LUNATIC ASYLUM.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 129, 3 June 1870, Page 2

LUNATIC ASYLUM.

TO THE EdIXOK OS 1 THE NELSON EVENING- MAIL

Sir — I was very glad to see your correspondent so ably showing the sad condition of the Lunatic Asylum.

It is nearly twelvemonths since I visited the Asylum, and I was then surprised to see so many of our fellow creatures afflicted with the dreadful malady. I entered into conversation with many of them, and although some appeared ignorant of their real state, there were others who felt the full effects of the gloomy cells they inhabited. One man who had evidently been accustomed to the refinements of life I spoke to about the comfortable room he was occupyiug. I was struck with the reply he gave "Do you think so; you had better come aud try it, and see how you would like it." This rational answer convinced me that the cell he was in was not a proper place for him. It is indeed sad that the unfortunates should be placed in such cheerless rooms; but worse still when they have sufficient reason left to make their sensible to the gloomy state of this dwelling. So long as the mind is still possessed of a spark of reasou, every means should be taken to raise it from its desponding state. I remarked to several friends at the time that whatever hope of recovery might have existed when some of the lunatics were brought to the Asylum, casting them into such dungeons would quickly remove it.

The erection of a Colonial Lunatic Asylum, is, latuI atu afraid too distan,t and as the old proverb says "While the grass is growing the steed may starve." Supposing the Council, instead of granting £700 for the use of public libraries, were to devote that sum to improving the habitations of these unfortunate people. Painting the rooms with cheerful colors, embellishing the walls with pictures, would

go far towards removing the gloom that; pervades the building. I also observed the great want of means of heating the cells, which is much required, particularly at this season of the year. These little comforts are necessary to us in our healthy state, and when we are actively engaged in the drama of life, and therefore they are still more necessary for him who as your correspondent justly remarks is incessantly dwelling upon himself and his misfortune. Respecting supplying them with books, I cannot think that either the government or public need be called upon for any extra expense, to supply them with this highly necessary want. Large sums of money have already been granted by government for public libraries, and therefore it is my opinion that not only at the Lunatic Asylum, but at the Hospital and Taranaki buildings, patients should reap some advantage from this large grant. Drafts from the different libraries in tha province would furnish an excellent and suitable collection of books. I must now appeal to every Christian man to do what in his power lies to sooth those afflicted with madness. If we cannot cure, let us at any rate make their burdens as light as possible, and we shall then have the satisfaction, when we sit at our own firesides, of knowing that the helpless and needy are not forgotten, and that we have done our duty. I am, &c, T. H. M. Wakapuaka, June 1, 1870.