9

H.—3

here a very large proportion of unfavourable cases. One woman alone (B.) was noisy. No reasonable complaints were made to me upon any subject. A man named W. M. complained of his detention, and I gave him an ample opportunity of stating his grievances. I have made a note of his case in the Patients' 800k —to the effect that I cannot, at present, recommend his discharge on trial, as I believe him to be a dangerous man. The clothing of the patients appeared to me to be suitable, and it was clean and in good order. In some way or another all are employed with the exception of 10 males and 7 females. Dinner was served in my presence, and consisted of broth, boiled beef, potatoes, and cheese and bread for the working-men ; it was of good quality, and eaten in an orderly manner. A portion of the cooking is now done successfully in gas-ovens. The whole of the establishment I found in the best possible order : good order and scrupulous cleanliness were everywhere apparent. The beds and bedding were examined, and found to be in excellent condition. The accommodation afforded by the detached building, called " the cottage," is of a very superior order. This, and the well-planned gardens, called " airing-courts," would do credit to any English asylum. The Medical Officer visits the asylum at least three times a week, and daily if necessary. Under the Act of 1882, section 78, a daily visit is required. He appears to give undivided attention to all the patients, and makes remarks as to their condition in a book kept for that purpose. In matters of recreation I find that all opportunities of visiting places of amusement in the neighbourhood are taken advantage of; and that a weekly dance, with an occasional dramatic eutertainment, takes place. No doubt can be entertained as to the value of the services rendered to this asylum by the Superintendent and the Matron, Mr. and Mrs. Gribben. 16th Eebruary, 1883. The Deputy-Inspector, Mr. B. Clapcott, visits the Asylum with great regularity and frequency. Napier Asylum. On the Ist January, 1882, there were 14 males and 8 females in the asylum. Two men and 4 women were admitted for the first time during the year, and 3 men were readmitted. The total number under care was 31. Two males were discharged "recovered;" and 2 males and 7 females discharged "relieved" or "not improved." One male patient died. -The total remaining on the 31st December was 19 —14 males and 5 females. This building forms part of the gaol. With so small a number of inmates no classification can be carried out, and there is little scope for either employment or amusement. Lunatics should only be placed here temporarily, pending removal to a proper asylum. I visited the establishment on the 14th and 17th April, 1883, and left the following report in the Inspector's Book : — I have this day inspected the Napier Asylum in every part, and have seen every patient, with the exception of two females who are at present absent on trial. There are at present on the books 15 males and 6 females ; also one patient (M. W.) on remand. The whole of them are evidently well cared for and kindly treated. No complaints whatever were made to me. The establishment is kept in a very creditable condition, everything being scrupulously clean and orderly. I saw a good and substantial dinner served. Everything is cooked in the adjoining gaol. The day-rooms are cheerfully and suitably furnished. The sleeping-rooms are small, but well ventilated. Straw beds are in use. Bedding in excellent order. ' The airing-court, overlooking the sea, is planted and laid down in grass. It is used by both sexes alternately. Certainly the most has been made of very cramped and ill-contrived buildings, which are only fit for a receiving-house for lunatics, and not for their permanent care and treatment. The books and papers I found to be in due form, and well kept. I made all the inquiries enjoined by the statute, and received satisfactory replies. No doubt can be entertained as to the judicious and skilful management of Mr. Miller, the Superintendent ; and those who work under his guidance are also entitled to much credit. 14th April, 1883. Mr. G. A. Smith, the Deputy-Inspector, takes great interest in his duties. Nelson Asylum. The patients numbered, on the Ist January, 1882, 43 males, 28 females: total, 171. Seventeen males and 10 females were admitted during the year for the first time, and 1 male and 4 females readmitted. The total number treated was 103 —61 males and 42 females. There were discharged "recovered" 9 males and 2 females, and as "relieved" or "not improved " 3 males. Two males and 2 females died,' leaving at the close of the year 47 males and 38 females : total, 85. The percentage of recoveries on the admissions was 40'74, and the death-rate on the average number resident 4*70. 2—H. 3.