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portions of the building. Dr. King has followed up and improved upon the example set by his predecessor of employing as many patients as possible on the farm, garden, and workshops. Seacliff is no longer a prison where crowds of men and women are confined in close courtyards doing nothing but brooding over their morbid feelings. A very great change has been effected in this respect, and not merely the superior officers, but every member of the staff, deserve commendation for their share in this gratifying transformation. Some changes have been agreed on between Dr. King and myself which will have the effect of further concentrating the organization and saving money. The available grazing-land is being rapidly extended, and in a very short time the returns from the farm and garden will greatly reduce the cost of the Asylum. The new workshops, designed and built by Mr. Reid, are now almost finished, and will be of immense service in giving employment to patients. A large and airy day-room, to occupy the space of the ruined corridor, will soon be ready for occupation, and this, together with the new attic-dormitory, will give sufficient accommodation for some time to come. I have offered Dr. King an assistant ; but he prefers for the present to keep the whole of the medical treatment in his own hands. The books are all in proper order, and lam satisfied that the Asylum is well-organized and vigorously managed. Bth March, 1890.—T0-day I have completed my half-yearly inspection of this Asylum in company with the Deputy-Inspector, Mr. Chapman. I found everything in good order except that there was a want of organization apparent in the serving-out of the dinner of the females. 1 expect to find an improvement in this respect at my next visit. In every department there is abundant evidence of vigorous and careful administration. I was particularly impressed with the success which has resulted from the constant effort to interest the patients in some kind of occupation, and the manifest improvement in the health and appearance, especially of the male patients, in consequence. As regards the feeding, bedding, and clothing of the inmates, lam quite satisfied that they are amply sufficient in quantity and quality. The admirable way in which Dr. King and his assistants have addressed themselves to reduce expenditure by preventing every possible waste, while at the same time the welfare and comfort both of patients and attendants are in no wise diminished, deserves my warmest acknowledgments. Dr. King has, in short, proved himself a man of the highest efficiency in these respects, and the care he bestows on the proper treatment and classification of acute cases is very satisfactory. The best spirit prevails among the staff. The changes in the direction of concentrating the feeding and cooking arrangements have answered well, and resulted in a considerable saving. The medical journal shows that only twenty-four males out of a total of 280 are entirely unemployed. Fourteen females and seven males were confined to bed under medical treatment. Four males and two females wore strong dresses or gloves. In the common hall 172 males and 164 females dined. The amusement of the patients is carefully attended to, and a very pleasing fact is that musicians and others from town come out to give entertainments at the Asylum. The statutory books are all in proper order. Mr. Cruickshanks is steadily increasing the productiveness of the farm ; and the matron, Mrs. Grundy, does her work admirably. Ashbum Hall. 6th September, 1889. —To-day I inspected this Asylum, and found everything in good order. I conversed separately with all the patients, and examined their rooms, bedding, and clothing. They are well cared-for in every respect, and no one is improperly detained. The food is abundant and well cooked. The attendants are well selected, and very attentive to their charges. The open-door system is found here in full operation, and no complaints are heard either from patients or attendants. All the statutory books and documents are kept in proper form. I discussed with Dr. Alexander all the recent cases, and I am satisfied that the medical treatment is careful and intelligent. 9th March, 1890. —This Asylum is nearly full, and in admirable order. I examined the certificates of all those who were admitted since my last visit, and conversed separately with every inmate. No one is improperly detained. An inebriate who had voluntarily come under a Judge's order, believing that no insane persons were admitted, and who was suffering from contact with them, I ordered to be let out on trial, at Dr. Alexander's suggestion. I heard no complaints of any neglect or unkindness, though I gave every opportunity for private conversation. The rooms are extremely tidy and comfortable, and the wants of the patients are carefully attended to. The salubrious situation of the Asylum, and the admirable way in which it is managed, are beyond praise; it is a pleasure to visit it. The books and papers are all in order. The number of patients is seventeen males ar.d seventeen females. None in seclusion. I have, &c., D. Macgregor, M.A., M.8., The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Inspector of Asylums.
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