H.—4,

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female patients included two Scandinavians and one Maori. The latter, after about four months detention, was returned in improved health to her friends, who promised to take charge of her; and I have since heard a favourable account of her. One German man (Mittler) and one Scandinavian woman (Ole Maria Jensen) are recent immigrants, aud appear to have been insane when they arrived in the colony. One young man, Herbert Beid, was brought before the Magistrate's Court here charged with attempted suicide, and, being evidently insane, was submitted for medical certificate and sent to the Asylum. He has since made several attempts on his life, and has now to be confined in the gaol for greater security against a recurrence of these attempts. It will be observed that the number of the insane in the province has increased in about the same proportion as the population; and as many of these art; incurable persons, w rho may, however, live for many years, it is obvious that the capacity of the Asylum must from time to time be extended, unless arrangements can be made for drafting them off to a Central Asylum where they would have greater advantages in respect of exercise and recreation than can be afforded them in a small institution, where they must either be all huddled together (so far, at least, as each sex is concerned), or, if classified, the limited space and accommodation must be still further restricted by the necessity of subdividing ; in addition to which it will be observed also that from the small number of patients few amusements can be introduced, nor can they have the advantages of constant supervision by a medical officer specially devoted to that branch of his profession. I trust, therefore, that when the Assembly provides for the administration of the estates of the several provinces, the subject of transferring the insane (with the exception of temporary cases) from the smaller of the existing Asylums to one or more large ones will be considered. In conclusion, I have only to say that the patients are well attended to by the officer in charge of them, and due regard is paid to cleanliness, ventilation, &c. A i'ew books and illustrated and other newspapers are supplied to them by the kindness of visitors and friends. I have, &c, H. B. Scaly, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Inspector.

NELSON. No. 6. Mr. Bough to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Sir, — Lunatic Asylum, Nelson, sth January, 1876. I do myself the honor to report to you that since tho 19th July last, eleven male and four female insane persons have been admitted to this Asylum under medical certificates and requisite orders from the proper authorities. Seven men and one woman have been discharged cured or relieved, and two men removed ; two men having also died. There remains at this time thirty male and seventeen female lunatics. "With reference to my report of the 19th July last, I beg leave to state that preparations are being made for removing the insane to the new Asylum, but much still remains to be done to render that building and grounds suitable for their reception; and as the summer season is passing, it is very desirable that everything should be done to render the new Asylum completely ready before the approach of winter. I beg leave earnestly to call your attention to the subject in my last report before mentioned, especially as regards the necessity for more space, and means of affording out-door and in-door occupation and amusements for the insane. No arrangement whatever appears to be in progress for erecting separate accommodation for refractory and noisy lunatics, so necessary in a wooden building to prevent disturbance to the quieter patients. I have, &c, D. Bough, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Honorary Inspector.

WESTLAND. No. 7. Mr. FitzG-erald to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Office of Inspector of Lunatic Asylums, Sir,— Hokitika, 29th January, 1876. I have the honor to report as follows on the Luuatic Asylum at Hokitika, for the year ended December 31st, 1875 s— Males. Females. Total. Tho number of patients in the Asylum on December 31, 1875, was 37 11 48 The number at the end of the previous year having been ... 40 13 53 There were received during the year 1875 ... ... 14 2 16 There were discharged cured during the same period ... 8 3 11 Discharged improved ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 2 Died during the year ... ... ... ... ... 7 1 S The causes of death were as follows : —Males : Disease of the heart, 1; softening of the brain, 2 ; paralysis, 2 ; epilepsy, 1; erysipelas, I—total, 7. Females : Softening of the brain, 1. Total, 8.

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