H.—4c.

1876. NEW ZEALAND.

THE APPOINTMENT OF AN INSPECTOR OF LUNATIC ASYLUMS, (FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO). (In continuation of Correspondence presented in 1875.)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. His Honor W. Eolleston to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 22nd February, 1876. I tbust that the Colonial Government has taken steps to appoint an Inspector of Lunatic Asylums, and feel the necessity of external and professional advice; and that, for want of this, expenditure is constantly liable to be wasted, and improvement in patients retarded. Can you tell me whether such appointment is likely to be made shortly ? The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. W. Eolleston.

No. 2. The Hon. Mr. Bowen to His Honor W. Eolleston. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 25th February, 1876. Eelatite to Inspector Lunatic Asylums. Steps were taken by Sir Julius Vogel, when in England, and business was left in hands of Agent-General. His Honor the Superintendent, Christchurch. C. C. Bowen.

No. 3. Extbact from Telegeam from Agent-Geneeal. London, 23rd March, 1876. Appointed experienced Inspector Lunacy; subject sanctioning; £700 salary from sailing; passage paid ; family, four adults. Peatheeston.

No. 4 The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. 7 "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 26th July, 1876. Adverting to the Hon. Sir Julius Vogel's letter P.O. 126, dated 22nd May, 1875,* concerning the appointment of an Inspector of Lunatic Asylums in the colony, I have the honor to inform you that Dr. Frederick William Adolphus Skae, who had been appointed to the office by my predecessor, sailed for Wellington on board the ship " St. Leonards," on the 22nd instant. I am informed that Dr. Featherston selected this gentleman for appointment, after making a most careful inquiry into his qualifications and capacity, and especially having satisfied himself as to his practical ability in dealing with lunacy through the experience he had acquired as Physician to the Stirling District Asylum. I append a copy of a letter addressed to Dr. Featherston by the Secretary of the General Board of Lunacy in Scotland, testifying to the Board's willingness to certify to Dr. Skae's fitness for the office to which he has been appointed. I also enclose a list of his references and testimonials. * See Appendix, 1875, H.—2b.