THE AUCKLAND ASYLUM.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1584, 18 March 1879, Page 4

THE AUCKLAND ASYLUM.

The following are extracts from a recent article on the Auckland Asylum published in the “ New Zealand Herald Our Auckland Asylum is by no means as it should be, but an improvement is actually being made. A new wing corresponding exactly with the old one in exterior appearance is now in process of erection, though it will be nearly two years before its completion. This addition will he provided with all modern improvements, will be heated by steam, lit by gas, and, it is hoped, provided with water from the city mains. It is designed for male patients, and is intended to accommodate 130 ; though the fact that there are now 135 male inmates, with every prospect of a steady increase, leads to the belief that the portions of the asylum will have to be used for them or another addition made. When the new wing has been completed, the building will have a frontage of 333 ft, with a depth of 205 ft to the wings and main body. The erection of the new wing is being carried on under the supervision of Mr Herepath, architect.

The building now occupied is by no means sufficient, and it is grievous to think that a long time must elapse before any substantial improvement can be made. _ It is overcrowded. The apartment originally designed for a chapel is now occupied as a sleeping ward —twenty-nine beds being placed there. The ventilation of the lower floor, especially of the cells used for refractory inmates, is bad, and two-thirds of them sleep upon beds placed on the floor, not because they are refractory and cannot be entrusted with bedsteads, but simply because the authorities have not replaced those destroyed by fire eighteen months ago. Another pressing want is some suitable accommodation for the patients in inclement weather. The rooms provided for this purpose are so small that the management are obliged to lock up half of the patients, in order that the rest may exercise, and even then they crowd and jostle one another.

Respecting the old hospital, which since the fire eighteen months ago, has been used as an asylum for female lunatics, the “ Herald ” says :—The buildings were not, and are not suited to their accommodation, but are the best that can be procured at present. There are 58 of these female patients, among whom are four natives. They present very few interesting features, the most remarkable among them being one who believes herself to be the wealthiest lady in the land, and who dispenses her gifts with a liberality which would soon render her bankrupt were they genuine. The day-yard here is very insecure, being surrounded by a low and light fence, which the patients are constantly picking to pieces or climbing over. The cell department is deficient in ventilation and means of escape in case of fire. In fact, a fire could uot take place here without loss of life, as the building is an old wooden one, the passage very narrow, and there is but one door, which, being closed by the flames, would leave the imputes to their fate. As it will be nearly two years before the asylum will be ready for the reception of the female patients, care should be taken that these buildings are provided with proper means of ventilation and escape in case of fire.