19

H.—9

Since my last inspection, 18 have been admitted and 16 discharged. No person was uuder restraint; two females were in bed, secluded for the day from public view from outside for decency's sake. I spoke to them, they seemed contented and made no complaint. Five patients were sick and confined to their beds. The place is overcrowded, and some have to sleep on beds made up on the floor. I visited every part of the building, and am happy to say that I found everything in good order, and as clean as could be. I examined the books and other official papers, and found them in good order and properly kept. I went over the asylum with the Superintendent, Dr. Neill.

Seacliff Asylum. Dunedin, 20th June, 1882. Yesterday I visited the Seacliff Asylum in company with Dr. Neill. The officer in charge, Mr. McDonald, informed me that he had under his care 128 males and 5 female patients. With him and Dr. Neill I inspected all the buildings; went through every part of them, and am happy to say found them, as usual, very clean and free from offensive smells. A number of male patients were outside doing farm-work, but a larger number were within the buildings and yards doing nothing. I spoke freely to all who seemed desirous of speaking to me; they made no complaints; none were under restraint, nor in seclusion, and none sick in bed. Mr. McDonald answered all my questions in regard to the place and its inmates readily and satisfactorily. I omitted to say earlier that the 5 females were employed assisting in the kitchen.