9

H.—4

The average weekly cost for maintenance of each patient was 19s. Id., which includes every expense incurred on behalf of the institution. The sleeping accommodation of the Asylum is insufficient, but the buildings have recently been inspected by the Provincial Engineer, and I understand that the Provincial Government contemplate making some additions which will remedy this defect. With this exception, experience has shown that the Asylum buildings are admirably suited for the purpose for which they were designed. The daywards are roomy, lofty, and well ventilated; the cooking arrangements are admirable ; there are good baths and wash-houses ; and the situation of the Asylum is all that could be desired. The male patients have already done a great deal towards beautifying and improving the site. In front of both the male and female divisions there is a large garden, tolerably well stocked with flowers, shrubs, and young trees, and running out to the edge of the high terrace which overlooks the sea. At the rear of the Asylum the patients have, under the supervision of the Keeper, cleared and laid out as an ornamental garden about four acres of land. The whole of these four acres is well stocked; and the numerous young trees, principally evergreens, are thriving well, and in the course of a few years will become useful both for shade and shelter. To the eastward of this garden extends a reserve for " Provincial Government purposes," and there the stronger patients are employed in wood-cutting, and in growing vegetables for the Asylum. The artisans are employed at their various trades when practicable, and in almost every instance work willingly and skilfully. As an instance, I may mention that the carpenters, besides doing a good deal of useful work about the main building, have recently put up in one part of the grounds a large and well-constructed summer-house, and in another part an aviary, which is about to be stocked with birds. In previous reports I have mentioned the various amusements which are provided—viz., for " out of doors," cricket and quoits ; and for " in doors," billiards, draughts, cards, <fee. There is a weekly dance in the Asylum ; and the patients are from time to time taken out to races and local sports. Occasionally they have been taken to the theatre, and every Saturday they walk in the suburbs of the town. In conclusion, I would remark that great credit is due to Mr. Gribben, the keeper, for the manner in which he has discharged his onerous duties. I have, Ac, G. G. Fitz Gerald, Inspector of Lunatic Asylums for the Province of Westland. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Beturn under Part IV., Section 60, of "The Lunatics Act, 1868." Number of visits to the Sea View Lunatic Asylum during the half-year ended December 31st, 1875, 3; total number of patients seen during the above visits, 144 ; number of miles travelled, 9. Average number of patients in the Asylum during the half-year ended December 31st, 1875, 51. G. G. FitzGerald, Inspector.

CANTEEBURY. No. 8. Mr. Hamilton to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Sunnyside Lunatic Asylum, Canterbury. 1. For the information of the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, I have the honor to report that, during the year ended 31st December, 1875, I made eleven official visits to Sunnyside Asylum. They were made at intervals of about one month apart, and when they were not likely to be expected, —sometimes on days when it was known that other official duty usually required my attendance at Christchurch. Some visits were made at nights, others within four or five days of a previous inspection. It was thus ascertained that no falling off in the management was allowed, on the presumption that the Inspector would not be seen again for some weeks. 2. The " number of patients seen" each time was from 162 in January to 180 at the end of December, the numbers gradually increasing as usual all through the year. The proportion of females to males remains at about one-half as heretofore. 3. The "number of miles travelled " by the Inspector is nominal, the Asylum being between two and three miles only from Christchurch. 4. The "state and condition of the buildings " is very satisfactory (and indeed could not be more so) as far as regards the new female wards built of concrete, and forming the western wing of a large and what will be a complete structure, designed with a view to providing amply for the wants of the future, and on plans tried and approved in England. To this wing, carrying out the general plan, an addition is so far advanced towards completion as to secure accommodation for thirty-two more female patients in the course of the year 1876. In this part of the Asylum, nothing has, 1 think, been overlooked that could insure the comfort and well-being of the patients, or promote the restoration to health of those who may be curable. In my report of last year, the arrangements of this new female ward were mentioned in detail. I have only to add, that since then a spacious and tastefully planted garden and shrubbery and a recreation ground have been finished and got into good order. The use of it, or even the look-out over it from the windows and balcony, cannot fail to be conducive to the cheerfulness of the female patients. The airing-yard for the " refractories " has been asphalted and well drained, and has thus the advantage of being fit for use almost as soon as rain has passed over. By the ingenious contrivance of a large mound in the centre of the yard, with a summer-house on the top, Mr. E. W. Seager, the keeper, has provided that this very difficult class of patients shall be able at all times to enjoy the view over the surrounding country, while, at the same time, no extra risk is incurred of their being able to escape. I need scarcely remark on the great assistance the Medical Officer must derive, in his attempts to effect a cure, from any plan that should tend to remove the depression of 2—H. 4.