THE LUNATIC ASYLUM.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 2302, 1 May 1875, Page 2

THE LUNATIC ASYLUM.

A deputation consisting of the "Yen. Archdeacon Govett, and Messrs. Crompton, P. Elliot, and 13. "Wells, trustees of the Hospital, waited upon his Honor the Superintendent on Wednesday morning, for the purpose of consultiug him with respect to the Lunatic Asylum. • . • ■ Mr. Chompton having handed to hia Honor the quarterly statement of the Provincial Surgeon, said that owing to the increase in the number of patients in the Hospital, the trustees had considered it necessary to wait ou his Honor, to ascertain if the Government could remove the lunatics to another "building so that they might make use of the words ocoucupied by them for the hospital patients. He Baid the deputation wished also to apply 3" the Government for a grant in aid to the Hospital from the reserve fund, to the amount of £40 to pay outstanding debts. The trustees had been obliged to take part of Mr. Hill's accommodation for the warders, so that his family had to sleep elsewhere. It was thought that if they could get the inmates removed from the Asylum that building could bo used for contagious diseases, or if that was not done then some additional building would have to be put to the Hospital, aud they could take the building used for the natives lor fever cases. He thought the best plan would be to remove the lunatics, for they were a great annoyaucc to the hospital patients, who had a sort of dread of them which considerably retarded their recovery. He would suggest that the Colonial Hospital might be used for the present, until the new asylum was built. Mr. Elliot said that the lunatics had been placed at the hospital for economy, because at the time there were only two or three to be looked after, but now that the number had so largely increased, it was having an injurious effect on the patients in the hospital. There were nine or ten inmates of the asylum, aud he trusted his Honor would consent to their l-eniovtil for the time being to the Colonial Hospital building. He thought they should only make temporary arrangements for the present, for there was no knowing how soon the Province might be abolished, when the care of the inmates would become a Colonial matter. Von. Archdeacon Govett thought that the building, if painted, would auswer all the purposes required. ' Mr. Crompton said if the insane were removed they would then have room for eight more hospital patients. The increase in the number of patients was chiefly owing to new arrivals. There were two of Brogden's men and six immigrants. As the population increased they must expect that the inmates in the hospital would increase. He did not think that the expense would be materially increased by removing the lunatics to a separate building. Mr. Elliot thought that even • if the expense was slightly inoreased.'thnt in common humanity to the hospital patients the lunatics should be removed, as at present they were a great annoyance. : The Yen. Archdeacon Govett said that there was no attempt made at curative treatment at present, and it was cruelty to put persons in the place they were now confined in. His HONOR said he had listened attentively to the remarks that had been made, and ha 3 also given the subject considerable thought. It was absolutely essential that a separate and proper place shonld be provided for .the confinement of lunatics. In the present state of the Provinces, it was questionable whether it would be advisable to go to any great expense in the erection of a suitable building ; and he, after much thought, considered that perhaps it would be the best thing for them to see if there were asylums -in other parts of the Colony, in which the lunatics could be placed. He would telegraph to the Superintendent of Otago; for, in the 'course of a conversation with him, ins Honor had shown a disposition to help them. Not only would it be more humane to send the insane to such asylums — where they could be properly cared for, and receive the necessary medical treatment — but in the end it would be found more economical to the Province. If they took into consideration the largo outlay eutailed by the erection of buildings and providing proper attendance, the sum would be found to be considerably more than that which they would have to contribute for the support of the inmates elsewhere. The larger Provinces had better means available for the comfort of lunatics than they possessed. If he could make any arrangement for the reception of the iusano persons now at the Hospital in Asylums in the other Provinces he would do so, and at the same time learn on what terms they would be taken. The, Council had voted a sum for the erection of a Lunatic Asylum, and the General Government had offered to provide the plans. Pull" particulars as to the means at disposal, and requirements, had been, forwarded to Wellington ; when, after a delay of some mouths, an answer was received that the Colonial Architect was so busy as to be unable to attend to the matter. That was the stats of alfairs at the present time. The plan he had suggested was a.bout the best he could think of as au immediate remedy. Mr. Crojipton raid it was probable by the removal of some of the lunatics to a colder climate they would have a bettei 1 chance of recovering their reason. The change of scene and climat had been known to effect a cure in man}' instances. Mr. Elliot said that the Hon. Mr. Hastings, who had visited the Otago Asylum, h«d spoken very highly of the treatment of the patients there. The Yon. Archdeacon Govett said if they could be forwarded to Wellington they would not then bo so far distant from their friends. He spoke of the treatment adopted in I3elgium of placing the lunatics who were harmless with persons in the country to keep. Mr. Crompton said he had one placed out in that manner, but the party who had accepted the care would like to throw it up were ho not bound by a bond. Mr. STANDJSH thought that by remaining near their relatives and friends their recovery might bo looked for more than if sent jvw.iy amongst strangers. His Flonor said that the plan adopted in the oilier Provinces was to divert the minds of the insaue, and in the Asylums all kiuds of amusements were provided— billiards, cricket, &c., — 'whilst the grounds being extensive, many were employed to cultivate and improve them; therefore their minds. were kept employed. Mr. Elliot said at the Hospital it was not to be expected that any attempt could be made to cure them. They were kept clcau aud comfortable, but beyond that they could do nothing, and it was lime some chango was made, Yen. Archdeacon Govett snid perhaps two or three might bo scut away, and the remaiuder drafted off to people in the country, who would undertake (he care of them. Mr. Stanwsh thought the matter should be well considered before being acted upon. ' Mr. ELLIOT said it was absolutely necessary something should be done at onee — much time hnd already been lost. His Honor said lie would write to the Superintendents of all the Provinces, and a°k if they could take any of their lunatics, and when he got au answer ho would communicate with the trustees on tho matter. Mr. Ohomfton thanked his Honor, nnd said, with that understanding, they would leave tho matter iv his hands. He would now rofer to the advance of £40 they required to defray expenses, which he hoped the Government would grant them. Mr. Standisu said that, would bo a matter for the Executive to consider, hut if Mr. Crompton would furnish the Government with a liflt ol how the tnoucy was proposed to

>c spent, he had no doubt it would receive ' iheir favourable consideration. Mr. Ceompton said the hospital had extra expenses owing to the number of patients, mcl he feared that during the winter there would be more. He would suggest to the Governmeut its sending medicine to the Moa block, and some Bimple rules for administering it, which- would, probably, prevent illness.- 1 , Mr. Standish said he believed a small medicine chest had already beeu sent there to Mr. Robinson for the use of the district. The deputation then thanked his Honor and Mr. Standish for their attention, and retired.