H.—3

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the most primitive and unsatisfactory nature. A properly-constructed drying-closet is very much needed. There is no airing-court worthy of the name in existence; and I would recommend that a high fence be at once erected round the garden space adjoining each front wing of the asylum, so as to provide suitable exercise-grounds for the quieter class of patients. This fencing would be to a great extent concealed by existing trees, and would not prevent a view of the surrounding country from the higher portion of the ground. There is no other suitable spot for airing-courts where so good a shelter from cold winds can be obtained. Eor the more excitable patients no provision of this kind can be made until the back premises are rebuilt. The levelling of the ground, which is contemplated in the proposed improvements, is of too onerous a character to be undertaken by the labour of patients, who are moreover fully occupied already with the cultivation of the land and garden. All the statutory inquiries were duly made by me ; the books were inspected and found to be properly kept; the orders of admission and medical certificates were examined, and also a number of letters written by patients. The staff of attendants appeared to be sufficient, the head male and female attendants good officers, and I could entertain no doubt that Dr. King devotes his best attention to the admiaistration of the asylum under many difficulties, and deserves much praise. 22nd November, 1882. Mr. Mackay, the Deputy-Inspector, has rendered valuable service by his regular visitation and useful suggestions. Ashburn Hall {Licensed House). This establishment was opened on the 23rd October, 1882. Seven male patients and 3 females have been admitted, and no discharge or death took place up to the close of the year. I inspected the whole on the 27th January, 1883, and wrote the following report in the Inspector's Book : — I have this day visited Ashburn Hall (licensed house), which is situated in a very good estate of about 90 acres, at Waikari, a short distance from Dunedin. The establishment is licensed for 40 patients —viz., 22 males and 18 females. At the time of my visit 8 males and 3 females were under treatment, one of the males having been committed as a habitual drunkard, and not being under medical certificates. I have examined all the books and papers, and made all the inquiries enjoined by the statute. The books are properly entered up. One patient (male) is recorded as being under medical treatment. No one was under any form of restraint or secluded. The establishment is exceedingly well arranged, and offers to its inmates all the comforts of a private country house. The sitting-rooms are neatly and substantially furnished. Each patient has a separate bedroom, the bedding being all that could be desired. Baths and closets of the most approved construction are provided in convenient situations. A splendid supply of water is obtained under considerable pressure from the neighbouring hills, and is connected with proper fire-hydrants in the corridors. The drainage runs through a properly-trapped outlet to a cesspool at a distance from the building, and will be used upon the land. Considerable progress is being made in levelling and forming ornamental gardens, and a tennis-ground. Good farm-buildings are placed at a short distance from the asylum, and a suitable laundry is in course of erection. An excellent wagonette with a pair of horses is in frequent use for the patients, who are moreover well provided with means of amusement in the form of games, books, magazines, and a variety of illustrated and other papers. I conversed with every patient, and ail were apparently contented with their surroundings. One of them, who had recently been out on trial, appealed to me for his discharge, but was obviously unfit to be at large. My visit gave me a very good impression of the general management and arrangements. It is quite evident that neither trouble nor expense has been spared in making the establishment accord with the modern views of treating the insane. A public want has certainly here been supplied, and Dr. Alexander and Mr. Hume deserve success in their enterprise, which must prove a success when the institution becomes better known. 27th January, 1883. I have, &c, George Wallington G-rabham.