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wants of the patients are regularly attended to by the ministers of their denominations. The various statutory books and documents I found in order. The management of the asylum by Mr. and Mrs. White, and the attention to the medical treatment by Dr. Boor, are exceedingly satisfactory. Hohitika. 24th January, 1888.—I concluded this day my second annual inspection of this asylum. The number of patients is 103. Of these, 73 are males and 30 females—an increase of 3 males since my last visit, and a decrease of 9 females. All of these, with the exception of five males who were confined to bed, were walking in the grounds, the day of my first visit being Sunday. Four of the five who remained in bed were suffering from slight ailments. One man w Tore canvas gloves to keep him from keeping open a sore on his face. Of the whole number of patients only 8 males and 5 females are unable to wash, dress, and feed themselves. Of the males, all but 10 are able to do some kind of work, and as many as 48 are employed on the farm, or in such work as wood-cutting, &c. For the women it is found here, as elsewhere, much more difficult to find a variety of employments; it is therefore all the more gratifying to find that so many as 24 are engaged in some form of domestic work. The most striking fact in the management of Mr. Gribben is just this high proportion of patients whom ho succeeds in inducing to exert themselves in some way or other, thereby improving their physical condition and procuring natural sleep. I was specially struck with the happy use which has been made of the privilege of admission to the building known as the cottage— a commodious building, surrounded with beautiful grounds of its own. Admission to this is greatly desired, and is a strong motive to work. I have nothing but commendation for the organization and discipline of the institution, which are admirable in all respects. Mr. Gribben has manifestly infused his own vigour and energy into the staff, and the result is very gratifying. Dr. Macandrew's important duties are fulfilled with the most exemplary devotion. His case-book showed how carefully he conducts the treatment of each case, and I am perfectly confident that nothing is neglected which can conduce to the welfare of his patients. I examined all the books and documents, and found everything in perfect order. Ashbum Hall. Ist July, 1887.—1 have this day made a careful inspection of this institution, and conversed with and examined every one of the inmates. I found nobody in seclusion, nor any one under any form of restraint. All were free to go in and out at their pleasure ; and, except for the complaint of one or two of their being deprived of freedom, all spoke in the highest terms of the treatment they received. I found their rooms and beds clean and comfortable. All were warmly clad, and their food is abundant and of good quality. As soon as any patient is able to do any work great pains are taken to interest him in some employment which beguiles the hours and procures healthy sleep. None of the public asylums of the colony offer anything like the advantages of this institution. For acute cases the privacy and seclusion are invaluable means of treatment. I have never seen a more signal proof of this than the case of the lady whose case seemed so unpromising at the time of my last report, and who is now quite recovered and is about to be discharged. Another case is that of an educated gentleman who was transferred here from Wellington Asylum, where he had been a dangerous lunatic from 1880 to 1886. Now he is quite gentle and well-behaved, and is allowed to go about the farm and grounds without restraint of any kind. My visits here are always pleasant, and nothing is more gratifying than to see the kindly spirit that animates and permeates the institution. I found all the books and documents in proper order, and satisfied myself that no one is improperly detained. Since my last inspection the Rev. B. E. M. Sutherland, of Kaikorai, has been appointed Visiting Chaplain to the institution. There is ample accommodation for twenty additional patients. I have, &c, D. Macgebgok, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Inspector of Asylums.