NEWS FROM THE NORTH.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 14 December 1912, Page 5

NEWS FROM THE NORTH.

AUCKLAND'S OVERCROWDED MENTAL HOSPOfTAL.

(By Telegraph.) (Special to "Chronicle.")

_ AUCKLAND, Dec 13. The -overcrowded state of the Auckland Mental Hospital is a subject that has attracted a great 'deal of publicity of-late yean-s, and it was with a view to (ascertaining the .facts of -the case as they are at present, that a "Star" reporter to-day^waited on Mr. F. G. Eivington, an official visitor to the institution. Mr Ewington was very emphatic in denying the allegations that nothing had been done to alleviate the overcrowid/ing that has existed for same time. He pointed out that the trouMe -was not nearly so lacute as it <w&s nine months ago. For instance 50 of the male inma,tes had iheen sent to Tokamii, in the Wai koto, while anothT % been ■ transfered- to Motuihi. As faT as the female paiierets were concerned, however, the overcrowding evil still prevailed, no increased accommodation having been provided. "A feiw days ago," said Mr Ewin.gton, "I visited the hospital in company -with the Minister of PuMic Health and Mr Stewart, the other official visitor, and a site for new -buildings was chosen. The Minister fully .realised the necessity that oxi.sted for an immediate increase in n.ccr>mmodation, and undertook to have the buildings proceeded .wiit-h at ore."

TEIiEGKRAPHIC