LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN NEW ZEALAND, (REPORTS ON THE).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1873 Session I, H-23

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1873. NEW ZEALAND.

LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN NEW ZEALAND, (REPORTS ON THE).

Presented to lotli Blouses of the General Assembly by command of His Excellency.

AUCKLAND. No. 1. Eepoet on the Provincial Lunatic Asylum. 1. The Lands of the Asylum. —The present extent of these is quite sufficient for airing, exercise, and for garden purposes, but to make them thoroughly available they should be enclosed by a wall, in order to add to the security of the patients, and prevent too curious passengers from overlooking their actions. A large number of the inmates cannot be trusted out of the small airing-yards, in consequence of the want of enclosing walls around the grounds; and the effect of this unnecessary and improper close confinement on these patients is to add greatly to their discontent, and render their management more difficult. A building material in the shape of scoria stones may bo obtained in the neighbourhood of the Asylum, and a rubble wall could be commenced and carried on by degrees by a few of the patients, if a bricklayer or mason attendant were employed to look after the work and manage the patients. The quality of the soil is very poor, and far from fertile, and the clayey and retentive material of which it is composed renders it, as is well known, far less desirable for residence than the porous scoria lands adjacent. These disadvantages can be greatly lessened by draining, and the grounds would be rendered more fertile and the site more healthy by this measure ; while, with such an amount of labour at the disposal of the management as is afforded by the numerous male inmates, this could be done at very trifling cost, tools and materials being all that is necessary. The cultivation of the whole of the grounds now belonging to the establishment should be systematically attended to. As noticed above, the male inmates supply a valuable amount of labour; a large amount of manure is produced on the Asylum; and if horses, a plough, and harrows were obtained, by a little energy a large return would be obtained from lands at present quite unproductive. The economical management of such an institution is however most successful when the labour of the inmates is turned towards producing supplies for their own use. This aspect of the question quite neglects the much higher one of the benefiting the health of the patients and promoting their recovery, which is at the same time and by the same means effectively carried out. To apply the labour of the Asylum to such a purpose, would however require a much greater extent of land than is now attached to it, and involves the securing from 80 to 100 acres, with properly arranged farm buildings. On such a farm, the whole of the meat, potatoes, vegetables, milk, butter, and cheese, consumed in the Asylum could be produced ; a large reduction in the annual cost would follow ; a much better supply of the articles would be obtained, and the health, comfort, and recovery of the inmates be greatly promoted. 2. TJie Buildings. —These are well constructed and well-arranged and quite suitable for a small number, but are not nearly sufficient in accommodation for their present population. A central block and right wing have been erected, and the left wing is most urgently needed. The male patients are accommodated, on the ground floor, and the females on the upper floor of the wing. The construction of the central block prevents its being made use of, the hanging staircase and the large-paned windows being utterly unsuited for any portion of an asylum occupied by patients. No doubt the staircase might be walled up and the window frames altered; but the increase to the accommodation which would result would be very small, and would not afford sufficient relief to the present crowded state to be of service commensurate with its cost. The steady increase in the population of the Province, and the corresponding increase in lunatics, render it necessary that additional accommodation be provided; and the feeling of the Commission is unanimous that no delay should bo allowed to take place in the erection of this left wing. The enclosing wall around the general grounds might also be built at the time of the erection of this left wing; and one or two cottages for private patients paying a higher rate of board should also be provided, and would, in supplying a much-felt want, yield a good revenue. Corresponding to the line of workshops in rear of the right wing, a 'line of buildings should likewise be added, to be used by the females as a laundry, and should comprise a washing-room fitted up with tubs, an ironing-room with ironing-stoves, &c, and a properly-constructed drying-room, that the drying of the clothing might not be dependent on the weather. The ground behind this left wing should then be divided into airiiig-courts with walls, as is the case on the other side of the building; and bath-rooms for males and females should be erected near the kitchen, so that a supply of warm water might be available. I—H. 23.

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3. The Water Supply. —Daily, during the dry season every year, an attendant or two, with a number of patients, have to be despatched with a water cart to obtain this necessary from a distance. The tanks at present in existence are totally insufficient, and they are supplemented by one well only, situate near the kitchen, and the water of which can hardly be said to bo of good quality. At the time of visiting, the pump attached to the well required repair. The management of an institution such as the Provincial Asylum is placed at a great disadvantage without an ample supply of good water for the important uses of' drinking and cooking, as well as for the various purposes of personal ablution, washing of clothing, and cleaning generally. This could be remedied by large tanks being constructed to receive the rain-water from the roofs of the buildings, the greater part of which runs to waste at present; or a small hydraulic ram could be placed in the neighbourhood of the creek which passes the garden of the Asylum, and which would afford a constant supply of good water at very little expense. 4. The Male Division. —This consists of the lower floor of the wing of the present buildings and the structures reaching backwards from the western extremity, which, originally intended for workshops, are now occupied as dormitories ; the furthest being, however, occupied as a day-room for the males, and is the only room appropriated to that purpose. Pive single rooms for noisy patients terminate this range. The dormitories, without exception, are overcrowded, in some to a dangerous degree. In one the inmates have at present rather less than 358 cubic feet of space each, an amount totally insufficient in any climate, and certain to lead to serious disease among the population of the Asylum at no distant date, should it be continued. All these dormitories afford much too low an average of cubic space for their inmates; and the day-room occupied by its present numbers is so small that endless squabbles among the excitable and irritable patients cannot fail to ensue from their close contiguity. The day-room proper is occupied as a dormitory ; and no proper separation of quiet from noisy, clean from dirty patients, or classification of any kind, can be carried out. The rooms intended as workshops, and used at present as dormitories, are so situated, in addition to other disadvantages, that no attendant takes charge of their inmates during the night, and the five single rooms are similarly circumstanced. 5. The Female Division. —The females occupy the upper floor of the existing wing. Though fewer in number considerably than the males, they are in nearly as crowded a condition, as the latter have the line of workshops, which being occupied as day-room and dormitories, afford increased space for their greater numbers. Corresponding exactly to the male division, while within the main building a line of single rooms with a wide corridor in front terminates in a corner block composed of several dormitories and a day-room, and with a lino of ten new cells just completed in the female airing-court, comprises the accommodation in use at present by the female patients. The single rooms in the corridor have their windows looking out upon the airing-court of the males. In consequence, the greater part of each window is walled up; a most objectionable state of things but quite necessary under the present arrangement of the patients. The dormitories in this division are all too much crowded; and as the ceiling of these rooms is four inches lower than in the rooms on the ground floor, the deficiency of cubic space is most serious. The one day-room is too small for the numbers compelled to occupy it. The airing court is covered with grass, and during the winter season is wet to such a degree as to render it useless to the patients. It should bo thoroughly drained, paths made enclosing flower or grass plots, or the whole court should be covered with scoria ash. There is no infirmary for sick patients in cither division; and no possibility of providing accommodation for sick, apart from other patients, can exist in the present crowded state of the house. The associated dormitories in both divisions have no attendant sleeping in them during the night; they are not provided with any means of lighting, and there is no mode of communication in case of accident, — all matters requiring immediate remedy. 6. The Dietary. —This seems ample in quantity, but in tho opinion of the Commission might bo more varied. The feeling of the Commission agrees with what was stated by the Medical Superintendent to be the wish of the inmates—namely, that soup should form a portion of the dinner more frequently than at present. It is suggested that'pea soup should be given once a week; that on three or four other days vegetable soup or barley broth be made with the meat; and on days alternating with those on which soup is issued, roast or baked meat should be given with an allowance of light beer, and on these days 4 lbs. less meat would be required. With a regular issue of beer, less extra porter, wine, and brandy would be needed. In fact, the price at which the wine is supplied is so low that it cannot be of any use. In the summer season one diet a week should consist of rice, milk, and sugar, and when fruit is abundant it might be added to it with advantage. The diets are three daily, at fair intervals. They are partaken of in the dining hall by the male patients; the females taking their food in their own division, as the diving hall does not afford accommodation for all at once. The dishes are of tinned iron, and the means of eating is afforded by spoons. A few quiet females are allowed crockery ware dishes, and knives and forks are permitted to very few ; and these the quietest only. No tablecloth is supplied in the dining hall; and the seats in that hall, and generally throughout the Asylum, have no backs, and are somewhat less comfortable than would be the case with these supports. " The issue of small extra allowances to well-conducted working patients seems to the Commission deserving of recommendation, as a means of inducing patients to employ themselves to the benefit of the Asylum. The useful patients are frequently convalescent, and as, during recovery from illness, a larger quantity of food can be assimilated than in health, to make up for tho waste which has occurred, an extra allowance would fulfil a double requirement. In all cases, however, working individuals require a larger amount of food, than those not so employed; and these extra allowances should be invariably given to all workers. They should be small quantities of bread and meat, or bread and cheese ; a little beer, or a little tobacco ; and should be given while the patients are at work. 7. Clothing and Bedding. —The dress of the men consists of a flannel vest and calico shirt, trousers, waistcoat, and blue shirt, or jumper, with stockings and slippers, or boots. The quantity seems sufficient; but the substitution of a tweed coat or jacket for the jumper would somewhat improve the tidiness of the dress.

