THE CONDITION OF THE WEAU ASYLUM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7627, 3 May 1886, Page 6

THE CONDITION OF THE WEAU ASYLUM.

Mrs. Aldis writes :—Sir, —On the afternoon of Good Friday I went over to the Whau, and, with your permission, propose now to describe what I saw in the women's part of the building, through which Dr. Young kindly took me. The day being fine, most of the patients were out of doors ; those who remained were sitting or standing about, without any occupation or amusement, for which there is absolutely no provision, and the dull, hopeless expression of their faces was painful to eee. The narrow windows in one room, and the want of height in all, give a needleeely gloomy, prison-like appearance to a place where the cheerful light of day, and every possible adjunct of brightness, are so peculiarly necessary. In one room are two colonial couches, covered with American cloth. There is nothing else of the sortnot an easy chair about the place. In one of the wards some of the poor women had laid themselves down on the wooden benches which form part of the furniture. There was nothing else for them to lie down upon except the floor. Another was trying to find re3t upon some stone stairs, and refused to rise, though the doctor wished her to do so,' probably preferring that position to sitting up in a comfortless chair. In short, all that is provided is just shelter of the barest description, in a space shockingly crowded, especially at night. There is just room to pass between the beds, which are so closely packed that one apartment, for example, which should have held three, or, at most, four, contained eight. It reminded one of the close packing on board ship, and it was a satisfaction to hear that building is expected to begin at once, which will at leant put an end to the present miserable crowding. But as much more than this is absolutely needed, and needed at once, it has been suggested that an attempt should be made to raise a Whau Comforts Fund. Messrs. Gharaptaloup and Cooper, Queenstreet will receive subscriptions, or they may be paid directly to myself, to be spent with the advice and assistance of Dr. Young for the object indicated. The doctor considers that billiard and bagatelle tables would be especially beneficial, as well as other suitable amusements, all of which, would tend not merely to immediate amelioration in the lot of the sufferers, but to their ultimate recovery. It strikes one as very hard that the medical man in charge of such an institution should with hie assistants be left so utterly destitute of all means of making their difficult and painful task a success—should be expected to content themselves with acting as mere keepers, when they ought to have at their commaud everything which should enable them to play the more grateful part of restorers to health and a sound mind. It will be seen that for this end a considerable sum is wanted, and I may point out that every penny will be spent for the purpose for which it is subscribed; nothing will go to paid agents or to accessory expenses. If any doubt the reality of the need, let them

go to the Whan and see for themselves. Good Friday being a holiday, we expected to find many visitor*, but saw only one family party. We were told that there are in Auckland persons who, having friends in the Aeylum, leave them for months unvisited, although in the doctor's opinion euch visits would be of service. These poor people must feel themselves almost cut off from human sympathy. It is hoped that all who have relatives at the Whau will contribute something towards making their lives more bearable, and that the public at large will give generous consideration to the plea for thoae who are unable to plead for themselves. I should add that since my former visit, now a considerable time ago, a number of pictures have been placed upon the walls, and curtains in one of the rooms, but many more of both are needed. Could not such societies as the Yonng Men's Cnriatiac Association spare a few old illustrated magazines for the amusement of the patients ?