11

H.-7

remand. The whole of them are evidently well cared for and kindly treated. No complaint whatever was 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 cheerful 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.

20th January, 1884.—1 have this day made my periodical inspection of the asylum, of which I have seen every portion. At present there are on the books 32 patients—2o males .and 12 females. One female is absent on trial, and two males and one female are detained " on remand, pending medical examination." I saw and conversed with all the patients, some of whom are faulty in habits, and otherwise troublesome. Eight of this class should, if possible, be transferred to the Wellington Asylum, and I have caused inquiries to be made with this view. I saw no case of illness, and witnessed no excitement or noisy conduct. The whole establishment is kept very clean, and in excellent order. Economy has been carried a little too far in the matter of bedding, and I have directed a requisition to be forwarded to head-quarters for the necessary materials. Some small repairs and painting of windowsashes are also needed and will receive attention. The usual statutory inquiries were made by me, and the whole of the books examined, with satisfactory results. The anxieties and duties of the Superintendent and his staff have been a good deal increased by the recent overcrowding, but they have proved themselves equal to the occasion. Nelson Asylum. The patients numbered, on the Ist January, 1883, 47 males and 38 females: total, 85. 12 males and 10 females were admitted during the year for the first time, and 2 males and 2 females were readmitted. The total number treated was 111—61 males and 50 females. There were discharged "recovered" 5 males and 4 females, and as "relieved" or "not improved" 2 males and 1 female—l male and 3 females died ; leaving at the close of the year 53 males and 42 females : total, 95. The percentage of recoveries on admissions was 3461, and the death-rate on the average number resident 3 - 92. This asylum was inspected by me on 26th April, 1883; on the 9th, 10th, 12th, and 13th November; and again on the 13th and 14th May, 1884. I wrote the following reports in the Inspector's Book :— 26th April, 1883.—1 have this day inspected every part of the asylum, and seen all the patients, with the exception of M E , who is absent on trial. I have also examined the various books, and made all necessary inquiries. The establishment is in its usual creditable condition; everything is scrupulously clean; the patients are well clothed, well fed, and free from excitement. No complaint was made to me which would bear investigation. The exterior of the building has recently been painted, and I noticed some additional ornamental objects in the wards. Great progress has been made with the cultivation of the newly-acquired land. A verandah is much needed in the male court, and I strongly recommend that the erection of the billiard-room be proceeded with. I am glad to find that Mr. Mills has derived considerable apparent benefit from his recent holiday.

9th, 10th, and 12th November, 1883.—1 have devoted a considerable portion of each of the above-mentioned days to an inspection of the Nelson Asylum. All the registers, books, orders, and medical certificates have been examined by me, and were properly kept and in legal form. I have seen every patient, and visited every portion of the buildings and grounds. The number of patients is at present 95, one male having died on the 10th November last: of these, 52 are males and 43 females. Nearly the whole of these I found in good health, and I witnessed no excitement. No one was in seclusion upon either of these days: the record's show that sixteen patients have been subjected to this form of treatment during the past twelve months, the period of such confinements being usually very short. I found no one restrained in any other way. Two of the men complained of illegal detention; and to one of these, who asked for it, an opportunity was given of a private interview with me : I can state without hesitation that they are both very properly confined. The proportion of those who are usefully employed is very large, 43 men and 34 women rendering good service in some form. A very considerable amount of personal liberty is allowed. Walks are* often taken by large parties in the neighbourhood of the town ; and there is less appearance of restraint, in the way of fences, than in any other asylum in the colony. Amusements are liberally provided. The arrangements for Divine service remain as heretofore. The patients were found to be neatly and suitably dressed. Some two or three cause trouble and difficulty in this matter by their persistently destructive habits. Personal cleanliness is carefully attended to. The stores and rations were examined by me, and found to be good. A considerable increase having taken place in the number of patients, great overcrowding now prevails, and demands serious attention. On the male side there are eleven in excess of the