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The females have each a chemise, flannel peticoats, and calico print gown, or gown of blue stuff, with slippers and woollen stockings. No regular issue of warm clothing takes place on the approach of winter; but extra clothing can be issued on the order of the Medical Superintendent. The beds are mattrasses filled with straw, and changed frequently ; the bed-clothing—the usual sheets, blankets, and coverlet. In well-conducted asylums in England and Scotland all cleanly patients are supplied with hair beds, which, though more costly at first, must in the end be cheaper than straw, as the latter requires such frequent change. The additional comfort of hair beda, in cases of delicate health, is also of great value ; they are likewise more cleanly. No regular issue of additional bedcovering takes place on the approach of winter; but an extra blanket, or even two, if the patient's circulation is sluggish, is issued, on the order of the Medical Superintendent. There are a few hair beds in use. 8. Personal Cleanliness. —This is secured by daily washing of the hands and face, or oftener if required ; and by a bath, which each patient undergoes once in eight or ten days. In consequence of the deficient supply of water, several are bathed in the same water. There are two lavatories in each division, one shower-bath, and ono plunge bath. No provision for a supply of warm water to these exists, but a can of hot water is generally put into each bath in the winter season. Cold water is supplied from the tanks in the roof of the building, which becomes dry in summer. Prom fifteen to twenty patients are bathed every morning. Pediculi occur but rarely, and are destroyed by mercurial ointment. The Commission recommends the construction of a proper bath-room for each sex in the neighbourhood of the kitchen or boiler, so that warm water may be conveniently supplied. The rooms now used as bath-rooms are patients' single rooms in which a bath is placed against the wall, and are quite unfit for the purpose. Each bath-room should contain two plunge-baths at least, which should be at a distance from the wall, to allow of attendants standing on both sides. The time occupied by using one bath for a number of patients is too great. 9. Exercise and Occupation. —The population consists of about eighty males and thirty-five females. They are exercised by being taken out twice a day in fine weather into the airing courts, and occasionally into the general grounds. Damp weather must often prevent the patients being taken out, as the want of well-made paths is noticeble about the grounds. The labour of the patients might quickly remedy this want. A few of the men are employed assisting in the kitchen, a few more in the garden, some others in cutting firewood, and, speaking generally, about twenty altogether may be regularly occupied. Of the remainder, all would be benefited by proper employment, many would be rendered less noisy and excitable, and many, who though at present ignorant of or unable to work, might be taught an occupation. They should be employed as tailors, shoemakers, carpenters, each under a proper tradesman attendant in a workshop. The largest number should find employment on the farm, under the steward or ploughman. The females are employed in making the beds, mending their clothes, and a few in working for their own amusement. They should have a regular work-room in which all their clothing should be made and mended, and stockings knitted, and a laundry in which all the washing of the establishment should be done by them. At present the washing is done by the prisoners in the gaol at Mount Eden. The economical management of such an institution cannot be carried out without means of employment for the inmates, and no work should bo done elswhere which can be done within the establishment. 10. Amusements. —There is a reading-room, containing a supply of papers and a few games; but it is understood no provision for their maintenance exists. Once a month it was customary to give an entertainment, to which the public was admitted on paying a fee; this was very properly stopped by the Provincial Government. The means of amusement which might be found within the institution seem somewhat deficient. The attendants should be capable of carrying out and taking an active part in the amusements. One qualification for male attendants, in addition to other useful acquirements, should be that he plays some instrument, or sings and dances. On the part of the female attendants, all should be capable of singing and dancing. One night a week should be occupied as a ball night, at which ono or two male attendants should play violin or flute; the others should dance with the female patients. The female attendants should dance wdth the male patients, never with male attendants. The friends and acquaintances of the Medical Superintendent, the attendants, and officials, should bo requested to be present, take part in the dances, and encourage the patients. A second night in the week should be given up to singing, at which the sacred melodies for the Sunday or weekday services should be practised first, and afterwards music of a less serious kind, such as songs, comic or otherwise, introduced, the patients being encouraged to take part. One night might be devoted to reading, another to writing and arithmetic. An occasional theatrical performance might be given ; and, speaking generally, the institution should bo capable of carrying on these amusements without extraneous aid, and they should form a part of the regular duties and routine of the Asylum. One day in the week should be set aside for a number of the quiet male patients to be taken for a walk beyond the Asylum, and another day for the female patients. These walking parties should have each at least two attendants. 11. The Patients. —The numbers have been gradually and steadily increasing since the opening of the Asylum, with occasional slight fluctuations from time to time. The numbers have been lately close upon 120, composed of 82 or 83 males and 35 or 36 females. They seem quiet, contented, and tolerably happy as a rule, and present generally a healthy appearance. The males appear rather more restless and noisy, and somewhat more untidy, than the females, which might be due to their day-room being more crowded. No one seemed to be undergoing punishment or restraint, and all seemed kindly treated, and on very friendly terms with the officials. Every endeavour should be made to elevate the character and soften the temper of the patients as much as possible, and every means tending in that direction should be employed.. Little ameliorations of their position should be practised: a removal from a noisy room to a quiet one, an increased supply of crockery, more knives and forks, the introduction of looking-glasses, brushes and combs, and pictures in the various dormitories, day-rooms, and corridors. Increased tidiness of dress, cleanliness of person, and modesty of demeanour should be

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inculcated. The use of buckets in the dormitories of both sexes for night use should bo abolished, and clean metal chamber pots used instead. In each associated dormitory an attendant should be compelled to sleep. Lamps should be supplied also, and means of communication by wires and bells between the different rooms, so that assistance should be readily procured in case of accident or emergency of any kind. The proportion of wet patients seems considerable. An endeavour to introduce better habits among patients of this class is always difficult, but it is often successful; and great improvements can be effected by night nursing. The services of a night attendant for each division is much required, and the epileptic patients and the wet and dirty would all derive benefit therefrom. The discharges of recovered patients have been much higher in proportion to admissions than is usual in Great Britain, where 50 per cent, is about the highest average. For IS7I, the percentage of discharges to admissions was G4, and the present year shows a rather higher proportion. In this aspect the management of the institution is highly successful, and the officials deserving of much credit. There is in moet asylums a number of quiet, harmless patients, who would be well treated, very comfortably situated, and freed from restraint and confinement, by being placed in private houses throughout the country instead of in the Asylum. Somo relief to the crowded state of the Asylum would thus be found, and, if necessary, their places could be filled by more acute cases. The Commissioners in Lunacy for Scotland have adopted this plan with much success for several yccirs past. In Gheel, a village of Belgium, celebrated for the treatment of lunatics, numbers of eases are boarded out among the inhabitants. It seems very probable that something of this kind might be tried among the pensioner villages near Auckland successfully. The families would require selection by clergymen, magistrates, or members of the Provincial Council; and on their recommendation, and it being known that the character of tho family was sober and industrious, a single patient might be placed under their care. The cases boarded out in this way would still be on tho Asylum Register, and should be visited by the Inspector of Asylums. The cost of each patient per annum, that is, the amount of the vote for last year divided by the average daily number of inmates, is about £30, a sum known to be very nearly the cost of the pauper lunatics per head per annum in Scotland for years. This amount is less than the average cost in England, which sometimes has exceeded £35. No doubt, also, as provisions have increased in price in Great Britain lately, this amount is on the increase. In this respect, therefore, tho Provincial Asylum presents a favourable contrast with similar establishments elsewhere. Some decrease of this amount also might be obtained by the employment of tho patients in tho manner suggested, on the farm, and in various trades; but probably the greatest improvement would take place in the quality of the supplies produced by themselves. There is no provision for the reception of private patients apart from tho general population of the Asylum ; but this want is often felt, and would be readily made use of, if accommodation of suitable character were constructed. 12. The staff consists of the Medical Superintendent, the Clerk and Storekeeper, the Matron, and an attendant for every twelve patients nearly. The proportion should be an attendant for each ten patients. The Medical Superintendent is placed in a position of difficulty, having no authority to engage, suspend, or dismiss an attendant, tinder such circumstances, he feels it impossible to enforce his authority, and the attendants are encouraged to become negligent and disrespectful. An increase of his authority in this matter is indispensable. Tho Commissioners have had the management of the institution under their consideration, and would suggest the formation of an Asylum Committee or Board, to assist in carrying out the many improvements necessary, to direct the expenditure, and to report to the Superintendent. This Committee might be appointed by the Provincial Council from their own members or from the Justices of Peace, and would resemble the Asylum Committees of the Prison Boards in Great Britain, who have the entire control and direction of the Asylum expenditure throughout the country. With reference to the case of supposed assault by an attendant on a patient, regarding which the opinion of the Commission was requested by the Provincial Government, it is only necessary to suggest that the power of instant dismissal by the Medical Superintendent would meet the occurrence of any similar event of a trifling nature; while, in addition to dismissal, a charge laid in the police court, investigated and punished in the usual way by the magistrates, would be the proper course to adopt in case of anything serious. Lastly, the Commission, in closing their report, would observe, that the Inspector of Asylums not being an officer of the Asylum but of the Provincial Government, they did not feel it necessary to apply to him for information, all that they required being to be found at the Asylum itself on the occasion of their visits. Daniel Pollen. William Stockwell. John Thos. Botlan.

