THE BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 1602, 18 February 1867, Page 6

THE BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION.

This institution, it will be remembered, is in the Caversham district. On reaching it, His Excellency was retcived by Messrs R. B. Martin, Caldwell, and Dr Richardson ; Eevera! other of the KemleraeßL already mentioned (and who still «compsnied Hia Excellency) being either members of tbe Committee, or otherwise taking an active interest in the institution. Mr W. M. Hopper, the Secretary, was present; and he and Mrs Lockie, the matron, gave information upon different points. His Excellency walked through the different pr.rts of the building. He sawten little creatures, under four years old, in the iufants' room; he saw the other children in the dining ball; and in the kitchen, he chatted with the few adult inmates. He also saw the copybooks of the children ; some of whom are progressing wonderfully in writing, under the instruction of MissArmstrong, the recently-appointed (end, first) schoolmistress. His Excellency alsw inspected the plans of the perfect building, as prepared by Mr R. A. Li.vson; and lie expressed hisconviction that, in time, therewould be a noble and most useful, institution under the direction of tbe Committee. Sir George did not leave the place without resolving to give the inmates a treat; he united that on a day to be eelected the children might be allowed a. holiday; arid he promised thur, on that day, he would again come out to the Institution. There are at present 51 inmates ot" the existing wing of the hopedfor Asylum. Of these, five are adults, one being a woman. One of the five L. 63 years old, three are 67, and one has reached the age of 82. The other 46 inmates are children. Ol the outdoor recipients of aid from the Institution, we need not here Bpeak. LUNATIC ASYLUM BALL. On leaving the Benevolent Asylum, at half-past three o'clock, His Excellency returned to his resilience. But before nine o'clock, he waa again at the Lunatic Asylum, where a ball was being given to the patient:', of whom 54. were present tnthe smartly-decorated hall. The Governor wa. accompanied by the Hen. Major Richardson, and Major (Jrcy ; and amongst oilier vi-it'-rs were the Mayor, Mr Justice Chnpunn, Messrs Martin, Reynolds, Caldwell, James Smith, G. Richardson, and — Monro, anil several ladies. There were .song.-i with choruses;, quadrilles, pdkas, arid reels ; nnd much liveliness. Guests ami patientfijoiiitd m both the dancing and singing; and His Excellency r alter remaining, as an onlorik.-r, for more than an hour, did not leave the Asylum umil he had again insured the mister and matron of liis deep interest in their work.