REPORTS ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN NEW ZEALAND.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1870 Session I, D-29

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REPORTS ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN NEW ZEALAND.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, BY COMMAND OE HIS EXCELLENCY. WELLINGTON. 1870.

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No. 1. His Honor the Supebintendent of Auckland to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaet. Sic, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 22nd February, 1870. Herewith I have the honor to transmit to you, for presentation to Parliament, according to the 60th clause of "The Lunatics Act, 1868," a true copy of the Eeport for the year 1869, forwarded to me (as the Colonial Secretary's delegate) by the Inspector of Lunatic Asylums for this Province. I have, &c, Thomas B. Gillies, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

Enclosure in No. 1. Inspector King to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaet. Provincial Government Offices, Emily Place, Auckland, Sib,— Bth February, 1870. In accordance with the provisions of clause 60 of " The Lunatics Act, 1868," I have thehonor, as Inspector of Asylums for the Province of Auckland, to submit the following report on the state and condition of the Provincial Asylum during the year ending 31st December last, and of the care of the patients therein, and of such other particulars in connection with the subject as I consider deserving of being brought under your notice. My duty as Inspector of Asylums began on the Ist of January, 1869, but I had been discharging almost similar duties in connection with the Provincial Asylum for some considerable time before the passing of the Lunatics Act of 1868. I was so employed under instructions from the late Provincial Government. This is the first annual report from the district of which I am Inspector since the passing of the Act. Before proceeding further, I may explain that, under the impression that the Superintendent acting under the delegated powers was the proper person, I forwarded to him the six months' report, of which a copy is annexed, for the period ending 30th June, 1869, for which the 60th section of the Act also provides. Pressure of business in my office as Eelieving and Visiting Officer and Hospital Inspector for the Province must be my excuse for the delay which has taken place in the transmission of the present report. The Provincial Asylum is situate at The Whau, about three miles from Auckland, on the course of the Great North Eoad. The ground comprises about twenty-two acres, pleasantly situated, and with a nice aspect ; about sixteen acres are laid down in grass paddocks, two acres in potatoes, two acres in a vegetable garden, and the remainder is taken up with the garden and buildings. A portion of the property is planted with trees, which are of considerable size, and add much to tho cheerful appearance of the place. The surrounding country is also being very much improved by private owners. The buildings occupied by the Asylum were erected by the Provincial Government in 1865-6 from moneys appropriated for that purpose out of the Half-million Loan. The total cost may be stated in round numbers to have been £20,000. About an acre and a half is occupied by the buildings and court-yards. Bescription of Building, Alterations, and Improvements. The building itself is a substantial, plain structure of brick. It possesses the latest modern improvements in internal details and ventilation, and is in a thorough state of repair. At the back are two large and well-gravelled airing-yards, surrounded with lofty brick walls, for male and female inmates. There is a church capable of holding about 250 persons. The female inmates occupy the ground-floor, and the male patients the lower portion of the building. There are also within the building large, well-ventilated dining-rooms for the patients, and accommodation for the Eesident Surgeon and the other officers; suitable kitchen, dairy, bakehouse, cellars, and other necessary places; and a good supply of water is obtained from a well on the premises. Under the head of alterations and improvements I have nothing to suggest as to the present buildings, but it is desirable that provision should be made for the increased number of patients consequent on the extension of the Provincial Gold Fields and the increase of population ; it has in fact become absolutely necessary that another wing should be added to the west of the building. The Architect looked forward to such a possibility, for the present buildings consists of a central block, with a wing of buildings on the eastern side, so that the addition of the proposed western wing, besides giving the additional accommodation so much needed, will give an effect of completeness and regularity to the whole. The only alterations immediately required are, to afford a greater security against the patients injuring themselves by breaking glass, or even escaping through the windows ; this could be done by putting up a wire grating of sufficient strength, without at all giving the room a prison-like aspect.

REPORTS ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN NEW ZEALAND.

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Number of Patients. The number of inmates on Ist January, 1869, was ... ... ... 79 The number admitted during the year was ... ... ... ... 50 The number discharged during the year was ... ... ... ... 16 Number discharged upon trial during the year ... ... ... 18 Number of deaths during the year ... ... ... ... 8 Number remaining in the Asylum on Ist January, IS7O ... ... S7 Care and Treatment of Patients. From the time of my appointment until the month of October last, the care and treatment of the patients was in the hands of Dr. Eobert Elliott Fisher. This gentleman was most assiduous in the discharge of his duties, and left nothing undone which would tend to improve the mental and physical condition of the inmates. His death in the month mentioned was a great loss to the institution. The present Eesident Surgeon, Dr. Aicken, appointed in November last, evidently bestows a great deal of attention on the care and treatment of the unfortunate inmates, in which he is cheerfully aided by all those under him. The number of patients at present in the institution is 92, —65 males and 27 females. Sleeping Apartments, Clothing, Bedding, and Biet. The sleeping apartments are spacious, comfortable, and well ventilated, and the beds and bedding are all that could be desired. The diet supplied is good and wholesome, and consists of the following : — Breakfast.' —Half-pound of bread and 1 pint of tea. Binner.- —Three-quarter pound of meat boiled into soup, with vegetables, of which each gets one pint with share of meat, 1 lb. of potatoes, and $ lb. of bread. Supper. —The same allowance as at breakfast. Clothing. —A plentiful supply of clothing is always kept on hand, and additional supplies obtained at the end of each annual survey. Recreation, Amusements, and Employment of Inmates. Nothing is left undone in the way of providing amusements and recreation for patients : bagatelle, cards, dominoes, draughts, hand ball, and other games aro provided. There is a very good library, and many of the illustrated papers are furnished gratis to the patients by the benevolent ladies of Auckland. A singing class has also been established, and a musical instructor engaged to give weekly lessons to such of the patients as are capable of being taught. A marked feature under this heading is a series of monthly entertainments, originated shortly after my appointment by the late Dr. Fisher and myself, and continued, with one or two intermissions, clown to the present time. The entertainments are composed of singing, readings, recitations, musical and dramatic performances. The performers are mostly lady and gentlemen amateurs, some members of the 18th Band, and occasionally, some of the members of the theatrical and musical professions performing in Auckland. In all cases the services are gratuitous, and the entertainments have not cost, on an average, more than £3 per month. Invitations are issued to such of the settlers and their families as take an interest in the condition of the inmates. The inmates are allowed to mingle freely with the visitors, and a dance, in which some of the inmates heartily join, generally terminates the evening's amusements. I cannot speak too highly of the beneficial results arising directly out of these efforts to ameliorate the condition of the patients, and to render more cheerful and endurable their enforced confinement. I would strongly recommend that these monthly entertainments should be continued, and that provision should be made to enable them to be carried out regularly. I cannot speak so favourably of the outdoor amusements. No blame whatever is to be imputed to the authorities of the institution on this account. The large and healthy grounds around the building cannot be turned to much account for outdoor amusements, solely because of the want of a good wall or thorn fence as a security against attempts to escape. I hope that something will be done in this direction by the erection of a proper enclosed wall; at present, for want of it, the main body of the patients are necessarily confined to the airing yards. As it is, attempts to escape from confinement are frequent; and the insecure state of the grounds adds very considerably to the labour and anxiety of those in charge. Still a great many of the patients are allowed to go about the grounds, and to enjoy that healthy outdoor exercise which seems to be indispensable for their mental improvement. The Eesident Surgeon induces as many as possible to employ themselves in various ways about the grounds and buildings kept by the inmates. The vegetable garden is in a creditable state, and this last year about two acres of potatoes were planted by the labours of the patients. Many of them are always employed in work of different kinds, in connection with the institution. Everything is done which can be done, with the means at command, to make their lives and occupations resemble that of their more fortunate fellow-beings, and to remove, as much as possible, the feeling of restraint and confinement. Staff of the Institution. The Staff of the Institution at present consists of —1 Eesident Surgeon; 1 Inspector, who is also Believing and Visiting Officer; 1 Head Keeper; 1 Senior Keeper; 4s Assistant Male Keepers; 1 Matron ; 2 Female Nurses ; 1 Cook; 1 Musical Instructor. During the past year the following appropriations were made by the Provincial Council : —■ £ s. d. Eesident Surgeon ... ... ... ... ... ... 200 0 0 Head Keeper ... ... ... ... ... ... 120 0 0 Senior Keeper ... ... ... ... ... ... 66 0 0 Three Assistant Keepers, £54 each ... ... ... ... 162 0 0

£ s. d.

