H.—6b

3

I much regret that it has rot been found possible to induce the Spreydon Road Board to acquiesce in the deviation of the road now bisecting the estate, as through the late purchase it now does ; the more so as the Board by no means represent the landowners in this matter, but rather the vested interest of a smithy at the junction of the road. The road as it now is leads to public inconveniences, and exposes to public gaze the female airing-court, besides of necessity leading to contact of the walking parties with the public. I also regret the withdrawal of railway excursions to patients. The present approach to the asylum was made to the front of the old buildings, and now leads to the rear of the new buildings, and leads directly to the airing railed-in court intended for the worst cases. I should be glad to see the approach taken along the eastern boundary of the property, and so to the northern face of the new building. An additional plea for this will be found when the old buildings are converted into workshops, as I hope—consequent on the erection of the new central block—they will be. The outer fence throughout is inadequate. The short distance along the high road should certainly be fenced with a wall. A concrete wall could very well and economically be built by labour of the patients. I understand Mr. Seager, the Steward, is in future to have the superintendence of out-door employment; in that case this is one which he could very well take in hand. It is extremely satisfactory to those connected with the Sunnyside Asylum to find each Inspector-General, in succession, advocating the claims for accommodation so well known to those on the spot. I trust that Mr. Macgregor may be more fortunate than his predecessors in seeing money not merely voted for the institution but expended in the direction required. I have, &c, Ale.x. Lean, Local Inspector.

SEACLIFF AND ASHBURN HALL. Mr. W. P. Street to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Sic,— Dunedin, 14th May, 1886. I have the honour to state that, since my last official report to you, I have made five inspections of Seacliff Asylum and four of Ashburn Hall, licensed house. The number of patients confined on my last visit to Seacliff was 296 males and 160 females, including two males and one female out on trial. The number at Ashburn Hall was 16 males and 9 females. Both institutions are in excellent order, and all matters are working satisfactorily. With regard to Ashburn Hall, in my report of the 10th February I suggested for your consideration whether you should not order that dipsomania cases in future be committed to this asylum, which appears to me to be specially adapted for cases of this description. In the various reports furnished to you I have gone pretty fully into the several matters requiring attention, and I have nothing to add thereto. I have, &c, W. Parker Street, Deputy-Inspector. [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,250 copies), £2 2s. 6d.]

Authority : George Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB6.