7

H.—7

dinner in the hall. The way in which the meal was served and eaten was most creditable. I also had the opportunity of seeing the male patients dine in the new buildings. Perfect quiet and good order prevailed everywhere. On the first day of my visit two women were noisy and excited, but this was quite exceptional. I took particular notice of the clothing, which I found good, ample, arid suitable. The bedding was, as usual, beautifully clean. The wards have a remarkably cheerful appearance, containing innumerable objects of amusement and interest. The small Ward storerooms are well kept, and are unusually well supplied. Of the general asylum Store I have only to remark that it is kept in admirable order, and I have no fault to find, unless that it is too well provided with goods. This, however, results (as I find from inquiry) from it having been found practicable to repair a large number of boots and other articles, and to use them in place of new ones. The engagement of a shoemaker-attendant appears to have had very satisfactory results in this respect, no less than five male patients being usefully employed at this trade. _ I am satisfied that everything is done in this department which can promote economy. The dietary is sufficiently liberal, and the cooking is well done with the present imperfect appliances, though under considerable difficulties. The bread, butter, and milk were tasted, and found to be of good quality. It appears that 134 male patients and 67 females are employed in some useful manner. A Very considerable amount of liberty is very properly accorded to a large number of the patients, who have the opportunity also of taking walks in the neighbourhood under the supervision of their attendants. Religious services are held as usual, and much interest taken in them. Amusements out of doors have been to some extent interfered with by wet weather and drainage operations. I have inspected the five cottages on the estate. These are occupied by married attendants long in the service, and require a number of small repairs, which I recommend to be carried out before winter sets in. Dr. Hacon accompanied me throughout my visits, and gave me every necessary information. He continues to take much interest in his work, and is supported by excellent officers. The condition of the whole establishment is most creditable to him and to his staff generally. The books are properly kept, and all papers in legal form. Several patients requested to be released, but I have satisfied myself that there is no one here unnecessarily detained.

24th April, 1884.—Visited the following patients :E- E M , A R ,C— P ■> M A A . The latter patient appears to have been taken out on probation by her husband on the 12th September, 1883, and returned on the 19th October, having in the meantime become enceinte. She feels her position acutely, and earnestly requests to be sent from the asylum for her confinement. Under the circumstances, which appear to me very cruel, I shall feel it my duty to urge the husband very strongly to accede to her very reasonable wish. Dunedin and Seacliff Asylums. The number of patients on the Ist January, 1883, was 335—219 males and 116 females. During the year 37 males and 27 females were admitted for the first time; 20 males and 9 females were readmitted. The total number treated was 428—viz., 276 males and 152 females. Of these, there have been discharged as " recovered "29 males and 21 females, and as " relieved "or " not improved " 9 males and 8 females; eight females and 3 females have died; leaving a total at the end of the year of 350—230 males and 120 females. The recoveries were 53"76 per cent, of the admissions; and the deaths 3 - 18, calculated upon the average number resident. The old asylum at Dunedin was inspected by me on the following dates : 2nd, 3rd, and 17th October, 1883; and again on the 11th, 13th, and 14th April, 1884. Seacliff was visited on the 4th and 6th October, 1883; and on the 14th and 15th April, 1884. The following entries were made in the Inspector's Book :— 2nd and 3rd October, 1883.—During these two days I have been engaged in my periodical inspection of the Dunedin Asylum. The patients confined here, and in the temporary building at Seacliff, number 350, of whom 230 are males and 120 females. All the inmates of the Dunedin establishment have been seen by me, with the exception of two men and one woman absent on trial. Of the whole number (350), not more than fifty are put by Dr. Neill on the list as " possibly curable." No person was in seclusion on the days of my visit, and no mechanical restraint of any kind was employed. The medical journal shows no increase in the number of instances of seclusion, notwithstanding the crowding of the asylum, which has become materially aggravated since my last inspection. I witnessed very little excitement, far less than the limited space remaining for exercise would have led me to expect: a matter very creditable both to the management and to the attendants. All were suitably dressed, and I learned that the majority of the men possessed a second and better suit of clothes. One female wore a jacket made of linen ticking: this, however, was of ordinary pattern, and had nothing of the " camisole "in its construction. The patient is destructive, and a strong material is necessary. The absence of complaints was noticeable: none were made which are worthy of remark. As regards the general health of the patients I have a good report to make. One only, a feeble old man, was in bed ; and illness did not exist in his case. I saw the dinner served, and found it to be a good and liberal meal. I also made inquiries regarding the dietary, and examined the whole of the stores : these were of good quality, the bread being unequalled at any asylum with which I am acquainted. Every part of the building was orderly and clean; the bedding well attended to The kitchen-garden has been cropped for another season, Jand Dr. Neill has judiciously found employment for some of the male patients on a piece of ground, near the asylum.