THE INSPECTOR OF LUNATIC ASYLUMS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2644, 27 September 1882, Page 3

THE INSPECTOR OF LUNATIC ASYLUMS.

[By Teleghapb ] £fsom the '’psEga.”] WELLING-TON, September 26. The Government have received a despatch from the Agent-General giving some Interesting information in reference to Dr. George Wellington Grabham, the new Inspector of Lunatic Asylums for this colony. It appears that Dr. Grabham was not to start for New Zealand until next month, bat the Orient Company altered their time-table, which led him to change his plans, and Sir Dillon Bell now reports that he left England an the S.h inst., by the Orient steamer Austral, which is expected to reach Melbourne about the middle of next month, so that Dr. Grabham may be looked for in New Zealand by the end of that month. Judging from the information which the Agent General forwards in reference to the new Inspector, it would appear that we have been fortunate enough to secure the very best man iu E island for the post. Of course, the fact that Dr. Grabham was for six years Deputy-Superintendent of the Surrey County Asylum, one of the largest in England, and was for fourteen yean at the bead of the Earlswood Asylum, would be sufficient proof that he occupies a high rank in his profession, bat beyond this he hastestimonials, so complimentary as to be absolutely enthusiastic, from tome cf tbs first men of the day. For instance. Dr. Crichton Brown, of the Lord Chancellor's visitors in lunacy, says—“No other candidate with claims equal to those of Dr. Grabham could possibly enter the field.” It ia further stated that Dr. Grabham relinquishes a better position, so far as emo’ument* go, to come out to New Zealand, but be docs not undertake the office from pecuniary motives. He possesses a good deal c-f private property, and Intends to settle permanently in New Zealand, as he takes a warm interest in the colony. Dr. Grabham is forty-five years of age, is married, and has one son. Ha was selected by the Agent-General oat of twentyfour applicants, of whom only five cr six were deemed suitable for the post, bet in any case there would have been no difficulty is making the choice with such a candidate ae Mr Grabham in the field. Sir Dillon Bell cordially acknowledges the willing help he received from the British Commissioner in Lunacy, and intimates that the colony is greatly to be congratulated on being able to obtain the services of so distinguished a representative of that particular branch of the medical profession as Dr. Grabham is recognised to bo. It is understood the new inspector is sanguine of being able to effect, some valuable reforms in onr asylum system, provided be is afforded the needful facilities, which I presume include adequate funds. He seems to be quite an enthusiast in bis branch of the profession,, and having had twenty years’ experience as chief, or second in commar.d, in two such celebrated and imper'-.nt institutions as those above mentioned, there is no doubt that his enthusiasm is fully equalled by his ability.