13

H.—lo

timbers of the roof. Some exploratory sinkings are being made, with the view of ascertaining the cause of the subsidence, and of devising a remedy for it if possible. The wet condition of the basement remains without alleviation, and will assuredly lead to the rapid decay of the floor-joists. I have grave doubts whether it is proper to occupy these rooms in their present state, which is dangerous to the health of both patients and attendants. The leakage through the roof of the large hall shows greatly extended damage upon each of my successive visits, and ought to receive immediate attention. The hot-water tanks, lined with, lead, are frequently under repair, and will eventually become unserviceable, after causing much mischief to ceilings. Some of the bath-room ceilings are being destroyed by leakage from valves and waste-pipes; the former unprovided with safes, and the latter having joints made of putty instead of solder. A great deal of painting was either executed with bad material or upon damp surfaces, and is becoming very unsightly. The laundry is by no means a success, the bulk of the money set apart for its construction having been spent upon architectural effects. A larger steam boiler here is a matter of necessity, the present one being a mere toy—extravagant of fuel, but incapable of supplying sufficient steam for the drying-chamber. The large increase in the number of patients taxes the present arrangements beyond their capacity. A proper stove for heating a number of irons must also be supplied, as well as a mangle and a wringing-machine. The roads and paths about the asylum are in a very bad state of muddiness; a great deal of road-metal is necessary for their formation and repair. The airing-courts also are so wet, for want of proper drains, that the patients are kept within doors, much to their detriment. The two large halls are perfectly useless, having no seats or tables, and being without any means of lighting them. Furniture ought to be supplied without further delay, and gasworks established. The whole of the asylum is at present wretchedly lighted by kerosene lamps, which require the entire services of a man to trim and attend to. They are also an element of considerable danger. Lighting by gas would materially assist in warming the building, which is wretchedly cold now, and must be still more so in winter; while the whole of the residual products of manufacture would find a ready use in the establishment. Viewed only as a matter of economy the provision of a proper gas-making plant is highly desirable. A hot-water supply must in some way be provided for the upper buildings. Dr. Neill can probably supply this deficiency at a small outlay. Since my last visit of inspection an assistant medical officer has been appointed, and the choice appears to have fallen upon a good man, Dr. Nelson, who is making himself thoroughly acqiiainted with all the working details of the asylum. Under many difficulties Dr. Neill is gradually bringing the asylum into excellent order. He is indefatigable in his efforts, and possessed of great administrative ability. He certainly is successful in attracting the services of good officers, both male and female ; and also of retaining them in his service by kind and considerate treatment, although combined with a firm discipline. Wellington. On the Ist January, 1884, there were here 170 patients, 103 males and 67 femalesDuring the year 42 males and 25 females were admitted for the first time ; 4 males and 3 females were readmitted. The total number under treatment was 244, 149 males and 95 females. Eighteen males and 16 females were discharged as "recovered," 1 male and 3 females as "relieved" or "not improved;" 7 males and 3 females died. The numbers remaining on the .31 st December were 123 males and 73 females; total, 196. The proportion of recoveries to admissions was 45"94 per cent. The death-rate was 540 per cent, calculated upon the average number resident. A large number of improvements, external and internal, have been carried out at this asylum during the past year, but no additional accommodation has been provided, and the establishment has fully as many patients as it can conveniently house. My visits were paid on the following dates : 6th, 13th, and 26th June, 29th August, 2nd 4th, Bth, and 22nd September, 7th October, 4th and sth November, 1884; 2nd, 3rd, sth, and 7th February, 17th March, 9th April, and 10th June, 1885. My entries in the Inspector's book follow : — 7th February, 1885. —I have to-day concluded my inspection of the Wellington Asylum, which has occupied my attention on the 2nd, 3rd, sth, and 7th February. There are this day 197 patients on the register, viz., 121 males and 76 females; an increase of 12 since my last report. The male division is overcrowded, and an endeavour will be shortly made to arrange for the transfer of some patients of this sex to the Seacliff Asylum. I have seen and conversed with all those who desired to speak to me. No complaints, which had any substantial foundation, were made. All were suitably dressed and very clean. A few were wearing dresses of strong material on account of destructive propensities; but, with one exception, that of a well-known patient, no one was in any way restrained mechanically, nor was any person in seclusion. The latter form of treatment has been resorted to very sparingly, and only with a few patients of very violent character. I found three of the males and three females in bed. These were labouring under excitement, or were feeble from epilepsy or old age. No illness appears to prevail, and the number under medical treatment is very small.