No. 2. EEroET by the Eesident Surgeon for 1872. Sib, — Provincial Lunatic Asylum, 30th January, 1873. I have the honor to present the sixth annual report of the number of admissions, discharges, and deaths which occurred in this Asylum, with other particulars concerning its state and general management during the year 1572. With respect to the accommodation afforded by the building, including the cubic space of the dormitories, &c, &c, no further information can be added to that already submitted to the Commissioners appointed by your Honor to inquire into the "suitability, conduct, and general management of this Asylum." These gentlemen having inquired into every particular, have, it is presumed, furnished your Honor's Government with full details of every subject connected with the present working of the institution. Amongst the several requirements which have been already pointed out

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to the Commissioners, there is one which has of late been so urgent that the following observations may be permitted : — Water Supply. —The English Commissioners in Lunacy have pointed out the quantity of water which they considered requisite for an asylum, fixing it at the rate of forty gallons per week for each inmate. It is difficult to determine a priori the precise quantity of water that may ultimately bo required in an institution like this with a continually-increasing number of inmates, and it is evident that the supply cannot be too ample, not only for general culinary and cleansing purposes, but also for a complete system of bathing, including hot and cold baths, the douche and shower baths, tho free employment of which has been so frequently followed by the best results, and has so long obtained the sanction of the most experienced practitioners in medicine, that any asylum deficient in the usual appliances for their administration cannot be pronounced perfectly suitable for the treatment of the insane. There is also the much-dreaded possibility of an outbreak of fire, for the speedy suppression of which a most ample supply of water should be available at all times. Present Water Supply. —The supply of pure water is limited to a few casks obtained from springs lying adjacent to the Asylum grounds, and is carried day by day a distance of about half a mile. Four tanks are supplied to catch all the rain which falls upon this extensive slated roof; this last supply is usually exhausted in four days during dry weather. The force-pump yields a scanty supply of impure water, wholly unfitted for culinary purposes. Much inconvenience and delay necessarily accrues from the present methods of obtaining water in sufficient quantity to supply the current requisites of the Asylum, and to meet any emergencies which may arise. It is now admitted that an bundant or possibly unlimited supply of good water can be obtained on the scoria grounds adjacent to tho Asylum, which, by a system of piping, aided if required by a suitable hydraulic machine, might bo made available for every requirement. Drainage. —Notwithstanding the deficiency of pure spring water, it unfortunately happens that owing to the heavy clay soil upon which the Asylum stands, the ground becomes saturated with surface water during the rainy season ; the courtyards becoming, after heavy rainfall, mere puddles of mud, rendering them quite unavailable for the inmates. This also applies to the paddock, which, having never been drained, allows the water to accumulate on the surface, and which in winter becomes quite poached and spoiled by any horses or cattle passing over it. Dietary. —Apart from the foregoing, there is no serious ground of complaint against the suitability or management of this Asylum. The dietary scale is liberal, as may be seen in the table appended to this report. The food, well cooked, is served with strict punctuality at stated periods three times in the day. Dormitories. —The dormitories are comfortable although crowded ; there is an ample supply of good bed clothing, varying in quantity according to the season. Tho beds are of straw, which seems to answer very well for the majority of the inmates; but for cases of extreme emaciation or debility, hair mattrasses would be much preferable. Upon the whole, however, I have not heard any complaints made by the more rational inmates against their beds and other dormitory requisites. It is certain that extreme cleanliness can bo better maintained by the substitution of fresh clean material for any soiled or impure bedding, than by any process of drying or cleansing ; head straw, on account of its low price, is the only material which can be extensively employed in a pauper asylum. Clothing. —The clothing of the inmates might possibly be more in accordance with the views of tho hypercritical in all matters relating to the treatment of the insane. If, however, we bear in mind that at least 95 per cent, of the patients admitted into this Asylum wore for everyday costume clothing no better, and possibly worse, than that with which they were furnished on entering it, there can be no cause for complaint on that score. The clothing is such as a respectable working man or woman need not be ashamed of; and every effort is made to keep it clean, and if possible induce the inmates to refrain from destroying it, a propensity which unfortunately prevails in this as in most asylums. "When clothing is furnished by the patients' friends or relatives, they are permitted to wear it so long as it continues suitable ; but in some of these cases it becomes ultimately necessary to clothe such patients in the ordinary house dress. The destruction of clothing is unavoidably greater in an Asylum for tho Insane than elsewhere. It cannot be wholly obviated, without resorting to certain means of coercion or restraint which are opposed to the modern system of treatment; hence it has been usual to allow a destructive patient old and valueless articles of clothing, upon which to exhaust his propensity, rather than place him in a strait jacket, or employ other means of restraint. Exercise. —The grounds surrounding the Asylum having at present only a post-and-rail fence, are not adapted as exercising grounds for patients in general, and it has been found necessary to make a selection of the quieter class who have never manifested a desire to escape, for exercise outside the courtyards; many have been employed in gardening, fencing, cutting firewood, carrying water, and such other useful employment as they were individually adapted for. There have been few skilled labourers, and, with the exception of some useful jobs in carpentry, nothing of importance has been accomplished. An abundant supply of good vegetables and potatoes has 'been obtained from the garden, which has been cultivated by tho spade. About two acres of potatoes are now ripe, all of which has been the result of the labour of the inmates. Amusements. —Adopting the approved practice in most modern asylums, efforts have been made to provide harmless and healthy amusements for the inmates. There have been always a few who could appreciate efforts of this description; and excursions into the country adjoining the Asylum grounds, picnics, music, and dancing, have afforded gratification to several of the curable and convalescent patients. "Were it possible to bring the influence of the benevolent sane mind to bear more fully upon the feebleness and capriciousness of the insane mind, it is almost certain that restoration to mental health would in many instances be more speedily effected ; but the difficulty of effecting so desirable an object in the mixed multitude located in a large asylum is obviously great. Religious Services. —It is quite certain that some patients find a certain amount of comfort or spiritual consolation in reading books of a religious character, singing sacred music, and otherwise attending to their respective religious observances. Hence the observance of the Sabbath has, as far

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as possible, been attended to in this Asylum. The Eevs. Dr. Maunsell, David Jones, and David Hamilton of the Whau Presbyterian Church, as also the Eev. ~W. Macdonnell, have officiated on Sundays, and occasionally during the week, and their ministrations were seriously attended to by their respective hearers. As a general rule, the inmates seemed to like sacred music, and Mr. Culpan has presided at the harmonium on most occasions during divine services, and also attended on Thursdays to give musical instruction to such as were capable of receiving it. Attendants. —So much depends upon the education, temper, intelligence, and general good character of those intrusted with the care of the insane, that it has become the usual practice in the best asylums to engage both male and female attendants, in the first instance, upon one month's probation, at the expiration of which, if proved to be suitable, they are recommended to the Government as eligible for the situation. The attendants at present employed have been selected with care, and their duties, as a whole, have been efficiently discharged. No serious accident or injury has occurred amongst IG9 patients during the past year. The inmates of both sexes are carefully washed every morning, and bathed either in hot, cold, or shower baths, at stated intervals, or according to the peculiar requisites of individual cases. Treatment. —The treatment of the patients hitherto admitted into this Asylum has not been based upon any purely routine or empirical system. The indications for any line of treatment adopted in individual cases are selected from such physical and psychological signs and symptoms as the case presents. It is a simple fact that derangement, general, special, or local, of the bodily health, almost invariably precedes, accompanies, or follows mental derangement; hence the absurdity of the assertion that medicine is ineffectual against "a mind diseased." Nothing can bo clearer than the marked influence of the bodily health over that of the mind. A loaded liver induces a state of hypochondria bordering upon melancholia; it is relieved by aperients having a special action upon the biliary secretion. Some of the worst and apparently most hopeless cases of melancholia have succumbed to the steady and properly graduated administration of opiates ; and the unbridled fury of acute mania has softened down into quiet sleep under the influence of the warm bath and a stream of cold water directed upon the head. State on Admission. —Most patients admitted into this Asylum during the past and preceding years presented unequivocal evidence of derangement of the digestive organs, as foul tongue, foetid breath, want of appetite, emaciation, &c, &c. This state, connected as it usually was with a skin the reverse of the " benecute curata," demanded a system of external and internal cleansing, after which, as a rule, some mitigation of the symptoms was observable. The brain, through and by which the mental functions are manifested, controlled, and regulated, is itself almost as incomprehensible in its structure and material organization as mind itself, abstractedly considered ; hence the difficulty of inferring the origin of any particular form of insanity from any given form of the many pathological changes in the brain, and its immediate surroundings of whatever tissues; and yet we are assured that such changes in structure more or less influence the action of the mind. Post-mortem revelations tell most clearly of the organic change which, in most severe cases, has progressed part passu with the degradation of mind. To meet cerebral disease in its earliest stage should, therefore, constitute the great object of the alienist physician ; and, indeed, were it not for the necessity of imposing physical restraint or seclusion in many cases of insanity, there is no reason why it should be separated, as it is, from the category of the usual diseases to which the animal organization is subjected. It happens, most unfortunately, that an individual afflicted with acute irritation or inflammation of the brain or its membranes is almost necessarily committed to an asylum, in which it too frequently happens that the clearest indications for a course of treatment cannot be properly carried out. A purely physical cause demands a physical remedy; but a disease upon the origin of which no one can clearly determine, demands a continuation of treatment which, it is to bo feared, has not yet been discovered by the ablest psychological physicians. I have, &c, Thomas Aickik, M.D., His Honor the Superintendent. Resident Surgeon.

TABLE NO. 1. GENERAL STATEMENT of the Admissions, Discharges, and Deaths during the Year 1872.

Remained in Asylum on 1st January, 1872 aboriginals Males. 80 3 Females. 33 2 Total 83 35 118 admitted new cases ... Aboriginals le-admitted 27 1 4 19 0 0 Total 32 19 51 'otal number under treatment during the year iboriginals 111 4 52 2 Total treated ... 115 54 169

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TABLE NO. 2. DAILY Average Number resident; Percentages of Discharges, &c., for the last Three Years.

TABLE NO. 3. AGES of PATIENTS admitted in 1872.

TABLE NO. 4. ALLEGED Causes of Insanity in the Cases admitted in 1872.

Discharged during the year Aboriginals Males. 21 1 Females. 13 0 Total 22 13 35 Died during the year 8 1 9 Eeinained in Asylum on 31st December, 1872 Aboriginals 82 3 38 2 Total 85 40 125

)auy average resident in 1872 1871 1870 10698 97-65 'ercentago of discharges on the daily average number 1872 » » » jj 1871 i) )> » » 1870 30-17 47'6 370 'ercentage of discharges on the year's total admission 1872 1 Q71 JJ >J JJ JJ J.O/X 1870 686 65-5 59 6 'ercentage of deaths on the total number treated 1872 >j jj >! jj 1871 1870 5-33 66 67 'he admissions in 1871 were 79. Total treated, 181. 1870 „ 52. „ 149. 1869 „ 50. „ 129. 1868 „ 40. „ 10G. 1867 „ 24 „ 86.