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£ s. d. Matron ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 60 0 0 Two Female Nurses, £42 each ... ... ... ... S4 0 0 Cook ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 66 0 0 Musical Instructor ... ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 0 Eations ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,410 0 0 Light and Fuel ... ... ... ... ... ... 130 0 0 Clothing, Bedding, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 350 0 0 Amusements ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 0 Contingencies ... ... ... ... ... ... 50 0 0 £1,990 0 0 On this year's Estimates, I find the following under the head of Lunatic Asylums:— £ s. d. Eesident Surgeon ... ... ... ... ... ... 250 0 0 Inspector ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 52 0 0 Head Keeper ... ... ... ... ... ... ]20 0 0 Senior Keeper ... .. ... ... ... ... 66 0 0 Four Eesident Keepers, £54 each ... ... ... ... 216 0 0 Matron ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 60 0 0 Two Female Nurses... ... ... ... ... ... 84 0 0 Cook ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 60 0 0 Musical Instructor ... ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 0 Eations ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,600 0 0 Fuel and Light ... ... ... ... ... ... 140 0 0 Clothing and Bedding ... ... ... ... ... 400 0 0 Amusements ... ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 0 Contingencies ... ... ... ... ... ... 90 0 0 Additional Cells, &c. ... ... ... ... ... 200 0 0 Expenses under Lunacy Act ... ... ... ... ... 50 0 0 £3,438 0 0 General Observations. Under this heading I intend to mention, as briefly as possible, several matters of great importance in connection with the institution. The first is with reference to Inquests upon Beceased Patients. In this respect a difference of opinion has arisen between myself and Dr. Goldsboro', the Coroner for the Asylum. That gentleman considers it to be his duty to hold an inquest upon every patient dying at the Asylum. I hold, and have maintained, that it is only necessary that inquests should take place in cases iv which they would be necessary if the death took place outside ; and that it was only putting the Province to an unnecessary expense to hold inquests on the deaths of patients ailing for many months, and dying of known diseases. I deemed it my duty to object to the holding of inquests in such cases, and beg to forward herewith copies of correspondence which has taken place between the Asylum authorities, the Provincial Government, and myself upon the subject. The matter is also alluded to in my half-yearly report for June, 1869. In the event of any alteration or amendment of the Act, I would suggest that this subject should bo dealt with in such a way as to remove any doubt. Alterations and Improvements in the Treatment of Patients. In reply to a memorandum forwarded by me to the Eesident Surgeon, requesting that he would furnish mo with such observations and suggestions as ho considered the Government should be made acquainted with in connection with the future management of the Asylum, I have received a very full report. I make the following extracts, bearing upon the subject of alteration and improvements in the general system of treatment: — " There are certain patients in the Asylum to whom confinement is irksome, and who would certainly be more likely to improve were they placed in a position where, under a certain surveillance, they might enjoy the feeling of being at liberty. Tho class of patients to whom I more particularly allude embraces some cases of melancholia, with or without a suicidal character. Although afflicted with delusions, they are conscious of their position, and occasionally manifest a strong desire to escape, as much, perhaps, from the belief that by so doing they would leave their sorrows behind them, as from any dislike to the Asylum as such. These patients are, for the most part, less disposed to inflict an injury upon others than upon themselves, and require the closest possible surveillance. I have known several cases in private life which, after being subjected to years of the most careful surveillance, were at last terminated by suicide, the unhappy victims, having contrived to elude the vigilance of their guardians. It is my impression that there is less risk of the latter occurring in an Asylum than in a private house. " There is another class of patients which would most likely derive benefit from a removal from the Asylum at a particular stage of their complaint, namely, those who having passed through the primary stage of acute mania, and been relieved from the urgency of the symptoms peculiar to it, begin to appreciate the peculiarity of their position, and to express their opinions upon the imaginary injustice of which they are the victims. These patients must either progress more or less steadily towards recovery, or lapse into dementia. The latter is much to be feared, except some decided change is induced by bringing them under the influence of new and, if possible, varied impressions ; where means permit, travelling is the appropriate remedy at this stage of the disease. It is quite certain, 2

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however, that many who have survived the storm of acute mania have been rapidly restored by change of scene and surrounding circumstances. Much depends upon the capability of the parties who undertake the management of the insane at this stage. The enfeebled and perhaps childish mind must be provided with amusements and employments suitable to its powers. It would be quite as rational to expect that a man just recovered from a tedious illness should be able to compete with a perfectly healthy man in feats of bodily strength, as that a mind emerging from madness should be capable of discussing the variety of political or religious opinions which may be thoughtlessly forced upon its attention; but, on the other hand, it would be equally wrong to treat the many little peculiarities of thought and temper with indifference or rude neglect. Kindness of manner will go far to remove many unpleasant residua of the primary stage. I apprehend that the greatest difficulty will be experienced in finding persons in these colonies who will devote a sufficient amount of time and attention to cases of this description, if intrusted to their care. The opinion I have been (as yet) enabled to arrive at on this important question amounts to this: I feel convinced that when patients have recovered so far as to permit of their removal from the Asylum, and when such patients have any near relatives or friends in their native country, the best course to pursue would be to secure the services of some steady and benevolent individual who would be willing to undertake the responsible position of guardian to them on their homeward voyage, and see them safely placed with their relatives or friends on their arrival in their native land. The benefits thus conferred would, in my opinion, be more lasting; and, in the event of the Government defraying the costs of the voyage, &c, would be obtained at a much less expense than would in all probability be incurred by placing the patients iv private houses in any part of the Colony. " I beg to state that I have not formed this opinion at random, or from any very recent experience of the benefits conferred by the practice here advocated, but from observation of cases with which I was acquainted previous to my arrival in the Colony, and which enables me to conclude that a homeward voyage and quiet sojourn in one's native land is likely to restore many patients who if permitted to remain in an Asylum would almost certainly lapse into a more or less hopeless state of dementia. But even in those instances in which insane persons in the Colony may not have friends or relatives in their native land who would be able and willing to receive them, much benefit may be conferred by their timely removal from the Asylum. " It should be stated, however, that patients of this class are not likely to receive any benefit from residing with their own family or immediate relatives just after their removal from an Asylum; hence the propriety of placing them under the surveillance of persons with whom they have not been very familiar previous to the outbreak of insanity. There are a large number of inmates in most public Asylums who neither desire nor require a change of abode; these poor creatures are those confirmedcases of dementia or idiocy which merely require attention to their daily wants, and a soothing and kindiy treatment. They are but little influenced by surrounding circumstances, and their intelligence is too low to enable them to appreciate their peculiar position. " Much has been written upon the classification of patients in an Asylum, and some physicians of great experience have expressed the opinion that it may bo overstrained; and it is quite possible that even refined efforts at classifying patients might be more conducive to the perpetuating of certain forms of insanity. " A certain amount of judicious classification is obviously requisite. The raving and destructive sufferer from acute mania cannot be permitted to injure himself or others ; but whenever amelioration of his symptoms supervenes, and he begins to exercise more or less self-control, it would be decidedly wrong to separate him from his fellow-inmates, the protracted seclusion of such patients only tending to confirm the malady. He cannot, it is true, hold converse with a sane community, but he will find much to interest him in mixing amongst the more improved patients, and frequently displays much shrewdness in pointing out their various foibles and peculiarities. It can scarcely be shown that particular forms of mental disease may be contracted after the fashion of contagious bodily diseases, and perhaps least of all in an asylum. " In conclusion, I must beg leave to decline an opinion as to the probable cost attendant on placing out lunatic patients in the families of private settlers, but fear it would be much greater than in Great Britain." The necessity of maintaining a strict supervision is obvious; and were patients placed in different families remotely situated from each other, it would tend to increase the expenses attendant upon it. I have not had sufficient experience of " The Lunatics Act, 1868," to be able to offer any positive opinion upon the necessity of amending or altering any of its clauses. I have, &c, John King, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Inspector of Asylums. Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure in No. 1. Mr. John King to His Honor the Sttpeeintendent, Auckland. Provincial Government Offices, Princes Street, Sic,— Auckland, 28th July, 1869. In accordance with clause 60 of " The Lunatics Act, 1868," I have the honor to report that during the six months ending 30th June ultimo, I have paid twenty-two official visits to the Lunatic Asylum, the ntimber of miles travelled being 132. Fourteen male and six female patients have been discharged during that period. Four deaths occurred lately; the Coroner, Dr. Goldsbro', insists upon holding an inquest upon every patient who dies at the institution, which I do not consider at all necessary, especially where they have long been ill from physical causes, and death ensues as a natural consequence. Where the place is open for inspection to visitors, inquests—unless in cases of homicide or suicide, or sudden death —are both frivolous and vexatious.

