H.—7,

the stock is cared for by charge attendants, and found that great care is being exercised throughout the institution. All the statutory books are properly kept. My first care on every visit is to see all the ailing and acute cases. I found on this occasion five males and four females confined to bed, and all were being carefully attended to by the doctor and nurses. Two of these were manifestly dying, and had a nurse constantly present. The total number of patients is 584, an increase of 22 since my last visit. The pressure on the dormitory space is therefore very great, and causes the most serious anxiety to all the staff. As has been so often pointed out, and lately with great point by Mr. Caradus, the Official Visitor, the difficulty of necessary classification makes it impossible to secure on the female side the conditions essential to proper treatment of the patients. Dr. King is so oppressed with this state of things that he has offered among his friends to find the money required to supplement a large sum out of his own pocket in order to provide some relief for this painful state of things. The surroundings of the Asylum are, thanks to Dr. King's initiative, and the admirable way in which he has been seconded by Mr. Buckley, the gardener, rapidly being improved. A very gratifying step in advance has been made in the treatment of the patients by allowing about seventy males the freedom of the domain on parole. I was greatly pleased to witness the zest and enjoyment of all who were present at the Saturday sports. Hokitika. 14th December, 1896. —Every department of this Asylum is in good order. All the patients were found, on examination, to be suitably clad. The bedding and clothing are abundant, and scrupulously clean. Dr. Macandrew is unremitting in his attention to the medical care of the patients. The staff is efficient ; I could find no indication of carlessness or neglect. The food is of excellent quality, abundant in quantity, and well cooked. Mr. Gribbens's management is vigorous and careful as well as kind. The total number of patients is 70 men and 37 women. There was only one man in bed with bed-sores, which I examined, and found they had been carefully dressed this morning. I made inquiries as to the possibility of relieving the overcrowding at the other asylums by transferring some patients to Hokitika, but find that even if we occupied the large hall for a dormitory we should be utterly unable to provide day-room accommodation. Nelson. 24th May, 1896.—1 have this day made an examination of this Asylum. The number of patients is 129, and about twenty more than can be suitably accommodated. The males are 76, and the females 53. Two of the male inmates are inebriates, who cannot be separated as the law requires from the other patients ; one male was confined to bed, suffering from epileptic fits, and one was secluded for being violent and noisy. Seventy-four men and fifty-three women were scattered about over the farm and garden ; eight men and seven women were unable to wash or dress themselves ; only nine men and nine women were found incapable of any sort of employment. I met a band of men in charge of Attendant Devanny taking a walk on the Port Boad. All the patients are suitably clothed ; the bedding is clean and sufficient, but a considerable proportion of the beds require to be replaced ; the food sufficient and wholesome. The wards are kept clean, and, considering the overcrowding, comfortable. I hope to see an improvement in the store and the stockkeeping on the female side on my next visit. I am disappointed to find the new dairy which was promised long ago has not yet been taken in hand. I authorised Mr. Morrison to appoint another permanent attendant on the male side, owing to the increase in numbers. A new house for the Superintendent has been urgently recommended by Mr. Melhuish, the Official Visitor, and I agree that it is necessary. Some of the books, which v have been allowed to get into arrears through Dr. Boor's state of health, must be written up at once. Divine service and amusements are regularly attended to. The institution as a whole is in good order, and proves the ability and care of Mr. and Mrs. Morrison. 20th December, 1896.—1 examined this Asylum on the 9th of this month, and to-day I find everything in the usual satisfactory state. There is only accommodation for 104 patients, and to-day the total amounts to 134 patients and two inebriates. This amounts to serious overcrowding, and there is great urgency for the immediate undertaking of the new dormitory and the Superintendent's house. The patients are all well clad and well fed, and the utmost care and attention is manifested by the staff. Dr. Boor's resignation after twenty-four years' service I have received with sincere regret. His careful attention to duty, his tact, and skill were invaluable. I was always confident that nothing would go wrong so long as he was able to hold the position of Medical Officer to the Asylum. Nothing could exceed the pleasure which I have always had in my official relations with him, and I earnestly hope that in his retirement he will enjoy the repose which his long and honourable career has so well deserved. He leaves the service carrying with him the deepest respect and heartiest good-will of all who have had any relations with him. Poeibua. 28th May, 1896. —I have this day made a careful inspection of this Asylum, and I found everything in satisfactory order. I visited all who were unable to be up in their beds. Examined all the patients, male and female, as regards their clothing and general health ; was present at the dinner, which was abundant and wholesome. The beds are all clean, and the bedding is sufficient. The stock is well kept. There are only two bricklayers at work on the new wing. sth August, 1896. —I have seen all the patients; nobody in bed ; all warmly clad. Dinner abundant and nutritious. Everything in good order; farming operations being vigorously prosecuted. The progress that is being made with the new buildings is very slow, but the work appears to be well done, and the bricks of good quality. 29th October, 1896.—Examined every part of the Asylum, and found everything going on well. All the patients were up and looking exceedingly well. Dr. Hassell has been resident here himself

10