12

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number for whom proper sleeping accommodation exists, and on the female side about six. The billiard-room, in course of erection, will provide sufficient day-room space for a time; and will prove, when furnished, a great acquisition. The timber used in its construction appears to be very rough', and the interior will be disfigured by iron tie-rods, which might well have been dispensed with in so small a building. The two small airing-courts, into which some of the single rooms open, have been much improved by the completion of the verandahs within them. A small greenhouse, ornamental as well as useful, has been erected in the front garden. This was done by patients' labour with the exception of the brickwork. New flower-beds have been made in the front airing-courts. An old and dilapidated building has been removed from the kitchen-garden, and furnished the materials for erecting a good' shed and a range of new pig-styes in the recently-acquired portion of the estate. The land here has been brought into good cultivation, and promises good crops of fruit, potatoes, and other vegetables. It has been provided with excellent gates of home manufacture. The asylum grounds comprise altogether 13 acres, to which will shortly be added 2-J- more, recently purchased. Every portion is kept in cultivation and made the best possible use of ; but it is perfectly clear that a larger area is required, the more so if the number of patients be increased, as seems unavoidable. Vegetables and fruit command a ready market at remunerative prices, and a considerable annual sum is already derived from this source, and might be much increased, could additional land be obtained. Of the water-supply I have an unfavourable report to make. Notwithstanding the arrangements made with the City Council, and the payment of a large subsidy by the Government, no water at all is to be obtained during many hours of the day ; and the pressure is at all times insufficient against fire. This result I predicted, when the scheme was explained to me by the Mayor last year. Ten iron tanks are filled during the night, as they were before any alteration was made in the water-mains ; the benefit, under the arrangement, being little or none. Immediate action should be taken to remedy this state of things. Regarding the domestic arrangements of the asylum, I can again speak very highly. Good order, comfort, and perfect cleanliness are everywhere apparent. The patients continue to receive great kindness and unremitting attention from the Superintendent and the Matron, as well as from the Visiting Medical Officer.

13th and 14th May, 1884.—There are now 99 patients on the registers of the Nelson Asylum : 55 are males and 44 females, one of the latter being absent on. probation. All the resident patients I have seen. I find them well fed, well clothed, and in every way made as comfortable as circumstances will permit. Three of the men requested to be released from confinement; I listened to their statements, and found them all unfit to be at large. General good health prevails; one man only is in bed, and he is suffering from disease of the brain, with paralysis. No one was in seclusion on either day of my visit, and I am pleased to find that this, mode of treatment is now seldom resorted to. A Maori was wearing strong leather gloves, and gave ocular demonstration of the necessity for them; he is extremely destructive of clothing. With the exception of ten males and nine females all are more or less usefully employed. The arrangements for Divine service remain as before. The means of amusement have been supplemented by the purchase of a fine billiard-table, which stands in the large room recently built. The second day of my visit being wet, I had an opportunity of seeing the value of«this addition. A large number of the men are able to use the table in turn, and greatly appreciate the privilege. Towards its purchase no less than £60 was raised by entertainments and private subscriptions. The greenhouse has been completed, and is gradually being stocked with plants. A more suitable dining-room has been provided for the male attendants adjoining the kitchen. Their old room is now converted into a bedroom. Considerable progress has been made in repainting the wards and corridors, also the kitchen. This work is done entirely by patients' labour. The only addition made to the furniture is seven wire bedsteads. Since my last visit four additional patients have required accommodation. _ Overcrowding is urgent on the female side, and might be remedied at small cost by the erection of a detached laundry, and the conversion of the rooms hitherto used for that purpose into dormitories. _ This matter should receive early attention. On the male side the evil has, for a time, been remedied by the purchase and renovation of the cottage at the back of the asylum. I find that twelve patients, of quiet habits, and two attendants occupy bedrooms here, which are very comfortable and perfectly suitable. The adjoining newly-purchased land, of nearly two acres, is rapidly being cleared and brought under cultivation. Much necessity exists for additional space, so as to provide extended outdoor occupation for the men. lam sorry to find that the Refuge still deprives tho asylum of a valuable portion of its estate. • ' A reserve of about two acres, on the side of the valley fronting the asylum, has been cleared of gorse and fenced in by asylum labour. This will be planted next spring with potatoes. Another reserve at a greater distance will also shortly be made some use of, but will not remedy the want of more land close to the asylum buildings. I have examined and tasted the food supplied. This is all.of good quality, and is well cooked and neatly served. There was an entire absence of excitement during my presence, and the conduct of the patients at three meals which I saw partaken of was as orderly as that of sane individuals. No complaint upon any subject was made to me. I can repeat my remarks made upon former visits as to the general cleanliness, order, and discipline prevalent in the asylum, which is evidently well and economically administered. . On the first day of my visit I had the advantage of being accompanied by the Hon. J. O. Richmond, Deputy-Inspector. The whole of the books, orders, and certificates are properly written up, and in statutory form.