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The staff consists of one resident surgeon, one musical instructor, one head-keeper, four male attendants, one cook, one matron, and two female assistants. I would strongly recommend that the pay of the staff be increased during the coming session of the Provincial Council, and put more upon a par with other Provincial establishments. The patients breakfast at eight, dinner at one, and supper at six o'clock, during the summer months. The same rule prevails during the winter months, except the supper, which takes place at dusk, it being an object to get all the patients to bed by daylight. The dietary scale is— Breakfast. —Half-a-pound of bread and a pint of tea. Binner. —Three-quarters of a pound of meat boiled into soup, with vegetables, of which each gets a pint, with share of meat and potatoes, and a j lb. of bread. Supper. —The same allowance as breakfast. There is an excellent piece of land occupied as a garden, but until it is thoroughly drained much need not be expected from it. A division of one of the paddocks is very much required, and two milch cows badly wanted. During the six months, six entertainments for the benefit of the patients have been got up by the Eesident Medical Superintendent and myself, and they have proved a great source of enjoyment to the unfortunate inmates of the establishment. The number of inmates on the Ist of January, was seventy-nine, and on the 30th of June, eighty-one; showing that during that time we have had only an increase of two. I cannot close this brief report without expressing my entire approval of the admirable manner in which the institution is managed, and the interest taken by its officers in the care and treatment of the inmates. I have, &c, John King, His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. Inspector of Asylums. Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure in No. 1. Mr. John King to His Honor the Shpeeintendent, Auckland. Provincial Government Offices, Emily Place, Sic, — Auckland, 31st December, 1869. I have the honor to request that the opinion of the Solicitor who may be employed by the Provincial Government may be asked as to the proper course to be adopted with reference to the attached correspondence, having failed to get Mr. Wynn to dispose of the matter previous to his resigning. I have, &c, John King, His Honor the Superintendent, Auckland. Inspector of Asylums. Sub-Enclosure 3 to Enclosure in No. 1. Mr. J. Loweet to the Inspectoe of Astlums, Auckland. Lunatic Asylum, Auckland, 13th September, 1869. SlB, — Inquest on all Patients deceased. With reference to the above subject, I beg to draw your attention to section 26 of " The Lunatics Act, 1868," page 70, wherein it states that notice of the death of a patient is to be forwarded to the Coroner residing nearest to the Asylum, but it does not contain one word as to the necessity of an inquest. As lately we have had several deaths purely from natural causes, and which were looked for daily long ere their occurrence, and upon which inquests have taken place, I shall feel obliged if you will take the opinion of the Provincial Solicitor as to whether inquests are necessary in cases that are not of a sudden or unexpected nature. I have, &c, To the Inspector of Asylums, Auckland. J. Loweet, Keeper. Memoeanbum submitted for the information of the Provincial Solicitor. —After consulting Dr. Fisher some months back, I told him I thought it frivolous holding inquests on inmates whom I saw almost every week gradually sinking, and suggested its discontinuance from the great inconvenience of getting a jury in a scattered district like Mount Albert, as well as the unnecessary expense the Province was put to by such vexatious proceedings. John King, 14th September, 1869. Inspector of Asylums.

No. 2. The Hon. the Colonial Secbetaet to His Honor the Sitpeeintendent, Nelson. Colonial Secretary's Office, Sib,— Wellington, 2nd March, 1870. I have the honor to draw your attention to the 60th clause of " The Lunatics Act, 1868," which provides that the Inspectors of Lunatic Asylums shall send in to the Colonial Secretary periodical reports, and to request, as the Governor's powers under the Act have been delegated to your Honor, that you will be good enough to direct the notice of the Inspector of Asylums in the Province of Nelson to tho clause in question, in order that he may furnish through your Honor the necessary reports which are required for presentation to the General Assembly. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Nelson. W. Gisboene. Note. —Circular of the same tenor and date sent to the Superintendents of New Plymouth, Wellington, Hawke's Bay, Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland; and to the Chairman of the County Council, Westland.

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No. 3. His Honor the Supeeintendent, Nelson, to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaet. Sic, — Superintendent's Office, Nelson, 9th March, 1870. In reference to your circular letter of the 2nd instant, drawing my attention to the 60th clause of " The Lunatics Act, 1868," and requesting me to direct the notice of the Inspector of Asylums in this Province to its provisions, I have the honor to inform you that no Inspector has hitherto been appointed for this Province. I have (I presume wrongly) construed the 52nd clause of the Act to contemplate the appointment of an Inspector or Inspectors for the Colony, and not an Inspector for each Province, which would be, in most cases at least, one for each Asylum. I was the more readily led to this conclusion from the fact that the Act provides that the salaries of the Inspectors shall be paid out of such moneys as shall be appropriated for the purpose by the General Assembly. If however it is the wish of the General Government that I should appoint an Inspector for the Nelson Asylum, I will at once do so, on your informing me what amount of salary will be available for that officer. I have, &c, Oswald Cuetis, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 4. The Hon. the Colonial Secbetaet to His Honor the Supeeintendent, Nelson. Colonial Secretary's Office, Sic,— Wellington, 29th March, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Honor's letter No. 20, of the 9th instant, and to state that I am advised that, as the Governor's powers under " The Lunatics Act, 1868," have been delegated to Superintendents, they have the power to appoint Inspectors of Asylums in their respective Provinces. No appropriation has been made by the General Assembly for salary to such an officer, probably because it was supposed that the Provincial Legislature would provide for the requisite remuneration, as in the case of other officers of Lunatic Asylums. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent, Nelson. W. Gisboene.

No. 5. The Peotincial Secbetaet, Marlborough, to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaet. Sic, — Superintendent's Office, Blenheim, 7th March, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your circular letter, No. 70-525, of the 2nd instant, in reference to the periodical reports required, by the 60th clause of " The Lunatics Act, 1868," to be made to the Colonial Secretary by Inspectors of Lunatic Asylums, and to inform you that no Lunatic Asylum has yet been established in the Province of Marlborough. I have, &c. (for the Superintendent), James Balfoue Wemtss, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Provincial Secretary.

No. 6. His Honor the Supeeintendent, New Plymouth, to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaet. Sic, — Superintendent's Office, New Plymouth, 29th April, 1870. Eeferring to your circular of the 2nd March, 1870, respecting the 60th clause of " The Lunatics Act, 1868," which I did myself the honor of acknowledging on the 11th March last, I have now the honor of forwarding copy of the Eeport of the Colonial and Provincial Surgeon, in obedience to the said circular. I have, &c, Feed. A. Caeeington, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Superintendent.

Enclosure in No. 6. Betubn of Patients treated in the Eegisteeed Lunatic Asylum, Taranaki. Nickarima (a Native Chief), from sth December, 1869, to Bth January, 1869. Given up to the care of his friends. John Haselton Haigh, from 31st December, 1869, to 15th January, 1870. Discharged uneured to be sent home to his friends in England. Visited every day, or every other day. T. E. Eawson, M.D., 7th April, 1870. Colonial Surgeon.