10 to 25 years 16 to 30 „ 10 to 35 „ 15 to 40 „ : 0 to 45 „ ■5 to 50 „ 10 to GO „ !0 to 70 „ Males. 13 G 4 3 4 1 1 0 Fcmal 4 2 3 2 3 2 1 2 leu. Total 32 19

njury of the head .ntemperance Destitution Domestic affliction Duerperal condition Disappointed affection lereditary Jnknown Males. 4 4 5 2 0 0 2 15 Femal 0 0 1 2 4 2 0 10 les. Total 32 19

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TABLE NO. 5. FORM of DISEASE in 51 Patients admitted during the year 1872.

TABLE NO. 6. RELIGION of 51 Patients admitted during 1872.

TABLE NO. 7. SOCIAL CONDITION of 51 Cases admitted in 1872.

TABLE NO. 8. THE Forms of Disease, Age, and Number of Days' Residence of 22 Males discharged in 1872.

lania lelaucholia lania epileptic teneral paresia >etnentia 'uerperal mania •elirium e Potu Males. 15 G 2 1 4 0 4 Females. 10 2 0 0 2 4 1 32 19 — 51

Dhurch of England ioman Catholic Males. 1413 3 2 Females. 9 G 3 1 32 19 — 51 ■

Married Single Widowed Males. G 24 2 1( emal 11 3 5 108. 32 19 R

Form of Disease. Age. Days resident. 1. Chronic mania ... ... ... ... ... 58 2,098 2. Chronic mania ... ... ... ... ... 60 569 3. Epileptic mania ... ... ... ... ... 22 1,050 4. Recurrent mania ... ... ... ... ... 37 525 5. Acute mania ... ... ... ... ... 35 26 6. Chronic recurrent mania ... ... ... ... 42 26 7. Acute e potu ... ... ... ... ... 29 26 8. Acute e potu. ... ... ... ... ... 39 19 9. Acute e potu ... ... ... ... ... 35 19 10. Acute e potu ... ... ... ... ... 28 14 11. Delusional mania ... ... ... ... ... 20 114 12. Delirium o potu ... ... ... ... ... 43 8 13. Delusional mania ... ... ... ... ... 27 485 14. Melancholia ... ... ... ... ... 39 8G 15. Chronic recurrent mania ... ... ... ... 45 26 16. Acute mania ... ... ... ... ... 24 101 17. Melancholia ... ... ... ... ... 29 2,593 18. Melancholia ... ... ... ... ... 30 105 19. Epileptic mania ... ... ... ... ... 18 1,013 20. Melancholia ... ... ... ... ... 27 271 11. Delusional mania ... ... ... ... ... 42 26 22. Dementia («) ... ... ... ... ... 50 1,877 (a) A patient was transferred to the Old Men's Eefuge on account of blindness from cataract; e was quite harmless and helpless whilst in the Asylum.

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TABLE NO. 9. THE FORMS of DISEASE and Number of Days resident of 13 Female Patients discharged in 1872.

TABLE NO. 10. AGES of 125 Male and Female Inmates remaining on the 31st December, 1872.

TABLE NO. 11. Obituary. FORMS of MENTAL and BODILY DISEASE occurring in 9 Cases, which terminated fatally in 1872.

TABLE NO. 12. PREVIOUS OCCUPATIONS of 51 Cases admitted in 1872.

Form of Disease. 1. Senile dementia 2. Acute mania 3. Acute mania 4. Melancholia, puerperal 5. Melancholia, puerperal G. Delusional mania 7. Delusional mania 8. Melancholia 9. Melancholia .0. Acute mania LI. Puerperal mania .2. Acute mania .3. Delirium e potu Age. 70 32 17 23 35 40 54 45 37 25 27 20 24 Days resident 350 301 58 122 26 40 95 223 170 169 288 143 27 t,

'roin 20 to 30 years „ 30 to 40 „ „ 40 to 50 „ „ 50 to GO „ „ 60 to 70 „ Males. . 26 25 22 10 2 Females. 17 9 10 2 2 85 40 — 12.

Form of Mental Disease. Form of Bodily Disease. Age. Died. Days resident. 1. Dementia ... General paresis * ... 38 10th April 1382 2. Dementia ... Pulmonary tubercle ... 39 29th June 984 3. Chronic mania ... Disease of braint ... 42 lGth Jan. 130 4. Acute mania ... Diarrhoea ... 28 10th Jan. 50 5. Dementia ... Disease of brain f ... 36 17th March 100 C. Dementia ... General paresis * ... 40 4th April 97 7. Melancholia ... Disease of brain f ... 39 11th July 431 8. Dementia ... General paresis * ... 30 16th Nov. 59 Female. 1. Puerperal mania ... Exhaustion ... 25 15th Feb. 5 A Coroner's Inquest was held, and a post-mortem examination made in each case. * The term " general paresis " has been during the last few years employed to denote the gradual loss of muscular power in the insane ; it was formerly termed " general paralysis," which was objected to, as it implied a cessation of all power, i.e. death. t Although disease of the brain is not stated in any case as the immediate cause of death, there were in every caso evidences of old or recent disease in tho brain or membranes, especially in the arachnoid, such as opacity, thinking, and subeffusion.

Bootmaker Brickmaker Carpenter Compositor Constabulary Farmer Hotolkeeper Housemaid Labourers Settlers' wives and widows Sailors ... Ship's cook Settlers' sons Soldiers discharged Storekeeper Tailor ... Males. 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 0 10 0 2 1 3 2 1 1 Females. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 32 19 — 5

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TABLE NO. 13. SHOWING the Cubic Space and Number of Beds in the Single and Associated Dormitories.

TABLE NO. 14. PROVINCIAL LUNATIC ASYLUM, AUCKLAND. Daily Dietary Scale at the above for 1872.

No. 3. Auckland Pboyincial Lunatic Asylum—lnspector's Annual Eepoet. 1. At the conclusion of this my third year of inspection, I am glad to say that great credit is still due to all the officers and attendants of this Asylum for the faithful and orderly manner in which our printed " Rules and Regulations " appear to have been carried out. With 125 patients in a house only capable of receiving and providing suitable bedroom and other accommodation

limes. No. 1, associated 17 beds 6,210 cubic feet. No. 2, associated 15 beds 7,194 „ No. 3, associated 9 beds 3,719 „ No. 4, associated 8 beds 3,277 „ No. 5, associated 14 beds 5,021 „ No. 6 and 7, single 2 beds 732 „ each. No. 8, 9, and 10, single 3 beds 710 „ „ No. 1 to 5, outside, single 5 beds 594 „ „ Padded room for males only 1 bed 556 ,, Corridor 3 beds occasionally more, not measured. 77 Female Dormitories. These are similar in measurement to those beneath them on the basement story, with a difference if four inches in height. No. 1, associated, contains 7 beds, corresponding to No. 3 male, beneath. No. 2, associated, „ 13 beds, „ No. 1 male,* „ No. 1 to 8, single „ 12 beds, same as beneath, t Ten single wards „ 10 beds, 800 cubic feet each. 42 * Since the erection of the ten single female wards, the corridor has not been occupied, neither the wash-room, t The cubic measurement does not strictly represent the amount of air in each single ward, because they are all open at op and furnished with louvres.

Breakfast. Males. Females. Coffee, morning, | oz. ?ea, evening, £ oz. Sunday —Dinner ktonday „ Tuesday „ Wednesday „ 1 pint; bread, £ lb. 1 pint; butter, 1 oz.; bread, J lb. Eoast meat, 8 oz. Suet pudding, 12 oz. Vegetables, 16 oz. Boiled meat, 12 oz. Soup, 1 pint Vegetables, 16 oz. Bread, 8 oz. Eoast meat, 12 oz. Vegetables, 16 oz. Bread, 8 oz. Irish stew, 28 oz. Bread, 8 oz. Boiled meat, 12 oz. Soup, 1 pint Vegetables, 16 oz. Bread, 8 oz. Eoast meat, 12 oz. Vegetables, 16 oz. Bread, 8 oz. Boiled meat, 12 oz. Soup, 1 pint Vegetables, 16 oz. Bread, 8 oz. 1 pint; bread, i lb. 1 pint; butter, 1 oz.; bread, £ lb. Eoast meat, 8 oz. Suet pudding, 12 oz. Vegetables, 16 oz. Boiled meat, 12 oz. Soup, 1 pint. Vegetables, 16 oz. Bread, 4 oz. Eoast meat, 12 oz. Vegetables, 16 oz. Bread, 4 oz. Irish stew, 28 oz. Bread, 4oz. Boiled meat, 12 oz. Soup, 1 pint. Vegetables, 16 oz. Bread, 4oz. Eoast meat, 12 oz. Vegetables, 16 oz. Bread, 4 oz. Boiled meat, 12 oz. Soup, 1 pint. Vegetables, 16 oz. Bread, 4 oz. Thursday „ Friday „ Saturday „

