D.—No. 29,

20

REPORTS ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN NEW ZEALAND.

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.