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No. 7. The Cilaieman, County Council, Westland, to the Hon. the Colonial Secretaky. Sie,— County Chairman's Office, Hokitiki, 3rd May, 1870. I have the honor to forward herewith a Report from the Inspector of Lunatics for the County of Westland, for the half-year ending 31st December, 1869. I have, Ac, C. Hoos, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Chairman of the County Council. Enclosure in No. 7. Mr. G. G. FitzGeeald to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaey. Sie, — Hokitika, 10th January, 1870. I have the honor to report as follows, for the half-year ended 31st December, 1869, on the lunatics confined in the Asylum on the Hospital Reserve, in the Upper Gaol, and in the Sunnyside Lunatic Asylum in the Province of Canterbury, whose maintenance is a charge on the revenue of the County of Westland. The total number of lunatics in confinement in the above establishment, at the charge of the County, on the 31st of December last, was thirty-four, divided thus : —At Sunnyside, four males and two females, total six ; at the Hokitika Lunatic Asylum, three males and eight females, total eleven ; at the Upper Gaol, seventeen males and no females. For each lunatic sent from Westland to the Sunnyside Asylum the County is charged twenty-two shillings per week during his or her detention. The exact expense of conveyance I am unable to furnish, but to the coach faro —about £6 10s. per head —must be added cost of food and lodging during the journey, and double coach fare, pay, and travelling expenses of the constable or other person in charge. I understand from you that the Canterbury Government have, since 26th January, 1869, declined to receive any more lunatics from Westland into their Asylum, unless the County will bear the expense of enlarging the existing buildings. I have not visited the Sunnyside Asylum, but I have ascertained that the inmates are well cared for in every way. The Hokitika Lunatic Asylum is a small wooden building erected on the Hospital Reserve, on the south side of the Hokitika. It contains six patients' bedrooms, or cells, each of them six feet by eight feet, and about ten feet high, and lighted with skylights ; a bathroom of the same size as the cells, and furnished with a fixed zinc bath ; a patients' sitting room, and a bedroom for the attendants. There is a detached closet. There is no sitting-room for the attendant and his family, and they are compelled, therefore, to use that occupied by the patients ; their bedroom opens into the sitting-room. There is no padded room. There is no securely fenced ground for exercise. The cooking is done in the Hospital kitchen, and the hot water for baths has to be carried in buckets from the same place. The male prisoners usually take their meals in the cells. They are rationed according to a scale framed by the late Surgeon Superintendent of the Hospital, Dr. Byley, and I have had no complaints as to its quality or efficiency. A few yards from the Asylum there are a bowling-green and bowls, but there are no books belonging to the Asylum. There are no indoor amusements, such as cards, chess, &c, &e. The male patients are locked in their cells in wet weather, and owing to faulty construction the skylights have then to be closed, the rain finding its way in considerable quantities when they are left open. These skylights afford the only means of ventilation, and when they are shut the cells become very close. Two patients are frequently confined in one cell. Sometimes three patients have been locked up together when the attendant has been pressed for room. For the same reason patients have occasionally been placed in the bathroom. The male patients who are well enough assist in any work which may be in progress in the Hospital grounds and garden. A few of them have latterly been of much assistance. The female patients repair the clothing belonging to the establishment. The staff consists of the keeper and medical officer —both offices filled by Dr. Maunsell, the Surgeon Superintendent of the Hospital; the clerk, who also holds the post of dispenser in the Hospital; and the attendant, Mr. Cook. Mrs. Cook takes charge of the female patients. An additional attendant is employed when necessary. " The Lunatic Act, 1868," directs that at every Asylum certain books shall be kept. The clerk informs me that the Medical Journal and Visitation Book, and the Patients' Book are wanted to complete the set. I am satisfied from my own observation that the staff have done all in their power to work the institution to the best advantage. No complaints of harsh usage, or of insufficient or bad food and clothing, have been made to me. The patients always appear clean and neat. In my opinion Mr. and Mrs. Cook, the persons who are in constant attendance on the patients, are deserving of great commendation for the manner in which they have performed their difficult duties—the more so that their own accommodation and comfort appear to have been entirely overlooked by the Government. As I before observed, the only spot in the Asylum they can call their own is a small bedroom, the door of which opens on the lunatics' sitting-room. The Asylum building, such as it is, is in tolerable repair, and the rooms are kept very clean. More than two-thirds of our male lunatics are confined in the Upper Gaol. There are no female lunatics detained there. The average number for the six months ended 31st December, 1869, was twelve. There has been a steady increase during that period of ten, or not quite two every month. Their general treatment may be described as follows : —The lunatics have, during the daytime, the entire use of one side of the labour yard. They are always under the eye of the warder, on the raised platform which overlooks the yard. The chief warder has them in his special charge. The medical officer of the gaol, the County Surgeon, visits the lunatics, on an average, twice a week. There has been no case of sickness amongst them during the six months. They never take exercise outside the gaol enclosure. Some of them chop wood, and one, a carpenter, does a little work at his trade. A few books and slates are provided, but there arc no cards, chess, &c. The lunatics bathe 3

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every Saturday. They get the same rations as the hard-labour convicts, with the addition of tobacco. They wear their own clothing when it is good; and failing that, they are dressed as convicts. At night these seventeen lunatics are distributed in five cells. The cells are ten feet by eight feet, and ten feet high. A convict, selected for that purpose by the gaoler, is placed in each of the cells. The lunatics take their food in the dining-room with the convicts ; they are placed together at the end of the room. The annual cost of the rations of each lunatic, inclusive of tobacco, is about £16 7s. The clothing of each who wears the prison dress costs about £2 9s. a year. If the lunatics were kept entirely apart from the convicts, the former might perhaps be provided with somewhat more suitable rations. In looking at the position of the lunatics in the Upper Gaol, the first great fact that strikes me is, that their detention in that place is illegal. In every case the patient has been committed bycompetent authority to the Lunatic Asylum —not to the gaol. By sending them to the gaol, the provisions of " The Lunatics Act, 1868," are altogether disregarded. If it is the wish of the authorities that the gaol shall be used for the safe keeping of lunatics, steps ought to be taken at once to have it, or some portion of it, gazetted as a Lunatic Asylum. The gaoler should be appointed the keeper; the Medical Officer of the Gaol the medical officer ; and some other gaol official, clerk. The necessary register should be kept, and, in short, the provisions of the Lunatics Act carried out. Some of the lunatics are certainly aware that they are being improperly dealt with, for they have spoken to me on the subject. Apart altogether from the legal aspect of the case, it is, I submit, well worthy of consideration whether a convict prison is a fitting place of detention for lunatics. It is within my knowledge that Mr. Cleary, the gaoler, does all in his power to render these unfortunate persons as comfortable as circumstances will permit. It is impossible, however, at all times to prevent them mingling with the convicts, and equally impossible to protect them entirely from insult and ill-treatment, at the hands of the ruffians by whom they are surrounded. Nor is it right, on the other hand, that the convicts should be troubled by them. The manner in which the County Government has hitherto dealt with the whole question is unsatisfactory in the extreme. It is unjust, illegal, and the reverse of economical. The Asylum on the Hospital Eeserve is total]}1- unfit for the reception of the small number which it at present accommodates. The system of sending persons to gaol who are committed to the Asylum is illegal, and tho price paid for the maintenance of some of our lunatics in the Sunnyside Asylum is, I believe, far in excess of what they might be suitably provided for in Hokitika. Two plans suggest themselves, either of which might be carried out with advantage to the County. First, a building large enough to accommodate all our lunatics could be erected on the Hospital Eeserve. The present staff, a comparatively inexpensive one, would be sufficient, or nearly so, to undertake the supervision of the largely increased number of patients under their care. The proximity of the Hospital would facilitate the medical treatment. Tho situation is a remarkably healthy one. Those amongst the lunatics who were sufficiently well and were willing to work, could bo usefully employed in the Hospital gardens ■^m) grounds. Second, additions could be made to the Upper Gaol, such additions to include a .^Kpge exercising yard and common room for the use of the patients. This plan recommends itself on .flke score of economy. By good management the present gaol staff of officials could undertake the care of the lunatics, and their food might be supplied from the gaol kitchens. The County Surgeon could be appointed medical officer. It is not probable that you will recommend any very large expenditure, either for the erection of buildings on the Hospital Eeserve or for additions to the Gaol buildings, but it is absolutely necessary that some attempt should be made to cope with the difficulty. The number of committals is increasing, and is by no means counterbalanced by the discharge of persons cured. The yearly expenditure is therefore rising, and one cause for this state of things may certainly be found in the fact that we are not adopting means to render the recovery of our lunatics probable. I have, &c, G. G. FitzGeeald, Inspector of Lunatics for the County of Westland. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 7. Memobandum by Dr. Maunsell. Dubing the last six months, commencing Ist July, 1869, and ending 31st December, 1869, eighteen patients have been under treatment; four cases, all females, have been discharged as cured (one of whom suffered a relapse and was re-admitted). At present twelve patients remain in the Asylum, three males and nine females. On referring to the books of the Asylum, I find that long-continued intemperance has been the cause of most of the insanity among the males. During the last six months, not one of the six admitted was discharged as cured. This may be accounted for by the fact that all the worst and most hopeless cases of insanity are retained in the Asylum. The cause of insanity among the females has been long-continued intemperance, prostitution, and the pregnant condition. Previous to the last three months there has been no history taken of any case admitted into the Asylum. This is owing in a great measure to tho difficulty experienced in obtaining the slightest information as regards their previous history ; little can be gleaned from the papers by which they are committed, and the police constable who conveys them knows nothing about them. To rectify this, I would suggest that full information be forwarded with each case at the time of their •committal. If this were adopted valuable records could be framed which might account satisfactorily for the very large proportion of insane on this Coast. In conclusion, I may state that during the last six months two of the female lunatics were confined in the wards of the Hospital for want of accommodation in the Asylum. H. Widf.niiam Maunsell, Medical Officer and Keeper of the Hokitika Lunatic Asylum.

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D.—No. 29.

No. 8. The CnAiBMAN, Countt Council, Westland, to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaet. County Chairman's Office, Sib,— Hokitika, 10th August, 1870. I have the honor to forward herewith the Eeport of the Inspector of Lunatics on the Lunatic Asylums in the County of Westland, for the six months ended 30th June, 1870. I have, &c, C. Hoos, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Chairman of the County Council.