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for about 100, and with insufficient exercise grounds even for that number, it is of course very pleasing to me to be able to make such a report, since the difficulties of management in this state of overcrowding have been so much greater than in former years. My observations have been made during forty-two visits, mostly paid " without any previous notice," as required by the Act, and may therefore be received as correct, so far as they go, as well as corroborative of remarks made by others when on visits to their friends. A daily statement of particulars is also to be found in the Medical Journal, which is always produced for the Inspector's perusal and inquiry. 2. Considering the average number of inmates, both male and female (See statistics herewith), and the increasing want of room both indoors and out, their general good health during the year has been surprising. This must in some measure be attributed to the refreshing airiness of the situation, as otherwise the ventilation of the building would be found very incomplete, especially in the night time, though there are open chimneys in every associate dormitory, erected chiefly for that purpose, in addition to the ordinary ventilation in the window-frames. But when any serious case of illness has occurred, the want of a night-nurse or watcher has been much felt, as the present number of attendants and nurses is unequal to the extra duty. Such an officer is also required for the prevention of accidents, &c, in the several wards during the night season. There are many epileptic patients in the Asylum, and it does not seem right that they should be left for so many hours without regular aid and supervision. 3. With the exception of the meat, all the usual contracts have been faithfully performed, and the supply has been good and abundant in every case. The meals have also been regular and satisfactory. The clothing is not exactly as it should be, but an improvement is about to be made in that particular during the coming year. Tho musical entertainments have been much interrupted of late, but will be resumed as the winter advances. Other amusements, if possible, will also be supplied. 4. Ten proper sized and very comfortable small rooms (9 feet by 6, and 10 feet high) have recently been erected in the women's yard, but contiguous to the main building. These are always fully occupied by the more noisy and restless of the patients; and other similar rooms are already required for the same sex, as it is neither safe nor salutary to shut up two quarrelsome women all night in the same apartment. About fifteen or twenty single rooms, of like capacity, are now required on the men's side, as it does not seem probable that any general enlargement of the building will take place for some time to come. These, with two additional day-rooms, can easily and without great expense be projected at right angles with the present erection, and thus, with a corresponding enlargement and division of the outer yards, the immediate wants of the inmates will be met. If they were not so madly intent in the pursuit of their own separate schemes and fancies, the mere want of space would bring them into constant collision with each other, and lead to dreadful encounters. But as it is, when they are all herded together, as in wet weather, in the day-rooms and passages, quarrels and misunderstandings frequently occur, which under other circumstances would be altogether prevented. The average increase of patients remaining at the end of each year is between 4 and 5 per cent., as in most other asylums, and therefore the want of accommodation will be always of a progressive nature, and must be provided for without delay, from time to time. It is, however, for the Government to consider whether it be safe or really economical to erect so many small wooden structures in immediate contiguity with so expensive a building as our Asylum is, especially as, in case of fire, there are no means of extinguishment at hand. 5. And this leads me to refer again to the water supply, or rather to the want of it. For many months in the year nearly all the water used on the premises is drawn by cart from a neighbouring stream, so that the general supply is very limited, and what is required in the various lavatories, upstairs and down, has to be carried thither by hand, which in the female wards on the upper story, creates much extra labour for the attendants, and takes them from their other necessary employments. All this, I think, could be avoided, and sufficient water procured for all purposes, by sinking another well rather deeper than the present one, and at a little distance from it, so as to be well away from the drain, and then the water for the upper tanks in the roof, which supply the whole of the building, could be projected by the present pump as heretofore. In this district there is said to be a constant underflow of pure water, and this is surely the readiest and cheapest way of making it accessible. Otherwise a series of tanks will require to be fixed outside, in different parts, so as to preserve as much of the rain water as possible, instead of its being allowed, as at present, to run to waste. 6. In the month of September, an official visit was received from Dr. Edward Paley, InspectorGeneral of Asylums in Victoria, he having been requested by the New Zealand Government to examine and report on all similar institutions in this Colony. All necessary information was supplied to him by Dr. Aickin and myself, and it is to be hoped that the proposed scheme of establishing a Central Asylum somewhere at the South, in reference to which Dr. Paley's inspection has been made, will be at once proceeded with after the next meeting of the General Assembly. 7. I have the honor to append a copy of the Medical Statistics and Dietary Scale for 1872, as supplied by Dr. Aickin, the Medical Superintendent and Resident Surgeon. H. Hanson Turton, J.P., St. George's Bay, 31st January, 1873. Inspector of Asylums, Province of Auckland.

NEW PLYMOUTH. No. 20. Dr. Eawson to His Honor F. A. Cakeington-. Sib, — New Plymouth, 31st January, 1873. I have the honor to report to you, for the information of the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, there being no official Inspector appointed, the number of lunatics in the Asylum, and the condition of the Asylum in this Province,

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There are at this time two certified lunatics in the Asylum —George Alfred Gower, a confirmed idiot, admitted sth December, 1871; and Eleazor Naylor, admitted 25th September, 1872, a monomaniac, and reported dangerous. Both patients arc in good health, comfortable, and carefully attended to. The Asylum registered in its present imperfect state is healthy and cleanly. I have, Ac, T. E. Eawson, M.D., ° H is Honor the Superintendent, Medical Officer of Asylum. (for thin formation of the Colonial Secretary).

No. 5. Mr. Ceompton to His Honor F. A. Caebington. Sic,— New Plymouth, 3rd July, 1873. I have the honor to report, for the information of the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, that since my appointment, on the Bth day of March last, as Inspector of the Lunatic Asylum in this Province, I have visited the Asylum once at least in each week, the distance of the Asylum from my dwelling being only one-fifth of a mile. I do not think it necessary to advert to the insufficiency of the accommodation in the Asylum, as works are in progress for the erection of the necessary building. There are three lunatics at present under confinement, viz.:—Eleazor Naylor, a monomaniac, whose mental condition betokens increased deterioration; George Alfred Gower, a confirmed idiot, evidently becoming more imbecile; Catherine Martin, a married woman, a monomaniac, occasionally showing symptoms requiring great care. I find every attention is paid to the comfort of the lunatics as regards personal cleanliness, fresh air, food, and cheerful occupation. The bodily health of all appears excellent. I have, &c, Wm. M. Ceompton, His Honor the Superintendent, New Plymouth. Inspector in Lunacy.

NAPIEE. No. 6. Mr. Seait to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaey. Sic,— Napier, 7th May, 1873. In compliance with the GOth section of " The Lunatics Act, 1868," I have the honor to report that I visited the Lunatic Asylum about five times during the past year, ended 31st December; and had also many interviews with the Keeper at my own office. The number of patients at any one time did not exceed seven, viz.:—five males and two females. There is but one Asylum in the Province, and that is within the town of Napier, so that I have no occasion to travel for the purpose of inspection. The Asylum is annexed to the Napier Gaol; but the lunatics and the prisoners are of course kept in separate portions of the building, although under one management. In an Asylum of such very limited extent, it is impossible to provide the same appliances as exist in larger institutions, for the comfort, employment, and, when necessary, restraint of the patients ; but so far as the means at his command will admit of, the management is creditable to the keeper, Mr. William Miller. I have, &c, W. B. Scaly, E.M., The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Inspector.

WELLINGTON. No. 7. Annual Bepoet op Kaeoei Lunatic Asylum. Sic,— Wellington, 17th February, 1873. I have the honor to enclose the Annual Eeport of the Lunatic Asylum for the past year, including forms of classification and admissions. I have, &c, Chaeles Fbance, His Honor the Superintendent. Medical Attendant, Karori Asylum. Or the twenty-seven patients in the Asylum on the Ist January, 1873, the majority are suffering from dementia, are incurable, and have been inmates for several years. Of eight admitted during last year, five remain ; one of them is suffering from hereditary madness, being sister to another patient; the father died in the asylum, and the mother, also a lunatic, is now in the hospital. The other three females appear to be suffering from a natural weakness of intellect, just sufficient to prevent their gaining their own living; but I am afraid they will never be much better than at present. The eighth, a male, has been very quiet and obedient, but being upward of fifty years old, and a case of relapse, is doubtful.

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The general health of the patients at the Asylum has for many years been very good. The only epidemic of any kind I have seen happened last October, nearly all the female patients being attacked with influenza, and a few of the males. It resulted in the death of an old patient, Mrs. Slow, in the seventh year of her residence. Others have only lately recovered from its effects, and the health generally of the patients is again good, in spite of much crowding in the sleeping rooms. Charles Peance, Medical Attendant.

CHBISTCHUKCH. No. 8. Mr. J. W. Hamilton to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Sic, — Lunatic Department, Ist November, 1872. I have the honor to report that I inspected Sunnyside Lunatic Asylum this day, in accordance with the directions of "The Lunatics Act, 1868." 1. All the books were closely written up and in good order, excepting that the Medical Journal has for five weeks past been kept upon loose sheets or forms made up in manuscript. I think that the records of the Asylum ought to be kept in bound books and on printed forms, and that a new journal ought to be supplied as soon as possible. 2. The number of patients was 113 —viz., males, 79; females, 34 ; none secluded or under restraint. 3. I found everything in the same excellent order and cleanly condition as usual. 4. On examining the certificates of discharge, I found that patient No. 378, admitted 20th September, 1872, on the order of two Justices sitting in the Court at Christchurch, had not been discharged "by writing under their hand." (Clause 71, Act 1S68). The assent of the Deputy Superintendent, holding the Colonial Secretary's authority, had been duly given, October 24th, to the discharge, which, however, was signed by the Resident Magistrate for the Christchurch Court, the one in which the committal was made out. The committing Justices reside in the place, and it did not appear that they were " incapable" (clause 72) of signing the order. The matter does not seem to be of much moment in the present case, as the spirit of the Act was no doubt complied with when the ordinary presiding magistrate of the Court in which the evidence was taken and recorded, on which the committal was based, signed the discharge. He must consequently have been in possession of, or had access to, any information, documentary or oral, in reference to the patient being brought before the Court. 5. The circumstances of this case, however, lead me to suggest for your consideration the necessity for modifying clauses 71 and 72 of the Act, iv the direction of lessening the difficulty of obtaining discharges. I think that at least it might be permitted that any Eesident Magistrate should bo empowered to discharge a lunatic who has been committed by any other Justice acting in his own Court; and that any Justices sitting in a Resident Magistrate's Court should in like manner be empowered to authorize the discharge of patients committed by him. It often happens that Resident Magistrates have to attend two or three Courts at considerable distances from their principal one, and near which they reside. Relatives of patients fit to be discharged may in such cases have to make several expensive journeys, and be subjected to great delay before they can obtain the necessary signature to a discharge. These delays and expenses are the more likely to be greater, if the signatures of two unsalaried Justices require to be obtained ; because these officers only occasionally attend the Court, and it is very difficult ever to get them together again promptly. A patient retained in the Asylum for any time after recovery is complete might sutler considerably in health of both mind and body. 6. A female patient, No. 334, had been discharged since my last inspection, the year having expired for which she had been placed by Judge's order under " curative treatment" as an habitual drunkard. The patient was drunk on the very morning of the day she was released. lam of opinion that her case is a hopeless one, and that she ought never to be placed in the Asylum again for habitual drunkenness ; at all events, not until " curative" patients can be kept entirely apart, and separately treated. This person had been more than once previously admitted and discharged, and had always resumed her drunken habits. Unless there seems to be some reasonable prospect of dealing successfully with this class of patient, they ought not to be placed in the Asylum, as they are mostly likely to do harm amongst the ordinary patients. 7. Since my last report was written, I have had the advantage of inspecting Sunnyside in company with Dr. Paley, the Inspector of Asylums of Victoria, and of obtaining from him much valuable information on the management of Asylums. I find that he attaches the greatest importance to abundance of and varied recreation, as the most valuable agents in the recovery of patients. I had mentioned to him my idea that a cricket ground would be a valuable addition to the means of recreation at Sunnyside. He informed me that he considered cricket one of the most useful amusements that could be introduced, inasmuch as all the inmates could share iv it either as players or spectators ; and that the game is constantly played at the Asylum near Melbourne, of which he has more immediate charge. He also informed me that the frequent arrival of visitors at the Asylum was beneficial both to patients and attendants alike, creating a useful break in the monotony of daily routine, as neighbours could, and I have reason to say would, readily come and join in cricket at Sunnyside ; and as their presence would be beneficial to convalescents, I would urge the necessity for levelling a ground this autumn, so as to be fit for play next summer. In the mean time, a few pounds' worth of bats, balls, and other cricket gear might be ordered from home. After what Dr. Paley has stated to me, I attach very great importance to the early introduction of so healthful an amusement as cricket. I trust that the small sum required to set it going will not be objected to,

