AUCKLAND LUNATIC ASSYLUM.

New Zealander, Volume 9, Issue 717, 26 February 1853, Page 2

AUCKLAND LUNATIC ASSYLUM.

It affords us much gratification to be able to announce that this greatly needed building is at length in a state in which it may receive the unfortunate sufferers for whose benefit it was projected. We say "at length,” for the fact that now more than two years have elapsed since the Subscription List was opened,- and little Jess than two years since the Governor-in-Chief assured the Deputation of Subscribers that the undertaking should be proceeded with forthwith, is matter of much regret, and has been felt as such by none more than by the Committee, whose exertions were earnest and constant to expedite its progress. A few days since the Committee were apprised by the Colonial Secretary that the building was completed, and invited to inspect it with some gentlemen appointed by the Government. Accordingly on Thuisday last several of the Committee met the Auditor-General, the Deputy SurveyorGeneral, the Colonial Surgeon, and the Assistant Colonial Surgeon, on the ground, and were for some time engaged in examining the Asylum. Yesterday, an adjourned meeting of the Committee was held, at which it was agreed to recommend to the Government a few alterations hy which its safety and efficiency may be improved, at the same time that there was a general acknowledgment that,—considering the limited means available for the purpose—the building is well adapted for its object. As, however, thesuggested alterations may be carried on in some parts of the building, while other parts are occupied by the patients, it was resolved that an earnest application be respectfully addressed to the Lieutenant-Governor, praying that His Excellency may give directions that the lunatics at present confined in the Gaol be forthwith removed to the Asylum,— every consideration of humanity and propriety urging that this should not be unnecessarily deferred even for a day. The benevolent public will rejoice that so much has been at last accomplished;. for, although it would be manifestly unjust, and indeed absurd, to look for the perfection here which has been attained at llanwell and other Institutions at home, where funds to an almost unlimited amount were procurable, yet, when the establishment has that complete: ness in its arrangements without, . which did not come immediately within the province of the Committee (whose superintendence was chiefly or wholly over the structure it- ! self), vve do not hesitate to say that it j be highly creditable to the district, and wu j afford, to a large extent, facilities for the remedial treatment of the unfortunate inmates which it was utterly impossible to bring into operation in the only place in wdiich hitheito they could have been received.