adopting a settled policy with regard to storage accommodation at Lyttelton and Christchurch; and either to provide much larger space, or encourage private firms to erect stores. But more than this requires to be done. Steps must be taken to relieve the great pressure of grain which takes place annually at the various up-country stations. On all sides, this year, we hear of the grain sheds being tilled to overflowing, and of quantities of corn being left exposed to the inclemency of the weather, with only the protection of a tarpaulin. We are not for a moment saying that the department has not worked most strenuously to overtake the pressure, but their efforts have been without success. They have only been able partially to cope with the traffic, mainly, we believe, on account of the scarcity of trucks, if this be, as we understand it is, the sole reason, we hope the General Government will take such steps as may prevent the recurrence of the experience ot the past two or three seasons. The provision of sufficient truck accommodation has now become a pressing necessity, because of the extension of the lines, and the consequent tapping of the large agricultural districts. If this be the only obstacle in the way of forwarding the grain with expedition, then it is to be Loped no time will be lost in at once supplying the want. We called attention a few days ago to the excitement caused in Dunedin by the arrival of the Gloucester, infected with small-pox. We then urged the necessity of a strict enforcement of the law as regards vaccination. But this is not sufficient. Several infected vessels have lately arrived in Australia. The disease is prevalent in San Fraucisco and England ; so that the utmost care should be exercised in inspecting all foreign arrivals at our ports. This is all the more necessary, from the fact that there are many people in the colony who have never been vaccinated, and should the disease once gain a footing here, it might be very difficult to eradicate it.