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smoothly. I saw all who were in bed, and found they were receiving every attention. All recent and convalescent cases I discussed with Dr. Hassell. The recent opening of the new female wing has had a most beneficial effect on the working of the female side. The final continuation of the male side is already in progress, so that in a few months this Asylum will, for its purpose of a chronic asylum, be one of the best-arranged and best-managed institutions in New Zealand. The administration is admirable, and the ability and energy with which Dr. Hassell is laying off the grounds, and especially the new airing-courts, are worthy of the highest commendation. Some little difficulties inseparable from a change of matrons which existed on the female side have been happily dealt with without any unpleasantness. Wellington Asylum. 3rd October, 1899.—Visited the Asylum, and found everything in good order. 24th January, 1900.—1 have made a careful examination of the male side, but deferred examining the female side until I could do so along with Dr. Gow. 26th February, 1900.—Found everything working well. 3rd May, 1900.—1 found everything in satisfactory order. The new drying-closet horses seem to work with a good deal of friction, but this may be due to sand in the grooves. The cementwork is not first-class. The dinner was excellent, the patients suitably clad, and cleanliness universal. Ashburn Hall. 12th January, 1900.—1 have examined all the Asylum premises, and found everything in admirable order. Every one of the inmates, male and female, has been seen, and -their condition and treatment considered and discussed with Dr. Hay. Dr. E. Alexander, who has served as assistant in Morningside and Fife Asylums, acts as Dr. Hay's colleague; but on this day he was absent on a week's holiday. Some years ago he was appointed by the Government to be Assistant at the Mount View Asylum, Wellington. He did not enter on his duties, preferring to go into private practice. For some time he has been attached to the staff of this licensed house. The agitation which was being pressed by some ex-attendants has, I trust, subsided. lam satisfied that it was not justified. I have the fullest confidence in Dr. Hay's administration of this institution, and I am sure that no professional man who has made his acquaintance can fail to be impressed with his special knowledge and ability. In this colony we suffer from the lack of such authoritative tribunals of appeal in all matters concerning asylum management as exist in England, and the consequence is that every Asylum Superintendent must face a baptism of fire ; and the public mind is easily stirred into suspicion. This is so well known that nothing.is easier than to get up siifama clamosa without any real justification. D. MacGregor, M.A., M.8., Inspector of Asylums.

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