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8. It should be observed that expenditure on recreation is a real economy, because it conduces to the recovery and discharge of patients, of whom by far the greater number are unable to pay for their own maintenance, and are therefore a burden on the public chest. The same remark applies to reasonable outlay on building, ample space being essential for the patients' bodily health ; and unless that is fully cared for, there can be no hope of their ceasing to be a charge on the public. 9. It is for these reasons that the stoppage, a week or two ago, of all work on the new building at Sunnysido can only be considered as a serious misfortune, and one that will operate most prejudicially against the early recovery of patients. But for the expectations so long entertained that the new rooms w rould have been habitable in August or September last, the admission latterly of fresh patients was hardly prudent, if justifiable. The male wards have long been so overcrowded that numbers of patients have to sleep in the day wards ; and even there the space is so limited that they must sleep not only under, but on top of the tables. Such overcrowding, especially during the summer and the hot spring and autumn months, is most unhealthy for lunatic patients. But for the scrupulous cleanliness maintained by the keeper everywhere throughout the Asylum, there would be the strongest grounds for apprehending an outbreak of fever. 1 found in the Official Visitors' remark book, two notes, by His Honor the Judge and by the Resident Magistrate, expressing very decided opinions on the evil of the present overcrowded state of the wards, and on the misfortune of the new building being stopped. Until it be completed, I think no further admission of patients should be allowed, unless in some very urgent and extreme case, and that notice should be given in other Provinces that no lunatics could be received from them. Under present arrangements, the wear and tear and destruction of bedding used in the day wards must alone form a very heavy item in the cost of maintaining tho Asylum. The health and recovery of the patients, however, ought to be the chief consideration on which the Provincial authorities should be urged to provide, as early as possible, the funds requisite for completing the new building and other improvements at Sunnyside. I have, &c, J. W. Hamilton, Tho Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Inspector, Lunatic Asylum.

No. 9. Mr. W. M. Maskell to His Honor "W. Eolleston. Bin,— Christchurch, 21st February, 1873. I have the honor to report that yesterday I visited the Sunnyside Lunatic Asylum, as Deputy Inspector during the absence of J. W. Hamilton, Esq. As per clause 53 of " The Lunatics Act, 1868," I duly examined every part and building of the premises of the Asylum, inspected the books required by the Act, compared them with the lists of patients and the orders and certificates for admission and discharge of patients since the date of last inspection, and minuted them as correct. The buildings, wards, and yards I found in excellent order, and very clean. I saw every patient in tho Asylum with the exception of one, who, as convalescent, was allowed to be away on a visit for the day. I found the numbers to correspond with the patients' lists —82 males, 40 females; total, 122. Tho Medical Journal and Case Book is now properly kept and bound, as suggested by Mr. Hamilton. I found one patient, Elizabeth Welsh, under restraint as being noisy and refractory. On making the inquiries directed by the Act, clause 55, as to the care, treatment, mental and bodily health of the patents, I found that the last was, on the whole, good. The system pursued — generally of non-coercion—seems to be attended with good results. The arrangements as to comfort, dietary, occupations, and amusements of the patients are excellent, and reflect great credit on the keeper, Mr. Seager. The provisions supplied I found to be good and satisfactory. There were no patients in the Asylum actually under curative treatment for drunkenness. But I was informed that if there were any sent for that purpose, they would still have to be mixed with the other patients; and I strongly recommend the immediate carrying out of Mr. Hamilton's suggestion that steps should be taken to remedy this evil. It is clear that as these persons are not actually insane, or at least in a very short time after their admission usually recover the full use of their faculties, they can hardly avoid giving cause for very considerable annoyance in many ways. I did not gather that anything had yet been done by the Provincial Government beyond giving this matter a preliminary consideration. I consider it absolutely necessary that steps should be at once taken to provide separate accommodation for these patients, the number of whom, being at no one time probably very large, would not necessitate a very elaborate or expensive building. The staff of attendants appears to me to be too small, and an addition to be urgently required. The wards are very much overcrowded, perhaps almost dangerously so. A new building is in course of erection for the female patients, but the work does not seem to be progressing very fast. I recommend that no time should be lost in completing the whole of the new buildings authorized by the Provincial Council at its last session. And in connection with this point, I should recommend that in erecting the new yards, &c, instead of constructing them like the present ones, small and square, with hard bare walls and asphalte pavement, which appears to be exceeding dreary and monotonous, and likely to produce depression in the patients, much larger spaces —say perhaps an acre or two —should be enclosed w rith open paling work or hedges, and laid out with turf and walks, so as to give the patients much more agreeable recreation grounds. It appears that eight water tanks are being erected as a precaution against fire. I beg to support the recommendation of Mr. Hamilton that telegraphic communication be at once completed with Christchurch, as the present appliances seem likely to be very ineffective against the destruction of the Asylum.

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In conclusion, 1 am glad to report that the result of the inspection was very satisfactory ; and that the state of the Asylum, and the care evidently taken of the patients, reflect very great credit on Mr. Seager, the keeper, and the attendants. I have, &c, His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury, &c, W. M. Maskell, Christchurch. Deputy Inspector.

No. 10. Mr. J. "W. Hamilton to His Honor "VV. Eolleston. (No. 34) Sib,— Christchurch, 13th May, 1873. I have the honor to report that I inspected Sunnyside Lunatic Asylum this day in manner prescribed by "The Lunatics Act, 1868." 1. The books were all written up and in good order. The Medical Journal is now being kept in a proper bound book, and no longer on loose MS. forms, as had been the case for above two months prior to my report of 3rd December last. The Case Book also duly showed entry of post-mortem examination of the body of a deceased patient on which an inquest had been held by a Justice of the Peace. I had noticed on a previous occasion the omission of entries of two post-mortem examinations, and the desirability of the Coroner, who is also Medical Officer of the Asylum, abstaining from holding inquests on bodies of deceased lunatic patients. 2. The Register of Patients contained no entry of the admission, late on the 11th May, of one John Hunter, who was sent up from the Hospital, but without such distinct certificates as clauses 15, 19, and 20 of the Act refer to as indispensable. Clause 20 allows twenty-one days for the order or medical certificate to be amended, with the Colonial Secretary's sanction. I instructed the Keeper to take steps to get the certificate amended, and had the admission duly entered on the Register of Patients. The omission to make this entry was intentional on the part of the Clerk, who thought that the patient could not be received as a lunatic for want of a certificate in due legal form. It appears to me that the Act intends that every admission whatsoever should be entered, as no one ought to be received into the Asylum unless presumably insane, and as a patient. On visiting Hunter I found him unmistakcably very mad. There can be no doubt that on his examination before the Resident Magistrate to-morrow or next day that he will bo formally committed to the Asylum. 3. The patients were —males, 83 ; females, 40—in all, 123. One female and two male patients were under seclusion, being violent. One female patient, No. 200, admitted 10th July, 1869, will receive her discharge immediately, and return to England, apparently perfectly cured, after four years' treatment in the Asylum. 4. I am glad to report that the tanks required as a safeguard in case of fire have been erected at the level of the top of the Asylum, and are kept full by a force pump worked by a windmill. The Keeper informs me that the windmill is too much sheltered by trees in summer, and by the building in N.E. winds, which prevail for nine months out of the twelve. I beg to recommend that the Eire Brigade should be asked to take the engines up to the Asylum at an early date, and test the sufficiency of the water supply. lam myself of opinion that the reservoir at the ground level will probably bo found on trial to be too small. It is at all events very desirable, I think, to test this point in good time. 5. I found the new laundry in use. Everything about it is admirably adapted for washing for so large an establishment. The carriage of the clothes to the main building will be found very laborious and tedious owing to the distance, especially in wet winter weather. I suggest that a light wooden tramway be laid down communicating with both the new refractory wards and the old building. "When the new wards are inhabited, it seems to me that a tramway must of necessity be laid clown for bringing the dinners across from the kitchen and taking the mess utensils back there to be washed. The distance seems far too great for this work to be carried out daily by ordinary hand labour. 6. I am very sorry to find by the Keeper's account that the new wards can hardly now be finished till spring, owing to the great demand for builders and carpenters that has arisen since the works were suspended in October or November last. The want of these new wards will leave the sleeping room in the present old ones very insufficient, as it has been now for a very long time past. 7. Spouting is much needed along the eaves of the corridor roof on the east side of the female exercising yard. The rain off the iron roof destroys the paint on the walls making them also look very dirty and cheerless for the inmates. A great deal of soot seems to fall into this yard from two chimneys on the north side of it. This might no doubt be remedied by raising the chimneys, which are too close to the ridge board, so that the soot is not blown clear away, and the patients' dresses are at times made very dirty. 8. The cook's sleeping room is absolutely not fit for an attendant. It is damp and dark and unhealthy. A pair of boots in it were covered entirely with a thick coat of green mildew. It was built by the cook himself when the means of the Province were comparatively small. I beg very urgently to recommend that a respectable day and sleeping room, with a chimney, bo at once erected for the cook before the winter sets in; and that it bo raised well off the ground, which lies very low and wet at this end of the Asylum. An adjoining room used for holding kitchen bulky stores like salt, flour, &c, ought to bo rebuilt when the cook's room is taken in hand; both places are equally damp and unwholesome. I may state that the cook himself complained to me of the cold and damp of his room. 9. A " tell-tale " clock lately introduced, by which the night attendant's wakefulness is guaranteed at least once during every hour of the night, seems to me to afford an important safeguard in the event of a fire breaking out during the night. I venture, however, to advise that the General Government

