A MINISTERIAL INSPECTION. FAULTS FOUND WITH SUNNYSIDE ASYLUM.

Evening Post, Volume XLV, Issue 94, 22 April 1893, Page 2

A MINISTERIAL INSPECTION. FAULTS FOUND WITH SUNNYSIDE ASYLUM.

IBy Telegraph.] I UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.! Christchurch, 21st April. Tho Hon. K. J. Seddon visited Sunnyside Asylum to-day. In tho course of an interview, he said that a gross blunder had been made in regard to the fire prevention appliances now being fitted up. The pipes and hydrants were much too small, and would be absolutely valueless in case of fire. The laundry was not fit to work in, and he regretted that he had not seen it before. About J22000 had been recently expended in adding a new wing, chiefly devoted to rooms for the Medical Superintendent and othor officers, reception rooms, &c, but he thought that those might have waited till tho laundry had been put into a better condition. The engine-house was in tho wrong piece, there being positive danger from sparks, and the smoke from tho chimney entered the building. Complaints had beon made to him that the tradespeople who had taken contracts could work only half time, being hindered by the Asylum routine, and that in consequence tenderers increased their estimates by 30 per cent. He would oonsider whether work could not be more cheaply done by abolishing tho contract system for paperhanging, plastering, &c, and allowing workmen to be engaged by tho Asylum authorities.