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billiard table and a piano were purchased by funds raised by public subscription for the purpose, their cost being £163 14s. 9d. In my last report I pointed out that the sleeping accommodation was very insufficient. This still continues to be the case, and I trust the Provincial Government will make the necessary provision during the ensuing session of the Council. I also mentioned the want of padded cells. One of these has since been fitted up. The work was done by patients. The situation of the Asylum is naturally good, and no doubt the small amount of sickness amongst the inmates is partly due to this cause. A large quantity of ground in the rear of the Asylum has now been broken up, and I think no time should be lost by the Government in having it judiciously planted with trees; the expense need be very small, as the trees could be all raised from seed either at the Asylum, or by the gardener at the Government House. I should recommend for the purpose some of the hardy pines and cypresses, of which there are so many beautiful and free-growing varieties. A wonderful change in the appearance of the reserve might by these means be effected in the course of five or six years. A few trees might also with advantage be planted in the front of the Asylum f but care should be taken not to obstruct the view of the sea. It would, I think, be injudicious to plant any of the deciduous forest trees, for experience on this part of the coast shows that the young shoots cannot face the prevailing winds from the sea. The question of planting seems well worthy of consideration, as it is doubtless of importance to the success of a Lunatic Asylum that its surroundings as well as its internal arrangements should be made attractive. Some draining would in the first place be necessary ; but from what I have seen, I believe all the requisite labour might be obtained within the walls of the institution. I have had occasion in former reports to allude favourably to the manner in which the Keeper, Mr. Gribben, discharges the duties of his post. Further experience has but confirmed my opinion, and I am able to say that the Medical Officer, Dr. Dermott, agrees with me in thinking that the Provincial Government were singularly fortunate in obtaining the services of a person so well qualified in all respects to have charge of a Lunatic Asylum as Mr. Gribben. He has invariably displayed the greatest interest in his work, is well liked by the patients, and his conduct on all occasions has shown that the high testimonials he brought from Victoria were fully deserved. Much remains to be done to make the institution what the public would like to see it; but notwithstanding the short time that has elapsed since the building was first erected, and the limited means at the disposal of those to whom the custody of the insane is intrusted in Westland, I am justified in saying that the Hokitika Asylum is on a creditable footing, and will certainly compare very favourably with other institutions of the same kind in New Zealand. I have, &c, G. G. FitzGebald, Inspector of Lunatic Asylum for the Province of Westland. Betubn under Part IV., Section 60, of " The Lunatics Act, 1868." Number of visits to Sea View Lunatic Asylum during half-year ended December 31st, 1874: —Visits, 3 ; miles travelled, 9. Total number of patients seen during the above visits, 162. Average number of Lunatics in custody during half-year ended as above: —Males, 38"59; females, 15 '06. G. G. FitzGeeald, Inspector of Lunatic Asylum, Province of Westland. Note. —No reports received from Wellington, Nelson, or Otago. By Authority: Gbokge Didsbdet, Government Printer, Wellington.—lß7s. [Price 6cZ.]