Enclosure in No. 8. Mr. G. G. FitzGeeald to the Chaieman of County Council, Westland. Office of Inspector Lunatic Asylums, Sib,— Hokitika, 18th July, 1870. I have the honor to report as follows on the Lunatic Asylums in the County of Westland, for tho half-year ended 30th June, 1870: — There are at present two Lunatic Asylums in tho County, one on the Hospital Eeserve on the south side of the Hokitika Eiver, and the other the County Gaol. Besides the persons confined in these two establishments, a number of lunatics originally committed to custody in Westland are, by an arrangement with the Provincial Government of Canterbury, detained in the Sunnyside Asylum, near Christchurch. The total number of lunatics in confinement in the above establishments, at the charge of the County, on the 30th June, 1870, was thirty-four, divided thus: —At Sunnyside, six males and no females, total six ; at the Asylum on the Hospital Eeserve, four males and seven females, total eleven; at the County Gaol, seventeen males and no females. During the half-year there were seven males received into the Gaol Asylum, and seven males discharged cured; and there were received into the Asylum on the Hospital Eeserve during the same period, two males and six females, and discharged cured one male and six females ; and discharged into the custody of her husband, one female. During the half-year no lunatics were sent from Westland to the Sunnyside Asylum, and the condition of those remaining there from former years will have been reported on by the Inspector of Asylums for the Province of Canterbury. I last year drew your attention, and that of the County Chairman, to the very limited accommodation of the Asylum on the Hospital Eeserve. As no changes, have been made since that time, I venture to repeat certain statements made in my report for the half-year ended 31st December, 1869. " The Hokitika Lunatic Asylum, on the Hospital Eeserve, contains six patients' bedrooms or cells, each of them six feet by eight feet, and about ten feet high, and lighted by skylights ; a bathroom of the same size as the cells, and furnished with a fixed zinc bath ; a patients' sitting-room and a bedroom for the attendant. There is a detached closet. There is no sitting-room for the attendant and his family, and they are compelled, therefore, to use that occupied by the lunatics. This bedroom opens into the sitting-room. There is no padded-room. There is no securely-fenced ground for exercise. The cooking is done in the Hospital kitchen, and the hot water for baths, &c, has to be carried in buckets from the same place. Tho male prisoners usually take their meals in tho cells." The report of which the above is an extract treats of several other matters which seem to me to require alteration; but the number of lunatics confined in this Asylum is not on an average so great as it was last year, the male lunatics being generally sent to the County Gaol, which was some months since gazetted as an Asylum. The gaoler, who is also keeper of the Lunatic Asylum at the County Gaol, has made the best arrangements in his power for keeping the lunatics apart from the convicts. They occupy separate cells, mess at different hours, and take exercise in a different portion of the Gaol yard. There is, however, no dividing-fence between the lunatics and the convicts. The County Surgeon visits the patients on an average three times a week, and, considering the limited means at his disposal, is very successful in his treatment. I append a copy of his report to the County Chairman. lam given to understand by the County Chairman that it is in contemplation to remove the majority of the lunatics now in confinement in Westland to the Asylum in Dunedin, provided an agreement can be arrived at with the Provincial Government of Otago with regard to their maintenance. In the event of such an agreement, the County Government would probably send to Dunedin all the lunatics at present confined in the Asylum at the County Gaol, and in the Asylum at Sunnyside, at the charge of Westland. The Asylum on tho Hospital Eeserve would be still kept up, and would be principally occupied by patients whose insanity was likely to be only temporary, and by patients waiting opportunity of removal to the Asylum in Dunedin. Whether this arrangement be carried out or not, some alterations and additions to the present building should be effected without delay. The subject will probably occupy the attention of the County Council during its present sitting. I have, &c, G. G. FitzGeeald, Inspector of Lunatic Asylums for the County of Westland. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 8. Dr. Deemott to the Chaieman of Countt Council, Westland. Sic,— Hokitika, 18th July, 1870. I have the honor to report as follows for the half-year ending 30th June, 1870, on the condition of the lunatics now in the Lunatic Asylum on the Cemetery Hill:—

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There are at present seventeen male lunatics in the Asylum, and during the period above named seven have been admitted, and seven discharged cured. The majority of the patients arc suffering from the form of insanity known as dementia, which, I believe, is chiefly to be attributed to long continued habits of intemperance, combined with the privations and hardships incidental to gold-mining pursuits^ especially in this part of New Zealand; the largo majority of the patients have been engaged in mining, and several had previously been inmates of lunatic asylums in this and the Australian Colonies. During the past half-year very few cases of sickness have occurred, and at the present time there is not a patient confined to his bed, with the exception of one who is suffering from incipient paralysis of the lower limbs; every care and attention is paid to him that his case demands. Amongst the improvements recently made is a sick ward, provided with necessary furniture. A spacious bathroom has also been erected, with convenience for cold and warm bathing and shower baths. The patients are required to use the bath at least once a week. Mr. Cleary, who is appointed keeper of the Asylum, is unremitting in his attention; and Mr. Birt, who has the care and control of the patients, I feel called upon to state, performs his duty with assiduous care and kindness. The sanitary arrangements are excellent: the food, although plain, is wholesome and good, enabling me to maintain the physical condition of the patients in a satisfactory state; but as the provision for accommodation of lunatics is at present imperfect, I most earnestly hope that the County Council will, during its present sitting, adopt measures to provide for the amelioration of their mental condition, by placing on the estimates a sum for the provision of necessary medical comforts, and for the carrying out of those alterations in the building and grounds which are essential for the proper treatment of the insane. It seems but reasonable to suppose that the same sura per head, or something approaching it, should be granted for the lunatics in this Asylum as is allowed for those in the Asylum on the Hospital Eeserve. The present limited resources debar me from providing many small but necessary requirements which would materially benefit the patients. I also very earnestly desire to draw your attention to the fact that no provision is made in the contemplated estimates for providing clothing for the lunatics, and would suggest that a uniform style of dress should be adopted, as in the Hospital. lam unable to give a tabular statement of the lunatics, &c, &c, who are detained here, until provided with the necessary books, which I havo applied for. I have, &c, FITZIIEEBEET DeKMOTT, C. Hoos, Esq., County Chairman. Medical Officer, Lunatic Asylum.

No. 9. His Honor the Supeeintendent, Otago, to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaet. Province of Otago, New Zealand, Sic, — Superintendent's Office, Dunedin 21st May, 1870. In. compliance with the request contained in your circular No. 70-525, of the 2nd March last, I have the honor to forward the Eeport of tho Inspector of the Dunedin Lunatic Asylum for the past year. I have, Ac, J. Macandeew, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

Enclosure in No. 9. Mr. Chetham-Stbode to His Honor the Supeeintendent, Otago. Blß,— Dunedin, 12th May, 1870. I have the honor to submit to you a report on the general condition and progress of the above institution for the past year. On the 31st March, 1869, the number of patients in the Asylum was ninety-nine, of whom seventy-two were males, and twenty-seven females. During the past year eighty-one patients have been admitted, viz. sixty-three males and eighteen females ; while the total number under treatment during the twelve months has been 180, making a daily average of 105. The number discharged during the year was sixty-two, of whom sixty-one recovered, and one was relieved. The deaths were six, viz. five males and one female, making a total of sixty-eight discharged and died within the year. Of the six patients who died during the year, two were from epilepsy, one from apoplexy, one from paralysis, one from perforation of the stomach, and one from natural decay. Post-mortem examinations were made in three of these cases, and a Coroner's inquest was held in each. On the 31st March, 1870, the total number of patients in the Asylum was 112, consisting of seventy-nine males and thirty-three females. A tabular statement is appended, showing the general results of each year, since the opening of this Asylum in the month of August, 1863. In terms of section 50 of " The Lunatics Act, 1868," it was deemed necessary to make inquiries relative to a lunatic patient, said to be kept by his friends in the Clutha District. A medical practitioner was therefore sent to report, who, after due inquiry, expressed his opinion, that as the natient, who was imbecile and harmless and did not require to be under restraint, was kept clean and •:mfortable by his friends, it would not improve his state to send him to the Asylum.

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D.—No. 29.

