Notes and Comments.

Feilding Star, Volume V, Issue 1482, 3 May 1911, Page 2

Notes and Comments.

The Health Department is tolling tlie Wellington newspapers something about typhoid amongst the Maoris, but it has not breathed a word about a serious fever epidemic that laid hold upon that terror incog., Porirua Asylum. Apropos, a good story ;has leaked out of the Porir.ua institution, and comes to the Star from a good source. During the time of the epidemic—it was in the recent time of drought, and tlie water snipply at the Mental Hospital was fast running out—a patient was reported missing. A search being organised, .they traced Iris big footsteps to the edge of the reservoir tihat was the hope of the institution's water supply. He had been mean enough to commit suicide in the hospital's drinking bowl, was the general verdict. The bottom was dragged, but without result, for the bottom was of rough rocks, and little hope was expected of tlie grappling irons being any use upon tliem. There was no hope, declared the responsible official, but to empty the reservoir—a terriMe waste of water. After the water had all been run off, the missing man was found. But not in the reservoir. He had been sitting on the hilltop overlooking the whole of tlie operations ! Asked why he did not let tJiem know ho was about, lie 'replied, quite innocently—and so obviously—" I must have been a little touched in the head !"