H.—7

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This being the coldest time of the year, I took particular pains to examine whether the patients' clothing, boots, &c, were good and sufficient, and found that all were suitably and warmly clad. I made many inquiries of the more intelligent patients, and heard no complaints ofunkindness on the part of the attendants. So far as I was able to discover, there is no dissatisfaction among the staff, and there is unmistakable evidence in every quarter of able and vigilant supervision. The total number of patients is 586 : males, 354; females, 232. I cannot praise too highly the vigour which is manifest in laying out the grounds and developing the farm. Every year adds to the beauty and productiveness of Seacliff, and as a residence for the insane the position is admirable. Dr. Greig, the Assistant Medical Officer, is a great help to Dr. King, and is in every respect an acquisition to the staff. The stores are well looked after, and all the statutory books are in order. The Asylum is regularly visited by the Deputy Inspector and by the Official Visitors, and their reports are regularly laid before the Minister, who is thus enabled from independent sources to tell how the Asylum is working from week to week. 31st October, 1897.—Last night I saw the patients in bed. lam thankful to find that the extraordinary epidemic of contagious pneumonia, which has been so fatal last winter, and the cause of which has been undoubtedly due to overcrowding, has almost disappeared with the advent of summer. I have arranged with Dr. King that if there should be any return of it we should house all affected persons in tents during the summer. The great danger will be, of course, next winter. If suitable provision be not made in time for that, no one can estimate the consequences. I earnestly hope that provision will be made this season for a farm annexe to accommodate a hundred men. I have gone all over the farm and steading, and found everything in good order. A large amount of good fencing has been put up. The garden and grounds are creditably kept. Our poultry farm promises to pay handsomely. The staff are contented and working harmoniously. Hokitika. 21st January, 1898.—1 have this day seen all the patients, examined their lodging, food, and clothing, and found everything satisfactory. In consultation with Dr. Macandrew I saw all who were confined to bed, and all the recent cases. I was struck with the relatively small number of curable cases. All the statutory books are in order. There is a deficiency of single rooms, and the day-room accommodation is inadequate. Instead of occupying the amusement hall as a dormitory, it would be better to extend the dormitory accommodation, which could be done at a comparatively small cost, Mr. and Mrs. Gribben manage admirably, the surgeon, Dr. Macandrew, is very attentive, and the whole institution is in good order. The Official Visitors are most assiduous in their visits, which are a guarantee to the public that nothing is or can be concealed. Nelson. 10th October, 1897. —I inspected the Nelson Asylum this day, and found everything in good order. 18th January, 1898.—Found everything in good order. Object of visit to discuss certain proposed changes in the staff. POEIEDA. Bth August, 1897.—Visited this day to inspect the progress made with the new wing. Sorry to find that it cannot possibly be ready at the end of August, as promised. 7th November, 1897. —Evidently the new dormitories and day-rooms will not be ready for occupation till Christmas. They were promised by the end of August. I have seen all the patients. Only three were confined to bed, and were being carefully attended to. All the rest were able to be up to dinner, and it was a pleasant sight to see them enjoying a capital dinner. The employment of females in the cooking department has been a great improvement. Good order and cleanliness are manifest throughout. Miss Sullivan, the matron, has suffered from the long-continued strain of her responsibilities, and an extension of leave for three months has been granted her in recognition of her devotion, tact, and kindness for so many years. Wellington. 2nd July, 1897. —To-day I examined every part of the Asylum. The food was excellent, and well cooked. The patients were all suitably clad and shod. Good order and cleanliness prevailed throughout. The terrible overcrowding and the consequent danger of accidents that, in the circumstances, cannot be avoided must apparently continue until something happens that will horrify the public conscience. Meanwhile I can certify that Dr. Hassell and his staff are doing their utmost in the way of vigilance and care. One of the main points which occupied my attention at this visit was to devise some plan by which the dreadful lack of an airing-court for the male refractory ward could be met. Instructions have been given to enclose a part of the hill-slope immediately behind for this purpose. I hope no time will be lost in carrying this out. 9th August, 1897. —Saw all the patients. Examined all who were in bed. Everything in good order, except for the intolerable overcrowding. 26th October, 1897. —Examined both sides of the Asylum. Saw all the recent cases, with Drs. Hassell and Perry, as well as all who were confined to bed. Had a long conversation with S. Spalding, when he made certain revelations for the first time which seem to me to throw considerable light on the causation of his undoubtedly morbid mental condition. Found everything in such order as only the utmost care and devotion on the part of the whole staff can account for in the overcrowded state of the Asylum. 29th November, 1897. —I carefully inspected the whole Asylum. Saw all the patients who were confined to bed. Examined all the dormitories. Was present at the distribution of the dinner, which was of excellent quality, and well cooked. I inquired into the circumstances of