Under section 64, sixteen patients were permitted by me to be taken out on trial by their friends for limited periods. Of these fourteen recovered, and were discharged when the time of their probation had elapsed, and two returned to the Asylum, where they now are. This provision in the Act, I consider a very valuable one. There have been, during the past year, no escapes nor attempts at escape from the Asylum. The Asylum has been visited officially from time to time, and the patients in all parts of the institution have been seen by me. The rooms, bedding, and clothing, have been inspected and found in a most satisfactory state, and the dietary ample. The books required by the Act were also produced. The single bedrooms are lofty, the cubic contents being from 600 to 900 feet. The associated dormitories hold from ten to eighteen beds, and have cubic space of not loss than 600 feet for each patient. The accommodation for patients during the day is insufficient, the rooms containing more than they were originally intended to hold ; but this defect has already been pointed out by me, and will bo remedied by more spacious apartments being erected in tho proposed additions to tho building. The beds are clean, and so arranged that they aro thoroughly ventilated during the day, tho patients leaving their bedrooms in the morning and never occupying them again till night. There is no uniformity in the clothing, variety of style and colour being more pleasing to tho patients. A liberal dietary scale is provided, 56 oz. of moat without bone being allowed to each patient as part of the solids for the week. A change of diet takes place every second day, while medical comforts and any luxury that will benefit them are provided for the sick. Divine service is held, separately, for Soman Catholics and Protestants, between three and four o'clock every Sunday afternoon, at which the average attendance varies from fifty to sixty. There is seldom any interruption, all seeming to know that proper decorum is necessary. Tho chaplains also visit the institution during the week. Books, and a number of the favourite illustrated periodicals, are purchased every month for the inmates. The daily papers are also sent into tho wards. Bagatelle, dominoes, &c, are provided, and a billiard-room is included in the proposed additions to the Asylum. Between the months of May and November there is held a weekly concert and dance, interspersed occasionally with the performances of the Christy Minstrels, and similar entertainments. During the summer months, bowls, croquet, and walking parties are substituted. From seventy to eighty patients attend the weekly amusements, in which a number of respectable citizens join. This, as showing a kindly interest in the institution, has been productive of benefit, and has exercised a good influence on the inmates. A favourite occupation and profitable, inasmuch as by it a supply of vegetables is provided, not only for the Asylum but also for the Hospital and the Gaol, is found for the male patients in gardening and the improvement of the grounds. A number are also employed in the wards assisting the attendants, while repairs to the premises are executed by those who aro mechanics. The females are employed in making and repairing the clothing and linen of tho establishment, as likewise in the laundry, kitchen, and wards. The property adjoining the Asylum, known as Park House, having been purchased by the Government, is now used as an Asylum for those patients whoso position and means enable them to pay for superior and separate accommodation. Under an arrangement which has been made with the Government of Southland, the lunatics of that Province are now received into the Dunedin Asylum. A desiro has also been expressed by the Province of Wellington to enter into a similar agreement. This combination, as being manifestly more economical for Provinces which have a small number of patients, is, in my opinion, clearly a step in the right direction towards the establishment of one General Lunatic Asylum for the Colony. The institution being now full, it is proposed by the Provincial Government of Otago to provide accommodation for fifty additional patients. For this increased number, the kitchen and cooking appliances must of necessity be enlarged. In conclusion, I have much pleasure in bringing under your Honor's notice the state of the institution, which 1 consider highly satisfactory in every respect, in its order, its cleanliness, and its arrangement, a condition attributable mainly to the judicious and careful management of Mr. Hume, the keeper. I have, &c, A. Chetham-Stbode, To His Honor the Superintendent of Otago. Inspector.

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1870. GENERAL RESULTS of each YEAR since the opening of the ASYLUM in 1863.

Imitt Discharged. Died. Remained at end of each Period. in § fgl IP'S .2 CO GO vp M . . . . CD • • • • 1— I Pekiod. Recovered. Relieved. M. F. | ft s fi o M. P. Total. M. V. Total. M. P. Total. Total. M. P. Total. I ! — i ! I I ] I I 28th August to 30th September, 1863 ... September, 1863, to September, 1864 ... September, 1864, to September, 1865 ... 13 45 36 8 23 13 21 68 49 25 20 1 12 11 1 37 I 31 Q 2 I 4 i 3 ... , i 3 8 13 30 37 7 18 17 20 48 54 10 37 49 34 8-O 4-8 544 632 4-8 42-0 309 CQ .... PI I gi 1 O o September, 1865, to September, 1866 ... 35 11! 46 22 6 28 1 1 4 1 5 45 21 66 62 50 609 28-0 September, 1866, to September, 1867 ... 61 11 72 35 8 43 2 2 4 6 ... 6 63 22 85 82 43 597 31-1 September, 1867, to March, 1868 37| 7 44 26 4 30 3| ... 3 71 25 96 92 23 681 232 March, 1868, to March, 1869 March, 1869, to March, 1870 GO ! 63 1 i 16 18 78 81 53 j 51 I 13 10 | 66 I 61 1 1 2 1 I 5; ... 5 6 72 79 27 33 99 112 102 105 29 33 868 753 38-4 339 M o o 1 5! i i i 33 3 t 350 ! 107 457 232 65 297 6 6 12 36 410 170 580 3-7 591 291 A. Chetham-Stkode, Inspector.

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No. 10. His Honor the Supeeintendent, Canterbury, to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaet. Superintendent's Office, Sic,— Christchurch, Canterbury, N.Z., 30th May, 1870. Mr. Hamilton having been appointed by me under " The Lunatics Act, 1868," to be Inspector of the Sunnyside Lunatic Asylum, I have the honor to forward herewith an official Eeport by that gentleman on the state of the Asylum. I have, &c, W. Eolleston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Superintendent.

Enclosure in No. 10. Mr. J. W. Hamilton to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetabt. Sic,— Christchurch, 26th May, 1870. Having been appointed, by warrant of the 17th instant under the hand of His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury, (exercising powers delegated to him under "The Lunatics Act, 1868,") to be an Inspector of the Sunnyside Lunatic Asylum, I have the honor to submit to you, as required by clause 60 of the Act, the following Eeport: — Report of Inspection of Sunnyside Lunatic Asylum, Canterbury. The Lunatic Asylum, now pretty generally known in Canterbury as Sunnyside, was established by the Provincial Government about six years ago. It was proclaimed by an Order of the Governor in Council, dated 9th December, 1868, (see Gazette No. 71, of 14th December, 1868,) to be a Public Asylum within the meaning of "The Lunatics Act, 1868" (clauses 2 and 22). The buildings and grounds occupy a space of fifty acres on the north bank of the Heathcote Eiver, about two miles out of Christchurch, on the Lincoln road. The site is a healthy one, being slightly elevated above the general level of the plains, with good capabilities for draining. I inspected the Asylum on Wednesday, 18th May. Illness prevented me from visiting the patients again on the Friday or Saturday during evening recreation, and at some of their choir practice, as well as during Sunday service on the 22nd instant. I have thus not seen all I wish to see at once of the working of the establishment. But from what I did see on the 18th, and from information acquired formerly when a near connection was under treatment at Sunnyside, I feel quite justified in now sending up a report, which I am told is required at once, to be in time for the session of the General Assembly. Taking tho Lunatics Act requirements in the order of the clauses, I notice that the following points require to be attended to : — The " medical officer " Dr. Coward, the " keeper " Mr. B. W. Seager, and the " clerk " Mr. W. E. Payne, have held their appointments under the Provincial Government for some time —Mr. Seager as " keeper "or " steward " for some six years. But these appointments, I think, require to be formally made by the Superintendent or the Governor under clause 23. The " Eegister of Patients " is now in course of completion in the form required by clause 24. It has only quite lately been furnished, and is being written up from the old register from the earliest date ; the names being all entered up to this date. The old register seems to have been thoroughly kept up, and contains substantially almost all the information the new form requires. The " Medical Journal " prescribed by clause 25 I found only entered up. Tho " Case Book " (" to be kept in such form as the Governor in Council may direct ") was not produced. The reason given was that no order on the subject had yet been promulgated. The inspection was made strictly in accordance with clause 53, every part of the building being visited, and every patient seen. The " Inspector's Book," bound up with the Act, as required by clauses 53 and 57, was not forthcoming, from which I assume that this was the first inspection made under the Act of 1868. The copy of the plan " given to the Colonial Secretary on applying for the license," which should be " hung up in some conspicuous part " of the house (in clause 57), was not there. The Provincial Secretary has however since certified to me that it is in preparation. The " Patients' Book " (clause 58) has also yot to be provided for any observations the Inspector or Official Visitor may wish to enter respecting any patient. At present the Official Visitors appear to use the same book as is kept for ordinary visitors' observations, or for any patients who may wish to enter remarks on their being discharged cured. Having brought to your notice these few shortcomings in regard to strict and literal adherence to the Act of 1868, I feel bound to state that I cannot look upon them as of any serious moment, after observing how thoroughly the spirit of the law is acted up to throughout the Asylum. I visited the Asylum on a day when I was not likely to be expected. The greater number of the patients were engaged in some occupation or other; out of doors some were employed gardening, others at the wash-house, others indoors were preparing for the midday dinner. These were all going steadily and quietly to their work, and with no appearance of a feeling of restraint upon their movements, or of their being vigilantly watched. I saw the dinner being served up in the kitchen, where the arrangements for securing cleanliness are excellently devised. The whole of the cooking is done by steam or by baking in the oven, on a plan by which it is impossible that any dirt can get into the food. The food was of excellent quality, and the ration abundant, both of meat, vegetables, and pudding. The kitchen and larder and provision store were in a state of perfect neatness and cleanliness throughout. The meals were being eaten, in all the wards but one, in a quiet and orderly manner; patients were told off to carry in the rations, and afterwards to clear away. The male patients afterwards were mostly either enjoying their pipe of tobacco or taking exercise in the yards. There is an abundant supply of pure water to insure the comfort and cleanliness of the patients.

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REPORTS ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN NEW ZEALAND.

