H.—7

14

The number of patients on the books to-day is 185 : 112 are males and 73 females. These numbers include one woman absent on probation, and another who has received her order for discharge, but has not yet been removed from the asylum. Every patient has been seen by me, and had an opportunity of making any statements. I received several requests to be released, but none of them could be reasonably entertained. No complaint upon any subject reached me. On each of the two days I saw the dinner in process of cooking and serving. The bread, butter, tea, broth, and pudding were all tasted and approved. The tables are neatly laid with clean cloths, and I was glad to notice that suitable knives and mugs had been brought into use in the female refractory ward. _ There was an entire absence of noise and excitement during the meal, which was partaken of in a most orderly way even by the worst class of patients. No patient was in seclusion upon either of the two days of my visit, and no restraint was employed with the exception of the chair formerly alluded to. This is still in use for the same patient, and cannot be dispensed with. The medical records show that of late a very material diminution has occurred in the number of seclusions, which is now within perfectly reasonable limits. The clothing worn by the patients is clean, neat, and suitable. Two very destructive men have complete suits of sailcloth, which prevent destruction without causing " restraint," so called. Since my last report, the newly-built wards have been fully occupied, with very beneficial result. The old buildings at the back of the asylum have fallen into complete disuse, and I hope shortly to see them removed. The condition of the whole establishment, as regards order and cleanliness, is most creditable. There was everywhere an entire absence of any offensive odour—a result obtainable only with much difficulty, having regard to the present deficiency in the city water-supply. The bedding is well attended to, and material addition has been made to the number of woven-wire bedsteads. I find the general health of the establishment to be very good. No case of infectious disorder has occurred, and only one patient is in bed, his ailment being temporary and trifling in character. One of the male lunatics has a broken rib : the injury was sustained during a violent struggle with an attendant, and a searching inquiry into the circumstances is being made by the Deputy-Inspector. Of the deaths which have occurred since my last visit it is only necessary to remark that they were, with one exception, due to ordinary causes. The exceptional case was that of an old man who was scalded in a bath, and died from his injuries. I made a full investigation at.the time; and, though the Coroner's jury acquitted the attendant in charge, I am still firmly of opinion that the so-called "accident" was due solely to his culpable negligence, and that the printed rules, if properly observed, were (and are) sufficient to prevent the possibility of any similar occurrence. The statutory inquiries have been made regarding the arrangements for Divine service, and also regarding the amusements provided for the insane. No changes have occurred in either of these matters, which continue to receive proper attention. I find that a very fair proportion are usefully employed, those who are either unwilling or unable to work numbering only thirty-eight males and nine females. The old difficulty continues of finding suitable occupation for the men, but I am glad to observe that excellent progress has lately been made in levelling and road-making. Two male patients are now at work in laying a brick-floor in the greenhouse, and with every promise of a good and serviceable result. This greenhouse will become more serviceable, when completed, in supplying growing plants to the wards. At present there is a deficiency of these and other ornaments in various places. The walls and ceilings of several day-rooms urgently require repairing, as the paper is worn, discoloured, and detached, so as to become dangerous from its proximity to the gas-burners. There is also a good deal of varnishing wanted in the male wing; and much dirt and labour would be avoided by laying linoleum upon two of the day-room floors. Regarding the kitchen and storerooms, it is unnecessary to repeat that they are absolutely unfit for their purpose. The cooking is performed under great difficulties, with a range which is too small, the ovens cracked, and the boiler perforated by long use. The laundry erected some months ago cannot yet be used, as it has not been connected with the steam-boilers, and the drying-chamber is not quite completed. The cow-house and stables, &c, remain half-finished. The exposure at night on the bleak hills has already had a bad effect upon the cows, and is likely to cause disaster: as it is, a large portion of the milk has to be purchased. The male division of the asylum is quite full, and, in fact, somewhat crowded. This evil is not yet apparent in the female portion, where a few empty beds remain. Dr. King resigned his appointment of Superintendent on the 31st January, 1884, and was succeeded on the Ist March by Dr. Levinge, who brought with him very satisfactory evidence of his fitness for the post, from experience acquired in some of the best English asylums. The condition in which I find the asylum fully confirms this view, and is most" creditable both to himself and to the staff who work under his direction. Ashburn Hall [Licensed House). On the Ist January, 1883, this establishment contained 7 male and 3 female patients. Eleven males and 8 females have since been admitted for the first time. The total number under care during the year was 29 : of these, 5 males and 5 females have been discharged as " recovered ;" 1 male and 1 female as " relieved :" 2 males died. The numbers remaining on the 31st December last were 10 males and 5 females : total, 15. The establishment was inspected by me on the 3rd October, 1883, and again on the 12th April, 1884. Subjoined are the reports which I made upon those occasions. It will thus be seen that I have paid 54 visits to the various asylums since my last report. 3rd October, 1883. —I have this day made a complete inspection of this establishment and its surroundings. The whole of the statutory records have been examined and found to be well and regularly kept. The orders of admission and medical certificates are all in due and legal form.