15

H.—7

There are this day 15 patients on the register—viz., 10 males and 5 females. The whole of these 1 have seen and conversed with. I have also satisfied myself that they are proper subjects tor asylum treatment. Their appearance gives unmistakable evidence of the care and kindness which they receive. No complaint of any kind was made to me. A party of gentlemen were about starting for a drive, and the majority of the remaining patients were in some way enjoying or amusing themselves. The proprietor, Mr. Hume, was absent at the time of my visit, but I received all necessary information from Miss Ferguson, the matron, who conducted me through the establishment, and evidently takes a deep interest in her work. Everything, as might be expected 1 tound m the best order, cleanliness and comfort being everywhere observable. As regards the asylum proper, no material alteration has been made since my last visit but I was glad to find that a very suitable laundry had been erected at a short distance, and fitted up with modern appliances. Considerable progress has also been made in the formation of ornamental grounds, and a portion of the estate brought into cultivation. There is here no lack of suitable occupation. The patients appear to be in good health. One only was in bed, but not on account of indisposition The Medical Journal gives three records of seclusion, the reason stated justifying Aill u 6 treatm ent. There is no record of any form of restraint having been resorted to Although an increase in the number of patients resident has taken place of late, it is not satisfactory to see so much space still unoccupied. There is no dearth in the colony of insane persons who would be benefited by the advantages which this well-conducted establishment offers, and I feel sure that its merits only need to be more widely known in order to be appreciated.

12th April, 1884.—1 have this day made my periodical inspection of this asylum and its surroundings. Everything was, as usual, in the best order, and scrupulously clean No internal alterations have been made since my last visit, but the change made in the appearance of the grounds is very striking : neither labour nor expense has been spared in this matter. The patients now under treatment number 16—viz., 11 males and 5 females. All have been seen except one or two who were out walking. No complaints were made to me except of undue detention and I satisfied myself that these were not reasonable. I have no doubt that all are well and kindly treated, through many are obviously very troublesome. There is, of course, ample room in the establishment for a larger number of patients and it is to be regretted that more use is not made of the superior advantages here offered to those whose means are sufficient to secure them. The whole of the books are properly kept and the admission orders and certificates are in legal form. The general health of the inmates I find to be very good which could only be expected in so healthy and bracing a situation. One male patient is away on probation. x J

In the intervals of my visits'! very valuable service has been rendered by the DeputyInspectors, to whom my best thanks are due. They remain as last year, no change having taken place: Auckland, Mr. Thomas Macffarlane; Christchurch, Lieut.-Colonel Alex! Lean; Dunedin, Mr. J. B. Bradshaw; Hokitika, Mr. B. Clapcott; Napier, Mr. G. A. Smith; Nelson, the Hon. Mr. J. C. Richmond; and Wellington, Mr. J. Mackay. I have, &c, GeorgejWalmngton Grabham, M.D. Lond., M.R.C.P., M.R.C.S., The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Inspector of Asylums.