APPOINTMENT OF AN INSPECTOR OF LUNATIC ASYLUMS FOR NEW ZEALAND, (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1875 Session I, H-02b

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1875. NEW ZEALAND.

APPOINTMENT OF AN INSPECTOR OF LUNATIC ASYLUMS FOR NEW ZEALAND, (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE).

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of Sis Excellency.

No. 1. The Hon. Sir J. Vogel K.C.M.G., to the Hon. D. Pollen. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 28th May, 1875. I have, through the assistance of the Colonial Office, been in communication with the Lunacy Commissioners as to the selection of a gentleman to act as Inspector of Lunatic Asylums in New Zealand, and I have now the honor to forward to you copy of correspondence on the subject. I have, <fee, The Hon. D. Pollen, &c, &c. Julius Vogel.

Enclosure 1 in No. 1. The Hon. J. Vogel, C.M.G-., to the Agent-Geneeal for New Zealand. 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sib,— 22nd May, 1875. I forward to you copy of correspondence with the Hon. E. H. Meade, respecting the appointment of an Inspector of Lunatic Asylums for the colony. I have the honor to request that you will give effect to the wishes of the Government, and select a gentleman for the appointment of Inspector of Lunatic Asylums, on the terms described in my letter to Mr. Meade. Without making it an absolute condition, it would be desirable that the gentleman appointed should be recommended by the Commissioners in Lunacy; but the discretion and final decision must rest with yourself. I have, &c. The Agent-General for New Zealand. Julius Vogel.

Enclosure 2 in No. 1. The Hon. E. H. Meade to the Hon. J. Vogel, C.M.G. My Deaii Sir — Colonial Office, 12th May, 1875. Some time ago I gave Mr. Herbert, for you, a letter of introduction to the Lunacy Commissioners' Office, and to-day I have received the enclosed letter from that department. Will you be good enough to give me the particulars of the office in question, stating duties, salary, &c, so that Lord Carnarvon may be able to send an official letter to the Commissioners on the subject. I have, &c., Julius Vogel, Esq., C.M.G. E. H. Meade.

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Enclosure 3 in No. 1. Mr. Peecival to the Hon. B. H. Meade. Office of Commissioners in Lunacy, 19, Whitehall Place, Deae Sib,— 11th May, 1875. Mr. Vogel has called here with your note addressed to Mr. Phillips, and in his absence has seen another member of the Board. I am to suggest that you should send me an official letter, requesting, on behalf of Lord Carnarvon, the Commissioners' assistance in procuring a proper person to be recommended to the New Zealand Government as General Medical Inspector of Lunatic Asylums there. The Commissioners would then be better able to communicate with the different Medical Superintendents, asking them to mention the matter among their subordinates. I have, &c, The Hon. E. H. Meade. Chaeles Sp. Peecival.

Enclosure 4 in No. 1. The Hon. J. VoeEL, C.M.G., to the Hon. E. H. Meade. 87, Gloucester Place, Portman Square, W., Deae Me. Meade, — 21st May, 1875. I thank you for your note of the 12th, enclosing one from the Commissioners in Lunacy. The duties of the proposed Inspector in New Zealand will be—to see that the various provisions of the law are carried out; to report from time to time upon the condition of the several Asylums; and to aid the Government in such measures as may be found necessary to promote the care and proper treatment of lunatics. He must be a medical man; and he would not be at liberty to practise his profession in the colony. The salary would be from £500 to £700, with prospective increases up to £800 ; but I am not at liberty to promise any pension, as the question of pensions for prolonged service is in a very undecided state at present in New Zealand. As far as permanency of office goes, lam willing to guarantee (say) three years' employment; but supposing the officer to prove suitable, I see no reason to doubt his continuing to hold the appointment. I should be willing to pay the officer's actual expense out to New Zealand ; and if his engagements were terminated at the end of three years, I would undertake- also to pay his expenses back to England, should he desire to return. Salary would commence from the date of arrival in New Zealand. We are of course anxious to obtain a good officer. He should have considerable experience and knowledge of the treatment of lunatics. He should possess more than ordinary ability, so that he might carry with him a prestige that would give to his recommendations, and to his communications with medical men, weight and authority. I shall be compelled to leave further dealing with the matter in the hands of the Agent-General; and I must ask that the Commissioners —or the Colonial Office, as the case may be—will communicate with him. I will leave in his hands full authority to act. I have, &c, The Hon. R. H. Meade. Julius Vooel. By Authority: Geobgb DmsßrsT, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB7s. Price 3d.]