Large baths are provided in both the male and female wards, and the lavatories are roomy and found in all requisites. The wards were all well ventilated, sweet, and thoroughly clean, most of them well lighted and cheerful, the sleeping wards especially so. In some places more light is desirable ; but as the building has been erected piecemeal, and not on any general well-conceived plan, from the first, there i might be some difficulty in providing for better light. The bedding was admirably clean and neat; the arrangements for avoiding all offensive smells were complete. In only one part of the building was any bad smell perceivable. This was in the lavatory of the female ward, and arose from the water-closets and from a drain immediately adjoining. The keeper has since informed me that the smell was soon shut off, and has not been noticed again; but for sanitary reasons an immediate alteration should be made in this part of the building, by erecting better partitions, so as to render it impossible for any offensive odour to pass into the lavatories, and thence circulate into the sleeping wards. Subject to this observation, the neatness, airiness, and scrupulous cleanliness pervading the whole of the establishment appropriated to the use of the patients was such as I have never seen surpassed in the best kept man-of-war on service. The clothing of those patients who wore the dresses belonging to the Asylum was in an equally satisfactory condition, as to neatness and cleanliness. I am unable to refer as favourably to some of the attendants' apartments, which might, I think, be kept more orderly. A room with billiard table and bagatelle board, and a large hall for general gatherings, with a stage erected at one end, a piano and harmonium, a small library, a printing press, together with the garden and grounds, all contribute to supply occupation and recreation to the patients. I should observe that the accommodation provided for the keeper and his family seems much too limited. Their private sitting-room is the only one in which visitors can wait who have business at the Asylum. I enclose a general report which the keeper of the Asylum has drawn up for me, explaining the arrangements of the wards, classification of patients, their employments and amusements, with returns appended of patients under treatment during the year ended 30th April last, value of work done by them, and scale of rations now allowed. So far as I fairly can do from one inspection, I willingly testify to the correctness of the facts set out in the keeper's report to me, and I should state that I found in the visitors' remark book numerous testimonies —written by patients at tho time of their discharge —to tho humane and kindly attention they had received while under Mr. Seager's care. I only found one patient secluded from the rest, owing to his having ill-used some of them. This patient I allowed to bo handed over to the custody of his brother-in-law and an old servant, on bond being given according to clause 66. I took the opinion first of the medical officer and the official visitor. It was considered that there was some slight hope of amendment if this patient could have complete change of scene, and visit his own farm, lie was, however, brought back after three days. Before closing my report, I feel it my duty strongly to urge upon the attention of the Government the necessity for appointing a permanent Inspector to the Asylum. The result of my own visit has been to convince me that I have not the qualifications essential for the fulfilment of the duties of such an office, and that it will be a most difficult task to find a person who does possess them. lam convinced, moreover, that the Inspector should be one who can give frequent attention to the duty of visiting the Asylum, and who can give the leisure to make himself as intimately acquainted with the case of each patient, and of the subject of lunacy generally, as tho keeper himself is. An Inspector ought, I think, to be thoroughly capable of exercising a complete control and supervision over every officer, the medical attendant included, of any such establishment. I have, &c, J. W. Hamilton, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Inspector of Sunnyside Asylum.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 10. Mr. G. E. Seagee to the Inspectoe, Sunnyside Lunatic Asylum. Sic, — Sunnyside Lunatic Asylum, 23rd May, 1870. I have the honor to lay before you a report of this Asylum for the twelve months, namely, from the Ist day of May, 1869, to the 30th day of April, 1870, inclusive. The management will speak for itself, when I mention that no attempt at suicide has been made by any of the inmates, and but one escape (a convalescent harmless patient) has taken place since my last report (30th November, 1868). The Asylum is divided into six wards, namely, A, B, C, D, E, F. The occupants of E Ward are the convalescent males, or those who perform the principal outdoor, garden, and general farm work attendant upon an institution of this kind. In the evening they amuse themselves by billiards, reading books, the daily papers, Illustrated London News, Times, Punch, Melbourne Post, &c, &c. In this, as well as in A Ward, there are no bars to tho windows, neither are the doors kept locked, so that free access is given to the grounds. It is satisfactory to know that the trust placed in the patients is not abused. Ward A, for convalescent woman. The inmates of this ward are engaged in needle and laundry work. One new feature in the management is the introduction of flowering plants ; each of the patients has allotted to her care a plant, the object being to create an interest in their minds by giving them something to cultivate and think about. They also have music, books, and frequent walking parties, either in the grounds or out into the country. Ward B, for imbecile, dirty, and epileptic female cases. Ward C, for females who are wet and dirty, refractory, noisy, and chronic cases. Ward D, for males approaching to convalescence, the epileptic, and quiet. Ward F, for males who are noisy, refractory, dirty, and destructive.

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Tou will perceive that a complete system of classification is observed throughout the establishment, each ward being quite separate and distinct from the other, and each having a large airing court attached, with the exception of A and F Wards, the inmates of which have free access to the grounds of the institution. At night the classification is based on the requirements of the patients during the night; and during the day the patient is placed where he can best be attended to, and where he is least troublesome to the other patients. The dormitories are quite distinct, and apart from the day rooms. In some asylums free access is given to the sleeping-rooms by day; the torpid and indolent, the melancholy, morose, and mischievous, then find occasion and inducement to indulge in their several humours; also, opportunity is afforded them to elude the eye of the attendants, to indulge in reverie, and to cherish their morbid sentiments. The rules of this institution forbid resort to the sleepingrooms by day; frequently the idea conveyed is that in this they are hardly treated. The principle in the management is to assimilate the condition of the patients and the circumstances surrounding them as much as possible with those in ordinary life, though it is clearly impracticable to repeat all the conditions of existence prevailing in the homes of the poorer and middle classes of society, who constitute the inmates of the Asylum, when they are brought together to form a large community for their better treatment and management. Religious Services. The Sunday and religious services have been continued by the Eev. Canon Wilson. The average attendance of patients is about sixty. The choir (fifteen in number, composed in most part of the attendants and patients) has considerably improved. All those who are proper subjects to attend Divino worship are admitted to the Sunday service; it affords a regular occupation and soothing influence on their minds. Thoy find themselves regarded as a portion of the living world of human sympathy, surrounded and mingling with men, women, and children in the worship of their Maker, and which has a grateful and sobering influence upon them when conducted in the midst of their social and domestic sympathies. It also affords a regular occupation for a day consecrated to rest; and when rest from labour is enforced, from respect due to the Sabbath, it is but too true that it is the day most pregnant with mischief in many asylums, from the want of occupation and its most injurious monotony ; but, in a measure, it is not so in this Asylum, inasmuch as the women, at least those that can be trusted, weather permitting, take their afternoon walk, and all have amusing and instructive books given them. After tea the convalescent patients, male and female, meet, in the hall for the practice of sacred music, under the direction of Mr. G. Inwood, who performs this gratuitously, and purely as a labour of love, in which also some of the friends of the institution, and those composing the choir, take part. There is also practice on Friday evenings. Employment. All the repairs to the building, premises, bedding, &c, are performed by the patients, under the direction of an attendant. Since my last report, the new Eecreation Hall has been completed. The whole of the work, with but slight exceptions, has been done by the patients. Nearly all the material has been contributed by gentlemen resident in Christchurch and elsewhere. I trust I may be forgiven my taking the liberty of inserting their names. Ironwork —Messrs. Hawkes and Strouts, E. Eeece, J. Anderson, E. Neeve, Nashelski, T. Williams, Barnes, itad Chegwidden. Paint, Glass, &c.—Messrs. Button and Paton, Mr. Jones. Timber —Mr. Montgomery, Booth and Elvines. I particularly wish to draw your attention to Mr. C. Massey for his disinterested kindness in gratuitously decorating the Eecreation Hall proscenium, and painting a complete set of beautiful scenery for the stage. Messrs. Lenton and Smith, proprietors of the Japanese troupe, gave a benefit at the Town Hall, and kindly gave the proceeds towards the building fund. The patients have been more extensively employed in garden and field work ; and all vegetables required for the Asylum are supplied from the garden. An orchard of four acres has been laid out and planted; also some hundreds of forest trees have been planted ; in fact, the grounds speak for the industry of the patients as to the result of their labour, and the profitable way in which they are employed. Amusement and Recreation. During the summer, frequent excursion trips to the Selwyn and Lyttelton by train, also to Sumner by vans, were much enjoyed by those who took part in them. The latter place afforded much enjoyment to the men, as many of them were enabled to bathe in a secluded spot selected for that purpose. The patients, assisted by a few friends, cultivated twenty-five acres out of the fifty on which the Asylum is situated. This produced the sum of £70, which, with the £40 liberally supplemented by the Government, has been forwarded to England for the purchase of an organ, which on its arrival will be placed in the hall, and used for religious services and concerts given by the friends of the institution. The agent of Messrs. Shaw, Saville and Co., with Captain Eose of the ship Zelandia, have promised to use their influence with the owners in order that the instrument may come out freight free. Many pleasing and instructive entertainments have been given to the patients from time to time, by amateur and professional friends. Apart from the above, occasional acting charades are performed by the attendants and patients, the latter taking part with great zest and delight ; in fact, frequent requests are made by them that they may be permitted to take a character. Many recoveries may in some measure be attributed to this innocent and recreative means of breaking the monotony of a lunatic's life. The periodical exhibition of dissolving views continue to afford great enjoyment. Photography here steps in with a helping hand; for instance, a series of views of a tour through England, Scotland, or Ireland are photographed and exhibited, and it is no uncommon case for a patient to recognise some particular view, thereby awakening old recollections of bygone days. Some of the more noted patients are photographed, especially if they be of a comic cast, and exhibited, causing a great deal of mirth. A kind friend photographed the engravings in " The Pilgrim's Progress." Those also were exhibited by means of the lanterns, and a series of readings and lectures given by the worthy chaplain. Of outside games, croquet, quoits, cricket. As the various means have increased to afford employment and recrea--5

