DUNEDIN LUNATIC ASYLUM.

Evening Star, Volume III, Issue 804, 2 December 1865, Page 2

DUNEDIN LUNATIC ASYLUM.

“ Progress,” it Ims been said, “ is not desirable in everything and the remark is a just one. For instance, the progress of an institution which has for its object the wellbeing of those sheltered within its walls is matter for gratulation, while, on the other hand, the march of the disease or poverty which has laid its blighting grasp upon the inmates, and is the first cause of their location within its precincts, can only awaken painful emotions. But, however much the circumstances which call for the establishment of a charitable institution are to be regretted, it is gratifying when such measures are adopted and improvements effected as will, so far as it can be done, counteract their baneful influence. While it is distressing to see the havoc wrought by disease—disease evidenced by the emaciated frame or by wild maniacy or idiotic imbecility —and while the necessity for an institution to ameliorate the condition of the victims of cxaishing malady is to be deplored, it is pleasing to witness humane and wise efforts put forth and large-hearted benevolence exercised on their behalf, and it is still more gratifying when such efforts are crowned with success—when the work, instead of languishing and retrograding, maintains a steady progress. Among the various reports from the heads of departments lately laid before the Provincial Council is one from the Provincial Surgeon upon the Dunedin Lunatic Asylum, which is well Worthy of attention, as it discloses facts of which comparatively few are aware —facts highly gratifying, and creditable alike to the Government and the gentlemen to wdxose care the institution is entrusted. The report is minute and comprehensive in its details, and treats of nearly all the things, great and small, that go to make up life in a lunatic asylum, and it is on this account all the more satisfactory. The Asylum, like the Hospital and Benevolent Institution, has been a source of blessing to many—alas that so many should require its sheltering care ! and it is only right that the public should be made cognizant of what is being done for that class of suffering humanity among us for whose benefit the institution has been established. A few remarks respecting this charity, suggested by the various items contained in the report, may perhaps be of interest to our readers. In the early days of the colony the common gaol w r as the only place of confinement for those -whose freedom was

dangerous to themselves and others, and it can scarcely be supposed that they would, in that place receive the treatment which would conduce most to restore them to a sound state of mind. "When the Hospital was built the few insane inmates of the gaol were removed thither, and their transference would no doubt be advantageous, although at that time there were wanting in the community men of experience in the treatment of lunatics. 'With the increase of population the number of eases of lunacy increased, and in a short time the gaol had again to he resorted to as a shelter for those excluded from the Hospital by reason of its limited accommodation. The necessity for an asylum for the insane forced itself upon the Government, but through lack of funds they were unable to carry into effect the design formed to erect suitable buildings at Lookout Point, Caversham. The necessity, however, for an immediate change was pressing, and the temporary site at the Old Cemetery Reserve was decided upon, and wooden buildings were erected sufficient to accommodate thirty-six patients. Situated 300 or 400 feet above the level of the sea, and commanding a view whose picturesque grandeur is scarcely surpassable, the Asylum is open to the pure air from the ocean, and is entirely removed from the din and bustle, although within sight, of the busy city. From the position which it occupies nature is to be witnessed in some of her loveliest forms. Immediately behind the Asylum rises Flax Hill (the Town Belt), and to the right, looking from the back part of the buildings, the dark cone of Flagstaff Mount is seen towering above the surrounding hills. To the left, looking from the front of the Asylum, stands Pine Hill and Cargill Mount, the former with its dense forest, and between them the long reach -of the North-east Valley, a beautiful picture of rustic scenery. Right in front is the bay, stretching away towards the left between the high hills, and with masted and other crafts gliding over its surface or lying at anchor. Beyond the bay is the Peninsula, its black forests speckled here and there with cultivated spots denoting human life and industry ; and close to the isthmus is Vauxhall, with its serpentine walks and pagoda-looking ’ erections. Beyond the Peninsula the dark crested waters of the Pacific stretch away to the horizon, and to the right is the Ocean Beach, with its» long line of sparkling, ever shifting foam. A finer scene can scarcely he conceived than is to be beheld from the grounds of the Asylum on a calm evening, when the summits of the surrounding hills are tipped with the golden hues of the setting sun.

The Asylum was opened in the month of September, 1862, but beyond this little can be said regarding the first two or three months of its existence. The present Superintendent has shown himself thoroughly adapted for his responsible charge, he having had many years’ experience in Lunatic Asylums in the home country, and under his management many marked improvements have been effected during the last eighteen months in and around the institution. From the report we learn that since the Asylum was opened the total number of patients admitted has been 138, the males preponderating greatly over the females, the respective numbers being 94 and 44.. Eighty-four of this number are accounted for thxis :—Discharged, cured, 68 ; relieved, improved, 4; escaped, 1 ; and died, 11—leaving in the Asylum at the present time 54. “ The percentage,” the report states, “ curer upon the whole number under treatment is 50, and the percentage of deaths 8, which may be considered highly satisfactory, as compared with home Asylums.” The percentage of cures during the last six months, how'ever, is less than that of the preceding* period, owing to the admission of four incurables from the Gaol, a class which will probably increase in the Asylum, and so low r er the percentage of cui'es. Having through the courtesy of the Superintendent been repeatedly allowed to visit and inspect the establishment, we are in a position to speak of its internal arrangements in terms of the highest commendation The air of happy contentment which pervades it, the entire absence of restraint between officials and patients ; the childlike confidence of the latter in their 'guardians, and willing submission to their wishes ; the quiet, steady, plodding industry of those able to engage in manual labour—labour engaged in with evident pleasure, and free from anything like exaction on the part of the officials ; the wise and useful purposes to which, the industry - of the patients is directed ; the various means of amusement and recreation provided for them ; the dietary regulations ; the cleanliness and comfort apparent in every part of the Asylum—all speak weE for the management.

(To he continued.)