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be requested to move their officer to complete the telegraph wire between the Asylum and the Police Depot and Fire Brigade Office in Christchurch. 10. Tho value of tho photographing apparatus has again recently been proved in the case of a patient's death. His friends at Auckland would have been unable to identify tho patient by description without the portrait they asked to have sent to them. 11. This being the proper time of year for planting, I beg to recommend that the grounds be prepared for any trees, cuttings, &c, which Government may be ablo to spare for Sunnysido, and that a nursery be formed as recommended in my report of 3rd December, 1872, paragraph 10. This would also be the suitable time for levelling a place for a cricket-ground, and sowing it down or turfing it. In my report of Ist November, 1872, paragraph 7, I mentioned the importance Dr. Paley, Inspector of Asylums from Victoria, attached to the game of cricket as one of tho recreations of interest to all the patients in an asylum, and, with others, greatly conducive towards effecting cures. A supply of bats, wickets, <fee, might be sent home for in the meantime. 12. I found the building and all the premises kept in their usual remarkably cleanly and orderly condition, all sweet and well ventilated. The patients also very clean, both in person and dress, and looking healthy in body. The food of good quality and well cooked. I have, &c., J. W. Hamilton, His Honor the Superintendent of Canterbury, Inspector, Sunnyside. Christchurch. P.S.—May I beg a copy of Dr. Palcy's report if any is to be had yet.

lIOKITIKA. No. 11. Mr. G. G. Fitzgerald to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Office of the Inspector of Lunatic Asylum, Sin,— Hokitika, 25th January, 1873. I have the honor to report as follows on the Lunatic Asylums of tho County of "Westland, for the year ended 31st December, 1872 : — At the date of my last report there were two Lunatic Asylums in the County, viz., one in connection with the County Gaol, and one on the Hospital Reserve on the south spit of tho Hokitika River. Neither of the buildings used was at all suitable for the detention of lunatics ; and the disadvantages of having either an hospital for ordinary patients or a gaol connected with a lunatic asylum were found to be very great. I am happy to be able to state that the County authorities have during the past year done their best to place matters on a more satisfactory footing. An entirely now Asylum has been erected on ground adjoining the Gaol, but separated from it by a high fence. The situation is excellent, the building commodious, and the general arrangements for the safe custody and comfort of the patients, will compare favourably with those of any establishment of a like character in the Colony. A portion of the building was completed during July last, and on the 31st of that month all the patients (eleven females) in the Asylum on the Hospital Reserve were brought over to their new quarters. The male patients were removed from tho Gaol buildings into the Asylum on the 20th September. One other great change remaining to bo effected : the house occupied by the Keeper of the Asylum is situate within the Gaol enclosure, and it is clearly advisable either that a keeper's residence should bo built, or that the old one should be removed to the Asylum grounds. Tho distance between the house and tho Asylum is short, but some inconvenience arises at times from tho Keeper not being on tho spot. The matter has been represented to the County Chairman, and I have no doubt that before long tho requisite alterations will be made. I have repeatedly visited the Asylum during the past year, and am thoroughly satisfied with tho manner in which the establishment has been conducted. The staff consists of the Keeper and Matron, one female attendant, and three male attendants. The Keeper is also Clerk. The Medical Officer, Dr. Dermott, visits the Asylum nearly every day. Archdeacon Harper holds Divine service once a fortnight. I understand from the Keeper that the Catholic clergyman has also promised to attend. Various indoor amusements are provided for the patients, including books, newspapers, cards, &c, and there is frequently music and dancing. Out of door the able-bodied patients do a good deal of work in improving the grounds; and so far as practicable, those of them who are mechanics are employed at their respective callings. The great majority of the patients are either labourers or miners. The average health of the patients is very good. The average cost per head per week for each patient is 18s. Bd.; but this does not include the services of the Medical Officer, who is also the County Surgeon. Appended is "A Statement, showing the number of Lunatics maintained at the cost of the County of AVestland during the year ending the 31st December, 1872." I have, &c, G. G. FitzGerald, Inspector of Lunatic Asylums for County of VVestland. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington.

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Statement showing the XmtßEit of Lunatics maintained at the Cost of the County of "Westland during the Tear ending 31st December, 1872. Males. Females. Total. Remaining in Lunatic Asylum on 31st December, 1871 ... ... 30 0 30 Admitted during the year ending 31st December, 1872 ... ... 14 14 28 Discharged during same period ... ... ... ... 10 0 10 Died ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 3 Remaining in Asylum on 31st December, 1572 ... ... 31 14 45 Lunatics in Sunnyside Asylum, Christchurch, 1872, maintained at the cost of Westland ... ... ... ... ... 4 2 6 G-. G-. FitzGtebald, Office of Inspector of Lunatic Asylums, Inspector. Hokitika, 25th January, 1873. Retvrx under Part IV., Section 60, of " The Lunatics Act, 1868." Number of visits to the Lunatic Asylum on the Hospital Reserve during the half-year ended 31st December, 1872 ... ... ... ... ... 1 = Smiles. dumber of visits to Lunatic Asylum on the Gaol Hill ... ... ... 3 = 9 „ Total number of patients seen during the above visits ... ... ... 149 Average number of lunatics in custody during the half-year ended as above ... 44 Gr. Gr. FITzGrERALD, Inspector of Lunatic Asylums.

No. 12. DUNEDIK Report of the Ixspectok of the Di'NEDiy Luxatic Asylum for the Tear ending 31st March, 1873. Sib,— Dunedin, May 1873. I hare the honor to forward you report of the Dunedin Lunatic Asylum for the year ending 31st March, 1873. On the Ist April, 1572, there remained in the Asylum 153 patients. During the twelve months ending 31st March, 74 persons were admitted, 36 were discharged recovered, 2 were relieved, and 15 died —leaving 174 in the Asylum at the end of the financial year, and 21 patients more than remained in the Asylum at the end of last annual report. The daily average number resident throughout the year was 163 ; the total number treated, 227. On referring to Table XL, .it will be observed that the number remaining in the Asylum at the end of each year has steadily increased; but the number of admissions for the past year is only slightly in excess of the number admitted the previous year. In common with all lunatic asylums, the population of the Asylum will increase year by year, by reason of the hopeless and incurable cases which continue to be received. The number discharged, excluding two cases received, is 48-7 per cent, on the number admitted during the year, and 16 per cent, on the total number treated. The percentage of recoveries on the total number (663) admitted since the Asylum was first opened is 61 '09. There is a slight increase this year in the average annual mortality. On referring to Table 11., it will be observed that several of the patients who died were a long period in the Asylum, one of them, a female, being confined to bed for upwards of six years. As required by the Lunatics Act, an inquest was held in every case of death. Table 111. shows the ages of patients admitted during the year, and it is worthy of observation that the greatest number admitted (47) were in the prime of life, from 25 to 40 years of age. It will also be noted, that of the 74 patients admitted, 41 males and 2 females were unmarried. As in former years, a large percentage of the patients admitted were miners and labourers, I visited the Asylum periodically during the year. At each visit I saw all the patients in the Asylum, inspected the bedding, provisions, &c, and also examined the books and records of the Asylum, as required by the Act. Having pointed out in a former report the necessity for additional accommodation, it gives me pleasure to state that a new ward, capable of accommodating 60 male patients, is in course of erection. The length of the building is 142 feet, its breadth 22 feet; an additional ward at right angles to it, 75 by 25 feet, is also being built. These buildings, when completed, will contain 28 single rooms, large dormitories, day rooms, attendants' rooms, bagatelle and bath rooms. In connection with these buildings will be a large airy court, about half an acre in extent, with a sunshade or verandah 120 feet long. These important additions will meet the requirements of the male division of the Asylum for some time to come. A new airy court for female patients, similar in extent to the one just mentioned for the males, has been enclosed. Asphalte walks have been laid down, a large verandah erected, and the whole surrounded by a neat stone wall, built by the artisan attendants and patients, who also quarried the stone required for it. It is intended to plant both the male and female airing-courts with shrubs, flowers, &c, as recommended by me. During the year there has also been erected a new kitchen fitted with boilers and apparatus capable of cooking for 400 patients. The lofty ceiling and cupola with moveablc windows render the ventilation perfect. A most important work has been done within the last few months, viz., the erection of 30 chains of strong fencing along the road from the Halfway Bush Toll Bar to the Old Cemetery. This portion of the road was most dangerous for travellers, drays, <fee, and the erection of such a fence was 3—H. 23.

