7

H.—lo.

Christchurch. The number of patients on the Ist January, 1884, was 337, 218 males and 119 females. During the year 26 males and 17 females were admitted for the first time, and 10 males and 9 females readmitted. The total number under care was 399, viz., 254 males and 145 females. Of these there were discharged as "recovered" 10 males and 11 females; 7 males and 4 females were discharged as "relieved" or "not improved;" while 16 males and 3 females died. At the end of the year there remained in the asylum 221 males and 127 females; total, 348. The recoveries amounted to 33"87 per cent of the admissions; the deaths were 555 per cent of the average number resident. The system of land drainage noticed in the last report has been completed, and must be regarded as a great success. Nothing has been done in the matter of diverting the public road, which cuts the asylum grounds into two portions, and is quite close to the new airing-court. This is an important matter, and, but for some personal opposition, might be effected without injury to any one's interests. I visited this asylum on the 12th, 13th, and 15th December, 1884, and again on the 15th, 16th, and 17th April, and 7th May, 1885; making the following reports in the Inspector's book: — On the 12th, 13th, and 15th December, 1884, I made my periodical inspection of the Sunnyside Asylum. Every part of the establishment was visited. The usual statutory inquiries were made, and the orders of admission and medical certificates examined. A number of patients' letters, detained as improper for transmission by post as addressed, were read and ordered to be destroyed. The registers, case-books, and ledgers were all found to be in due form and well kept; these and the patients-book were signed by me. The number of patients in the asylum books lias been as high as 350. It is now precisely the same as on the occasion of my last visit, viz., 345. Of these, 219 are males and 126 females. Included in these figures are three men and two women absent on probation. With these five exceptions I have seen every patient, and opportunity has been given to every one to converse with me, if they desired. The females I saw at their various occupations and in their respective wards. Those of the refractory class were specially retained in their own room, in order that the inadequacy of the accommodation there furnished might be the more forcibly impressed upon my mind. I can only repeat, what I have more than once written, that no delay should occur in enlarging this ward, for which work I believe estimates were long since prepared. On the first day of my visit I saw all the male patients in their own buildings and workshops. Next day they were assembled on parade for my inspection in the grounds of the asylum, and put 'through a simple form of drill. It may appear incredible that every patient of the worst class took part in this parade, and that the most perfect discipline, order, and silence prevailed during my inspection. Not the slightest excitement was noticeable; and I satisfied myself, by visiting them, that the whole of the refractory wards were empty, the doors being left open. The difficulty of accomplishing this thing must have been very great, and must have involved a vast amount of patience and perseverance, for many of the- male patients are of as bad a class as can be found in any asylum. Five patients, of the more intelligent class, refused to join in the drill; the remainder could not be spared from their employment in the kitchen, or were too ill or feeble to attend. I understand—indeed it is very obvious—that this parade-drill is regularly practised. The effect is very beneficial with patients of indolent habits, and it is certainly an indication of the kind and patient treatment received from the attendants, without which it would be impossible of accomplishment. The patients throughout the asylum appear to enjoy good health; four of each sex I saw in bed. These were chiefly suffering from temporary ailments. No person was either in restraint or seclusion, this form of treatment being used in great moderation. It is almost needless to remark that cleanliness, order, and neatness were everwhere apparent. The only complaints made related to detention in the asylum, and these were all inquired into by me. The stores, under Mr. Seager's management, are admirably kept; stocks have been considerably reduced at my suggestion, and evidences that economy is well studied are not wanting. I noticed a number of garden and other tools very cleverly constructed by one of the patients from old pieces of iron. Eegarding employment, I find that about 135 men and 75 women on the average are usefully occupied. Amusements here receive an unusual amount of attention. Entertainments of the most varied kind are given with great and regular frequency, and country walks are taken part in by about 80 patients weekly. lam glad to find that Divine service is now regularly held on each Sunday. The Eev. Mr. Holland is also frequently at the asylum on week-days, and. is well spoken of both by the patients and the staff. The evening-school classes continue to be successfully held. I notice that the visitors to the asylum number about 100 monthly. The kitchen is kept in a very orderly condition; everything is clean and in its right place, the food and its cooking being very satisfactory. The farm-stock to-day consists of 4 cows, 2 calves, 2 steers, and 35 pigs. Since my last visit a fine airing-court for male patients has been constructed and will shortly be in use.