LUNATIC ASYLUM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9086, 21 June 1888, Page 3

LUNATIC ASYLUM.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—No one will refuse to admit that) Dr. Cremonini has effected solid reforms in the administration of the Asylum; Mr, Ewington has borne unstinted testimony to that. It is, therefore, rather beside the mark to make the question which has been raised one of the competence or otherwifia of Dr. Cremonini. It is provided—may I say in the light of the history of lunatiq asylums, mercifully provided—that the asylum shall be open to a lay inspector; the professional persons have charge, and it is their duty to study the cases, and if possible to bring about a cure, but the affliction of lunacy is such a terrible one, and it has been made the means of such frightful wrong and misery, that nothing less will serve to ensure confidence in the working of an asylum than the authorised visits at such times as they may themselves choose of independent and unofficial visitors. The real question which has been raised is, " Have the visitors a right to go when they please ?" It is not safe to forget what appeared in your columns the other day, viz., the admission by some of the attendants that for " fun' —God ! what melancholy fun!—for fun, some or one of them had dressed themselves up as ghosts to frighten the patient?. What all sober-minded people will hope is that Mr. Ewington will perform his duties with due regard to the feelings and susceptibilities of Dr. Cremonini, but I have seen nothing as yet to make me doubt that lie will so perform his not very attractive duty. It would be terrible to reflect that our insane brother or mother should be left without such comfort as the visit of a kind and thoughtful visitor will surely give. I regret, and I am sure Mr. Ewington regrets, the rather impulsive letter which he lias written, but that shall not wipe out of my mind the strong impression left by the many food works which this community owes to im. A strongly conscientious man is more likely to be led into a hasty expression thaa one who has less regard to the duties which he has undertaken. —I am, &c., Cms.