H.—29

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what other cause can Mr. Stewart's action, in failing to report the bad cooking, be attributable to than his fear of the doctor when the attendants' interests are brought up. From my point of view, also, the matron is largely to blame, as she is, I believe, supposed to see the cooking is properly carried out. At all events the doctor seemed to have tried hard to make a case out against the staff, simply because he jumped to the conclusion that you wished to make disparaging remarks about one or two of the Asylum officials. The matron, I presume, was one of them ; and all we know about the matron is, that she is in some degree answerable for the bad cooking, else why did the doctor try to defend her. No one can dispute the fact that if the head of a Lunatic Asylum does not treat his attendants in a gentlemanly, just, and straight-forward manner, he cannot look for that respect and goodfeeling which are the first essential points which should exist between him and the staff. "What other spirit fosters the general feeling than that the doctor treats us as inferior beings, than his manner and air, and lofty stand-aloof-style, when approached by any of us. We do not like it; and lam afraid one of Dr. King's weak points is his inability to grasp and lay square the corner-stone, to speak illustratively, of his utter want of tact in dealing with the attendants. And until Dr. King recognises this essential feature in his government of the institution, it will be hopeless for him to succeed in superintending the Asylum without his clashing with the attendants in any other way than is indicated by the partial and sycophantic report that, somehow or other, he succeeds year after year in obtaining. Sidney Maxwell.

Sic, — Seacliff, 3"th December, 1895. In reply to your favour of this date, I may say that I am not prepared to go on with the case at such short notice; all papers in connection with the affair are in Mr. Impey's possession, and I think we are entitled to receive notice at least a day before you hold an inquiry. Trusting you will see your way to grant so fair a request. I have, &c, Dr. MacGregor. Jas. M. Aeundel. P.S.—I think it only fair that Impey and Clark should be present with myself.

Sic,- — Dunedin, Ist January, 1893. I intend to continue my inquiry at Seacliff to-morrow. I shall be glad to hear from you, before the express leaves to-morrow, the names of any persons you desire to be examined. If you desire to give any further evidence I shall pay your expenses. I have, &c, Mr. Impey, Pier Hotel. D. MacGbegob. P.S. —If to-morrow is not convenient, please let me know before eleven a.m.

Minutes relating to Attendant Impey's Dismissal (marked "X"). Dr. King : you were absent from duty last night, without leave ? Impey : Yes. I did not miss the train. I could not telegraph; but I concluded that if I had asked for leave it would have been granted; therefore i did not return. Dr. King : You are aware that you stopped away when you were on duty, and you did it knowingly ? Impey : Yes. J. T. K. Dr. King : You need not go on duty again. Witness—H. D. Linton, 7.15 p.m., 27th December, 189 2.

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