THE ASHBURN HILL ASYLUM.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 10612, 12 May 1896, Page 2

THE ASHBURN HILL ASYLUM.

REPORT OF THE COMMISSION. [per press association."] Wellington, May 12.— Tho report o the Commission of Enquiry into the Ash burn Hall Asylum states that Macalinter was improperly locked up alone in a small bedroom where he had tho means of injuring himself, though his suicical mania was known. After having an ex perionced attendant, he wrs put in charge of a totally inexperienced man, Gillespie, who had a pocket knife, and when he went into the lavaUry, Macalister cut his throat with this knife. Gillespie, however, was very kind and attentive to the patient. No charge of unskilful treatment was sustained against Drs Brown and MacDonald. The case was hopeless from the first. Strong evidence in favor of the asylatn generally was given by a number of doctors, but the place, being ovnr throe miles frop town, ought to be connected by tolephone. This asylum has relieved the congestion at the Government asylum. * Judge Ward points out that under the Act of 1882, the license is granted to a resident medical practitioner who is required to live on tho premises, but no such officer hits ever resided there. He thinks if private asylums are to be retained the provisions of the law should be strictly enforced.