LAST NIGHT'S NEWS. [BY ELECTEIC TELEGRAPH.] (from our own correspondent.)

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1372, 16 April 1881, Page 3

LAST NIGHT'S NEWS. [BY ELECTEIC TELEGRAPH.] (from our own correspondent.)

Wellington, Last Height. The report on the Wellington Lunatic Asylum was presented yesterday. The Court find charges proved against Superintendent Whitelaw as to his oeing a man of violent and tyrannical temper, quite unfitting him for his position ; of having treated several patients with unnecessary and unmerciful violence and severity; of visiting female wards alone, but with not a bad motive; of putting paying patients to menialjlabour, and other things. The charge of violence against the male attendants not absolutely proved. Consider Dr Skae acted most improperly in appotnting Whitelaw, and that he entirely neglected the performance of his duties as inspector, through which , one patient had been subjected to eight month's unjustifiable torture. Condemned Dr Francis for confining himself simply to curing the physical ailments of patients and making no attempt to cure their mental maladies. Say Miss Brigdon discharged her duties. Find the female attendants were kind and good. Commissioners find no palliation for Whitelaw's treatment of his mother, and refuse to believe his explanation. Condemn the building as unsuitable ; it is a place of custody, and nothing more — the back ward for violent patients being a prison, furnished with appliances for punishment. They consider the new act open to densure. They compliment Mr J. S. Shaw, the complainant, on his conduct.