SEACLIFF ASYLUM INQUIRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1957, 27 August 1891, Page 20

SEACLIFF ASYLUM INQUIRY.

THE REPORT ON CAPTAIN STEWART'S

CHARGE.

(Fhom Ouh Own Correspondent.) • Wellington, August 21.

Mr W. L. Simpson's report on Captain Stewart's >harge re the dismissal of his eon, James Stewart, from Seacliff Asylum, was received by Mr Cadman to-day.

Mr Simpson stat;Bß that much latitude waa necessarily allowed in the admission of tvidenoe, with the ready consent of the asylum authorities, although they were on their trial. They also explained that they made no reflection on the character of Stewart for truthfulness and honesty. The father, Captain Stewart, declined to avail himself of the opportunity to have witnesses examined, and relied entirely on documentary evidence, including written statements by his deceased son. Captain Stewart also declined an offer by Dr Macgregor to submit the whole ease to any one or two persons Captain Stewart and Mr Simpson would name. Captain Stewart's letter embodying his charges lays the death of his son at the door of Dr Truby King's tyranny, and Mr Simpson is convinced he fully believed this, which explains the strong language in which his letter is couched. When deceased was clerk in the asylum things seem never_ to have gone smoothly between him and his chief, who had to call him to account for various acts of omission aDd commission, such as neglecting to telegraph the escape of a patient. Finding that Stewart would uot work harmoniously and in subordination, Dt Truby KiDg was obliged to report Stewart to the inspector, with the result that be was dismissed. Mr Simpson is satisfied that no tyranny was displayed by Or King, and that he acted very properly. Mr Simpson comments on Captain Stewart's inconsistency in accusing Dr King of believing trumped up charges, and yet in admitting that Dr King investigated such charges and found them false. Various allegations made by the complainant as to Dr King's experience and methods and as to his relations with the late Premier are all declared to be disproved. Mr Simpson also holds Dr Macgregor entirely justified in his action as to Stewart. Mr Simpson attributes the unreasonable enmity felt by both the Stewarts (father and son) towards Dr Truby King to an erroneous belief on their part that Dr King was the son's sole accuser, while Dr Macgregor exerted himself actively to procure fresh employment for Stewart, and showed very kindly feeliDgs towards him.