MR HUME'S PRIVATE ASYLUM.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1031, 16 November 1882, Page 3

MR HUME'S PRIVATE ASYLUM.

Of this necessary institution, the Christian Eecorcl says :—' We this week visited Ashburn Hall, a private asylum, on the outskirts of Bunedin, which has just been opened for the reception and treatment of the insane of buth sexes. So far as we are able to judge, full provision is made there for the comfort and safety of persons mentally afflicted. The lady and gentleman who conduct the asylum have extensive experience, as well as aptitude for their work. The superintendent is Mr James Hume, for many years at the head of the Punedin public asylum ; the medical attendant is Dr Alexander, who is favorably known as a ' mad doctor,' in the technical sense ; the matron is Miss Fergusson, whose professional experience is as extensive and creditable as that of Mr Hume himself. We mention this matter heie, not because we have any idea that religion drives men mad—we are sure that the contrary is the case. Want of that religion by which men are supported in their perplexities, excessive drinking, and indulgence in sensuality, make a thousand lunatics for every one that aven so, called ' religion ' turns made. Still some of our readers may find friends whom it is necessary to place under restraint ; and, it' their circumstances permit it, they can at Ashburn Hall—for, we presume, a fair payment —escape all the inconveniences and drawbacks to recovery inseparable from residence in overcrowded public asylums. A limited number of ; dipsomaniacs ' will also be treated at the hall, which is tli3 only private lunatic -asylum in the colonv.