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New Zealand Mail, Issue 1685, 15 June 1904, Page 20

Following a statement made in Parliament last session by the Hon W. Hall-Jones, it is announced that the erection of a Home for Imbecile Children has been decided upon by the Government. The home is to be at Richmond, Nelson, and plans for the buildings are at present being prepared. The idea of excluding children and adults in the early stages of mental disease from those in a practically hopeless condition is being further pursued by the erection of separate cottage hospitals for such patients at Sunnyside (Canterbury), Mount View and Porirua (Wellington) and Avondale (Auckland), where the afflicted will receive special attention. Such a hospital has already been established at Seacliff (Otago) by Dr Truby King, where the results of early treatment have been decidedly beneficial. Each hospital will accommodate six patients, and will be provided with a. distinct staff of nuises. The Attorney-General (Hon Colonel Pitt), who has cluu-ge of this department during the absence abroad of .the Hon Hall Jones, is making inquiries, with a view to providing some suitable outdoor occupation for women patients,, and it has been suggested by Dr Levmge. of Christchurch, that horticulture would be a suitable occupation for such cases. Forfcy-fonr estates of deceased persons were taken charge of by the Public Trustee during the month of May. An order for a quarter of a million feet of kauri timber for England ha's beau ulaced with an Auckland firm.