LUNACY REPORT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 157, 6 July 1896, Page 3

LUNACY REPORT.

THE AUCKLAND ASYLUM

(BY TELEGRAPH—rAKLIAMBUTART KE

POKTKR.)

Wellington, thia day. Ik his annual reporb on the Lunatic Asylums of tho colony, Dr. MacGrogor etAtea that the number of registered insane persons at the end of last year was 1,329 males and 885 females, an increase, com' pared with laeb year, of 21 males and 25 females. Of the total number of insane, there are in Auckland Asylum 392; Christchurch, 466; Dunedin, 561 ; JUokitika, 106; Nelson, 124; Wellington, 296 ; Porirua. 229; and Ashburton Hall, 400. The proportion of insane to the population of the colony is (exclusive of Maoris) one in every 316. There were 681 admissions last .year. A homo for inebriates-and a special institution tor idiots and imbeciles in Dr. MacGregor'a opinion is urgently needeii. The expenditure for the year was £59,158, which is an increase of £457 on the previous year. At Sunny&ide the neb cost per patient per annum was £18 ; Ponrun, £20 ; Nelson and Wellington, £21 ; Auckland, £22 ; Seacliff, £23 ; and Hokibika, £24. The table showing causes of insanity indicates bhab the most prevalent causes are drink and cungenital and hereditary, 81 cases being referred to tho latter cause and 53 to the former. This is out of a total of 681 cases. Of the same total, 117 males were formerly labourers, 33 farmers and 20 miners ; 122 females were engaged in domestic duties, and 63 were domestic servants.

THE AVONDALE ASYLUM

In reference to this asylum, Dr. MacGregor reports thab when tno building to replace the auxiliary asylum building destroyed by tire lasb year is completed, and when the extension of the male wing is finished no further extension will be required. In another portion of his report, writing under date 12th September last, he says, " c After careful examination of this asylum I inn very pleased to be able to say tbab Dr. Haseell and his staff have, by unremitting attention, eucceeded in getting over the winter months withoub accident or injury to either patients or attendants. Every branch of the institution indicates how able and vigilanb the management is. The total number of patients is 385. Of 246 male patients all bub 75 ara engaged in tome kind of useful work, while of the women 45 are unemployed. The dress of the patients is suitable and clean, the food is of good quality, sufficient in quantity, and well cooked. 1 heard none bub the usual complaints ■ arising from the loss of liberty. I am satisfied that the patients are well and kindly treated. The farm buildings are now complete, excepb the dairy, which I hope soon to geb authority for. The sewage irrigation scheme ia answering admirably, arid will for the future greatly increase the productiveness of bho farm and garden. Ib will be necessary to add a finishing room to the laundry and ahifb the drying ground to the rear, thus completely secluding the patients who work there." Writing under date 3rd February, 1896, Dr. MacGregor tays: "I was anxious to see how matters had settled down after Dr. Hassell's transfer to Wellington, and bo hear how things impressed the new Medical Superintendent, Dr. F.ooks. I find, as formerly, the utmost harmony and goodwill throughout I was particularly struck with the healthy appearance of the outdoor workers, and this is particularly grabifying considering the discomfort caused by the loss of the old auxiliary buildings. Dr. Beattie, Assistant Medical Officer, has been moat assiduous in fehe discharge of his duties, which he has performed to my entire satisfaction. A scheme has been prepared by the Public Works Department for an independent water supply for the Asylum, which 1 have good reaaon to believe will be promptly taken in hand. Messrs Cooper and Ewingbon are of great assistance, owing to the unflagging interest they take in all that concerns the welfare of the Asylum. The usual picnic for the patients is being organised. All books and documents were in good order, and stock is carefully looked after. Dr. Hasell has improved this institution so much that his influence for good will be a lasting testimony to his energy and ability as a firstclass administrator."

The Medical Superintendent, Dr. Haseell, in his report, says : — " As regards the admissions ib will be noted that a large proportion (25 per cent.) of the male patients came from the gumfields. A gumdigger's means of livelihood is precarious, his standard of living is low, and often he is a man who has proved himself a failure in other walks of lifa. These, I think, are some of the considerations which account for the large proportion who become insane from year to year."