13

H.—6

old and condemned building being removed. This work only requires to be seen to commend itself to any person's judgment. Eegarding the books, registers, and papers, I have to state that I found them all in proper form and duly entered up. The Mount View Asylum now offers great advantages for the proper treatment of the insane; its former drawbacks and defects having been remedied in a way which must surprise those who remember the establishment as it existed a very few years ago. For this greatly-improved state of things the principal credit must be awarded to Dr. Levinge, who brought with him new and valuable ideas, as well as the capacity to carry them out. He has now completed two years of work, and has rendered the colony very valuable service; for, while promoting the well-being and comfort of those under his direction, he never loses sight of economy in his expenditure. The asylum will serve for the wants of this portion of the colony for many years to come, provided an auxiliary agricultural establishment be organized on the estate purchased for that purpose at Porirua. Ashburn Hall (Licensed House.) On the Ist January, 1885, this establishment contained 9 males and 6 females ; 8 males and 5 females have since been admitted, all for the first time. The total treated during the year was 28. Of these 3 males and 2 females have been discharged as "recovered," 2 females as " relieved "or " not improved," and 2 males have died. The numbers remaining on the 31st December, 1885, were 12 males and 7 females : total 19. The asylum was inspected by me on the 13th January, 1886, when I left the following report in the Inspector's book : — 13th January, 1886. —I have this day made my periodical inspection of the Ashburn Hall (licensed house), and have visited every portion of the building, and also the gardens. Without any exception, everything is maintained in perfect order, and improvements have been made in the grounds since my last visit. The day being fine, almost all the patients were out of doors, some of them occupied in gardening. There are to-day under treatment 19; of these 12 are males and 7 females, one of the latter being admitted under the habitual drunkards clauses of " The Lunatics Act, 1882." No patients are absent on probation ; and I have satisfied myself that all are properly detained, and unfit to be at large. One young man was locked in his bedroom, for reasons which need not be specified here, and which, in my opinion, necessitates this form of treatment occasionally. There is no other record of seclusion, or any form of restraint. In accordance with statutory requirements, I have examined all the official books and documents, finding them in good order and duly entered up. The asylum is by no means full; and it is to be regretted that many relatives of well-to-do lunatics are induced to prefer the Government institutions, from motives of economy, which are by no means to be commended. In taking leave of the colony, I cannot but regard with satisfaction the great improvements which have been effected during my tenure of office in the accommodation for the insane, as well as in their surroundings and treatment. Nevertheless, I have to regret that much remains to be done before matters can be regarded as established upon a sound basis. Many of my plans and suggestions, approved by the Ministry of the day, remain unacted upon, and no provision exists for the future increase of lunacy in the colony. Unless the matter be speedily taken in hand, an adverse change will surely set in, and the present successful treatment of the insane, as evidenced by a high rate of recovery and a low death-rate, will become a thing of the past. The colony is fortunate in possessing, as Superintendents of its asylums, men possessed of special knowledge and ability ; but their services are ill-requited when they are badly paid and provided, and placed in constant difficulties through overcrowding their asylums. While the wages of attendants arc thrice as high as in the Old Country, the salaries of Superintendents are lower than those paid in England. No encouragement is given in the way of annual or other increases or pensions, and they are even required to pay for substitutes when taking that occasional leave of absence which, in their case, is an absolute necessity for the preservation of mens sana in corpore sano. To these gentlemen my thanks arc due for their hearty and willing co-operation in my past work. The following statistical tables are prepared, as usual, by Mr. Loveday, the Chief Clerk and Accountant in the Lunacy Department, who has at all times rendered me most valuable and loyal assistance in my duties. I have, &c., George Wallington Grabham, M.D., Lond., M.R.C.P., M.R.C.S., The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Inspector of Asylums.