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tion to both male and female patients, so have the discharges increased and continue to do so in proportion. The printing office continues to take its share in illustrating its utility, by furnishing programmes of entertainments, &c, &c. Conclusion. During the past year considerable additions have been made. A new ward of twelve rooms for refractory and dirty female patients, a new bathroom, and a lavatory for B and D Wards have been provided; in F Ward (males), a bathroom and lavatory and strong room have been added; to the kitchen a scullery and a larder, the old larder not affording sufficient accommodation. With the exception of the twelve rooms and part of the lavatory in F Ward, all the foregoing has been performed by patients, under the superintendence of an attendant. I had the honor to suggest in my first report, dated June 1867, the advisability of at once commencing the permanent building, upon the plan already accepted. I regret that my suggestion has not been acted upon, instead of waiting until accommodation is absolutely necessary, and which results in adding a patch, or an addition to the unsightly appearance of the buildings, which it now exhibits. More accommodation is required, and will continue to bo so. If I may be permitted to suggest that the permanent building be at once commenced with the available labour of patients, and that portion be erected intended for females. The present building occupied by the females, marked B and C, could be used for quiet and orderly cases. Many men are now sleeping upon the floors of the day rooms, for want of increased accommodation. In D Ward a bathroom and lavatory are required upon the same principle as that lately erected in F Ward. It is very evident that everything connected with the treatment and management of lunacy is very complicated. No one can reasonably expect to treat cases of insanity successfully who is not acquainted with the curative means of the disorder. Often misled by the lunatic himself, those in attendance upon him must exercise peculiar caution and penetration. Aware of every possible, and awake to every symptom, those in charge must be ever ready to anticipate and combat in many instances, or they will find that every attempt fails to bring back that healthy state of mind which we would have the patient possess. Yet it is satisfactory to know that the means used are productive of much good, in alleviating their sufferings, of preventing many ills, and soothing and calming many sorrows. I have, &c, E. W. Seagee. To the Inspector, Sunnyside Lunatic Asylum, Canterbury, New Zealand.

RETURN showing the Amounts earned by the Patients from the Ist day of May, 1869, to the 30th day of April, 1870.

RETURN of Patients Admitted, Discharged, and Died, from the 1st of May, 1869, to the 30th day of April, 1870.

Trades. No. of Weeks. At per Day. Total. 4 Gardeners 1 Harness maker* 2 Carpenters 1 Painter ... 17 Labourers 25 Women ... 44 44 44 44 44: 44 4s. 5s. 5s. 4s. 2s. Is. £ s. d. 211 4 0 66 0 0 132 0 0 52 16 0 448 16 0 330 0 0 * Eepairing boots, &c, &o. 1. W. Seag: ■., Steward.

Months. Admissions. Discharges. Deaths. No. remaining end I of each Month. 12 Patients—May ... June ... July ... August September October November December January February March April 3 3 1 3 1 2 5 3 8 4 2 1 3 3 1 2 3 1 i 2 92 92 92 92 88 89 94 94 101 101 98 97 3 4 3 2 i 2 36 25 E. W. Seag: ;e, Steward.

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Dailt Eation allowed at Sunntside Lunatic Asylum. Bread ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... lib. Meat ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... fib. Vegetables ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 lb. Sugar ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... l|oz. Tea or Coffee -| oz., or Cocoa ... ... ... ... ... foz. Milk |pt. Butter ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2oz. Flour ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 oz. Pepper... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... f- oz. Salt ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ioz. Soap ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 oz. Mustard (weekly) ... ... ... ... ... ... i oz. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Boiled meat, soup, vegetables. •ivr i -, c , f Baked meat, vegetables, pudWednesday, Sunday ... ... ... < -~ / -± ■ ■>' •> /_ ding, or fruit pie. E. W. Seagee, Steward,

No. 11. From His Honor the Supeeintendent, Southland, to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaet. Sic,- —• Superintendent's Office, Southland, 11th June, 1870. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your circular of 2nd March, 1870, requesting me to direct the attention of the Inspector of Lunatic Asylums to the 60th section of " The Lunatics Act, 1868." In reply, I have to inform you that, owing to arrangements having been made with the Provincial Government of Otago to receive from time to time into the Dunedin Asylum any lunatics that may be committed here, an Inspector of Lunatic Asylums for this Province has not been appointed. I have, &c, William Wood, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

No. 12. Tho Peoyincial Seceetabt, Wellington, to the Hon. tho Colonial Secbetaet. Provincial Secretary's Office, Sic,— Wellington, sth August, 1870. I do myself the honor to forward herewith the Eeport of the Inspector of Lunatic Asylums in the Wellington Province. I have, &c, A. Follett Halcomee, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Provincial Secretary.

Enclosure in No. 12. Mr. T. A. Bowden to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaet. Sic, — Wellington, 3rd August, 1870. I have the honor to report upon the Wellington District under "The Lunatics Act, 1868," as follows : — Having been appointed as Inspector of the district on tho 9th of June last, I visited on the sth of July following the Lunatic Asylum at Karori, which is the only public Asylum in the district, and there not being any private licensed houses. The Karori Asylum is about three miles from the City of Wellington, and the distance travelled by me upon that occasion did not therefore exceed six miles. This Asylum has been in use for many years for the reception of the pauper lunatics of the Province of Wellington. It was originally a private dwelling-house, but has been adapted for the reception of lunatics, At the date of my visit it contained twenty-one lunatic inmates—six of whom had been admitted since the passing of' the Act of 1868. Of the whole number eight were males and thirteen females, of whom three only (females) required separate confinement and restraint. I found all the apartments clean and in good order; and the wards, beds, &c, were comfortable and sufficient for the present number of inmates. I think it, however, necessary to note that all the wards were then full with patients of the pauper class, and that there is no accommodation provided for another class of patients contemplated by the Act, the cost of whoso maintenance would be defrayed from private sources. The staff of officers at this Asylum consisted of the keeper (Mr. Sutherland), who has been in charge since its first establishment in 1859 ; a matron (the wife of the keeper); one male assistant keeper, and one male cook. I consider that in an institution of this kind, with thirteen female lunatic inmates, several of whom are violent, it is desirable that there should be an assistant female keeper. With respect to the arrangments of the Asylum generally, they are perhaps as satisfactory as could be expected in a building erected for another purpose, and only adapted as exigencies have arisen to their present use ; but they are very inferior to what an Asylum specially erected and arranged for

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the purpose might afford. I may instance that the cooking is carried on in the common room ; and that little or no classification of the patients is practicable. Those too who are violent are, of necessity, almost always confined to their cells, and, from want of a separate yard, can very seldom be permitted to take any exercise in the open air. I. need therefore scarcely add that the institution is deficient in those accessories which tend to alleviate the burden of the afflicted patients, and in many cases aid in their restoration to a state of sanity. It appears to me that the institution affords to the district the means for safe custody of the persons of the class of lunatics who are inmates there, but that a much more extensive and better arranged establishment is necessary to meet the requirements of the district. Upon these and other points, however, it will be well for me to defer any further remarks until my next half-yearly report, by which time I hope to be more thoroughly acquainted with the institution, and my opinions will be, in consequence, more matured. I have, &c, Thomas A. Bowden, Inspector of Lunatic Asylums, Wellington District. To the Hon. Colonial Secretary.

No. 13. His Honor the Supeeintendent, Hawke's Bay, to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaet. Sic, — Wellington, 22nd August, 1870. In reply to your circular requesting me to furnish a report from the Inspector of Lunatic Asylums in the Province of Hawke's Bay for the year ended 30th June, 1870, — I have the honor to state that during the greater part of that time no proclaimed Lunatic Asylum existed, the lunatics being kept in a portion of tho gaol under the charge of the gaol authorities, receiving medical treatment and attendance from the Provincial Surgeon, and being regularly visited by the Visiting Justices of the gaol and by myself occasionally. The number of lunatics during the six months ended 30th June, 1870, never exceeded two, and these were males, and very mild cases, the men being under little or no restraint, and working about the gaol. No regular Inspector has as yet been appointed, the duty having been performed by myself. Towards the end of June a new wing was added to the gaol for the special keeping of lunatics, containing separate wards and yards for males and females, and this building has been proclaimed a public Asylum. I have &c, The Hon. Colonial Secretary, Wellington. J. D. Oemond.