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absolutely necessary as a safeguard against accidents. It is intended to lay out the grounds enclosed by this fence, to plant trees, shrubs, &c, and allow the public to use it for recreational purposes. The works above mentioned have been performed by the patients and officers of the Asylum. A number of the male patients have also been employed regularly in the various workshops, in the garden, and in levelling the ground around the Asylum. A new branch of industry, shoemaking, has been started during the last year, and tinware, which formerly had to be purchased, is now made iv the Asylum. The employment of artisans to work at their trade, in addition to performing the ordinary duties of attendants, results iv a considerable saviug to the institution. The drainage from the Asylum is satisfactory, but the cess tanks are now becoming insufficient to receive the sewerage from such an extent of buildings. It will therefore be necessary to adopt some means of deodorizing the sewage before passing the overflow, or to carry a main culvert to some point of outlet, in order to prevent the sewage becoming a nuisance to the neighbourhood. This is a matter which will require prompt attention, as the limited extent of the Asylum grounds will not allow of the sewage being utilized. The patients' amusements are continued with the same vigour as formerly. The Friday evening's dance, concert, or dramatic performance is looked upon by the patients with great pleasure, and no greater punishment can be inflicted than to prevent any of them attending these assemblies. The economical results of the year are satisfactory. The net weekly <jpst of each patient was Bs. 7^d., or at the rate of £22 7s. sd. per year, which is below the cost of patients in many of the home asylums, notwithstanding that the dietary scale of the Dunedin Asylum v more liberal than that of similar institutions in Great Britain. The repayments from private patients during the year amounted to £550 Os. Bd. The religious services have been conducted regularly by the Government Chaplain ; but clergymen of every denomination have facilities afforded them for visiting and conversing with the patients. In conclusion, I have to state that the general health of the inmates of the institution has been good throughout the year, and that no accident of a serious nature occurred. I have, Ac, J. Prases, To the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Inspector. P.S. —Mechanical force is never used in the Otago Asylum, with the exception of the " comisale," and that but in one instance, and for a short period, with a dangerous homicidal lunatic. —J. F.

TABLE I. RETURN of PATIENTS Admitted, Discharged, and Died, during the Twelve Months ending 31st March, 1873.

Table 11. Showing the Number of Deaths during the Year, and their Causes; also, Age at time of Death 1 female, aged 32 ; eight years four months in Asylum ; cause of death, consumption. 1 male, aged 33; four years seven months in Asylum ; cause of death, meningitis.

Number of Patients remaining in the Asylum, 1st April, 1872 Admitted from Dunedin and Suburbs „ Invercargill „ Dunstan „ Tuapeka „ East, West, and North Taieri „ Wakatipu „ Tokomairiro „ Hawksbury „ Port Chalmers ,, Blacks „ Oarnaru „ Clutha ,, Dunedin Hospital „ Dunedin Gaol „ Province of Nelson Males. 104 10 10 7 4 5 5 2 1 3 1 1 1 3 1 1 Female 49 4 3 2 3 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 les. Total 153 14 13 9 7 5 5 3 3 3 1 2 2 5 1 1 Total number under treatment 159 68 227 Discharged— m. Cured ... ... ... ... 22 • Relieved ... ... ... ... 2 Died ... ... ... ... 12 p. 14 0 3 36 17 53 Remaining in the Asylum, 31st March, 1873 123 51 174 Percentage cured on the admissions ,, „ on total number treated „ of deaths Daily average number for the year 48-7 160 6-6 163-

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1 male, aged 38 ; three years eight months in Asylum ; cause of death, paralysis. 1 male, aged 46 ; three years six months in Asylum ; cause of death, paralysis. 1 female, aged 36 ; three years three months in Asylum ; cause of death, paralysis. 1 male, aged 54 ; two years seven months in Asylum ; cause of death, exhaustion from diarrhoea. 1 female, aged 42 ; one year eleven months in Asylum ; cause of death, paralysis. 1 male, aged 38 ; one year ten months in Asylum ; cause of death, pneumonia. 1 male, aged 40 ; eleven months in Asylum ; cause of death, softening of the brain. 1 male, aged 32 ; ten months in Asylum ; cause of death, softening of the brain. 1 male, aged 45 ; four months in Asylum ; cause of death, meningitis. I male, aged 36 ; four months in Asylum ; cause of death, softening of the brain. 1 male, aged 40 ; two months in Asylum ; cause of death, softening of the brain. 1 male, aged 58 ; three weeks in Asylum ; cause of death, softeniug of the brain. 1 male, aged 25 ; one week in Asylum ; cause of death, delirium tremens. Total, 12 males; 3 females.

TABLE III. AGES of PATIENTS Admitted during the Year.

TABLE IV. OCCUPATION of those Admitted during the Year.

TABLE V. SOCIAL CONDITION of those Admitted during the Year.

'roin 10 to 15 years „ 15 to 20 „ „ 20 to 25 „ „ 25 to 30 „ „ 30 to 35 „ „ 35 to 40 „ „ 40 to 45 „ „ 45 to 50 „ „ 50 to 55 ., „ 55 to 60 „ ., 60 to 65 ., il Jales. 1 5 11 18 12 4 4 2 o 1 Femal 1 1 1 2 7 2 8 2 les. Total 1 2 6 13 20 14 7 0 <> 2 1 1. Totals 55 19 74

Artist Barman Bushman Baker Bricklayer Carpenter Clerk Domestic Servants Farmers „ Wives Gardener Hotelkeeper Housekeepers Labourers „ Wives Miners „ Wives [Surveyor Bailors Shoemaker Storekeepers Shepherds Washerwoman Weaver Not known Males. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 5 0 1 1 0 10 0 18 0 1 2 1 3 3 0 1 1 remales. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 8 0 0 8 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 Total 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■> 5 3 1 1 8 16 8 13 1 1 2 1 4 3 1 1 1 Tc otals OO 19 7J.

inaics. tJS. Single Carried Widowed Jnknown 41 12 1 1 2 16 1 43 28 2 1 Totals 55 19 74

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TABLE VI. EDUCATION of those Admitted during the Year.

TABLE VII. NATIONALITY of those Admitted during the Year.

TABLE VIII. RELIGIOUS PERSUASION of those Admitted during the Year.

TABLE IX. LENGTH of RESIDENCE of PATIENTS remaining in the ASYLUM at the end of the Year.

TABLE X. DAILY AVERAGE COST of each Patient during the Year.

'an Read and Write !an Read only r either Fnknown Males. 41 10 4 Females. 13 4 2 Total 54 14 6 Totals 55 19 74

England Ireland Scotland Victoria }hina Jnited States Scotia Channel Islands Mauritius )tago [talj 5russia .. i Males. 11 17 17 2 4 1 1 "i i Females. 5 4 G 1 i i i Total. 16 21 23 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Totals 55 19 74

'resbyterian ... Episcopalian ... toman Catholic jutheran (Vosleyan Iebrew ?hina Jnknown Males. 20 10 16 2 1 1 4 1 Femal 6 G 5 0 1 0 0 1 les. Total 20 1G 21 2 2 1 4 2 Totals 55 19 74

In3ti "nder 10 years „ 0 „ „ 8 „ »> * ?> » V » „ 5 „ »> * >> o 3t *- J) i 1 lit ition opened . August, 18 363. Males. 9 4 5 11 10 7 13 9 21 34 Females. 7 4 0 1 4 1 8 8 7 11 Tota 10 8 5 12 14 8 21 17 28 45 Totals 123 51 174

Salsifies Rations Stores and furniture Fuel and light Medical comforts, &c. Bedding and clothing Incidental expenses, stationery, &c. p. d. 0 Gi 0 6| 0 0| 0 1 0 of 0 H o 0|

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TABLE XI.— 1872-73. GENERAL RESULTS of each Year since the Opening of the Asylum, August 1863.

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Potal Average Daily Cost of each Patient during the Year Less repayments s. d. 15 0 2| daily cost of each patient fet weekly cost ... 1 2-1 8 n ?ost of each patient for year £22 7 5 Cotal number of days' residence of patients in the Asylum during the year }... ... 59594 Repayments from patients during the year ... £550 0 8

Peeiod. Admitted. Discn. iBGED. Died. Renminin the end of Year. ;at each £ . 23 11 P a o Is rt «j |g S3 1( I 8 S p {I « a fi. n 13 Q O Kecover< Ml. [elieTei M. P. Total M. F. Total M. F. Total M. F. Total II. F. Total Aug. 28 to Sept. 1863 ... Sept. 1863 to Sept. 1864... „ 18G4 „ 1865... „ 1SG5 „ 1866... „ 1866 „ 1867... „ 1867 „ 1868... „ 1868 „ 1S60... Mai-. 18G0 to Mar. 1870... „ 1870 „ 1871... „ 1871 ,, 1872... „ 1872 „ 1S73... 13 45 36 35 61 37 60 63 34 54 55 8 23 13 11 11 1 16 18 27 17 19 21 G8 49 46 72 41 76 81 61 71 74 25 20 22 35 26 53 51 21 26 22 1 12 11 6 8 4 13 10 16 9 14 1 37 31 28 43 30 66 61 a 7 35 36 2 1 2 "a 2 i 1 4 1 4 2 1 4 2 2 3 I 6 3 5 5 5 7 12 \\ 3 8 5 6 3 5 6 5 8 15 13 30 37 45 63 71 72 i 79 83 104 123 7 18 17 21 -11 25 i 27 33 44 49 51 20 48 54 66 85 96 99 112 127 153 174 10 37 49 62 82 92 102 1105 123 !l43 !1G3 34 8-2 50 43 23 2-9 33 29 40 66 4-8 54-4 G3-2 609 59-7 i;si [SR-8 75'3 ,007 50-0 48-7 4-8 42-0 30-9 28-0 311 232 38'4 33-9 21-4 180 16-0 i 1 '4 "2 "i 3 2 I 1 Totals 493 170 663 '301 104 405 10 8 18 57 7 64 39 57'5 26-1 Summary of. Total I Ad Emissions sina le IS 863. Percentage of Recoveries „ Cases Eelieved „ Dead „ Remaining... 6109 3'02 965 26-24 100-00 By Authority : Geoiigk DtusBOiiT, Government Printer, AVellington.—1873. Price Is.