H.—4

6

44. The farm and garden are in good order, and lam glad to see that there is a steady increase in the amount of produce that is sold. Much of the land that was worked out is being steadily brought into good order again. It is very gratifying to find such a large proportion of the patients engaged in some sort of useful employment. Only thirteen men are incapable of being interested in some kind of work. The management is very vigorous and economical, without sacrificing the comfort either of patients or attendants. The water-supply is now ample, and the fire-preventive apparatus is in good order. Wellington. 7th June, 1893. —To-day I have finished a careful examination into the working of this Asylum. During the year there has been such a rapid increase in the number of admissions that all who are responsible have had a very anxious time. I have paid many visits'and examined the working frequently and very anxiously, and I am thankful that we have got through the year so satisfactorily as we have done. Nor do I forget the lamentable death of Ah Ching when I say so. The total number of inmates is—males, 203 ; females, 114. I found only three persons confined to bed, and only eighteen men and twenty-six women were found incapable of employment of some kind or other. I found great care was being exercised in looking after the comfort of patients as regards clothing and bedding. Every part of the building was scrupulously clean and well ventilated. On the female wing, however, one of the drains had been out of order for some days without having been put right, owing to Mr. France's illness. The male side of the Asylum has for a long time been working better than the female side, and I have felt bound to make great allowances because of the overcrowding. Mr. Wood, who has for many years been head attendant at three different asylums, and has for several years acted as clerk and steward at Mount View, and has proved himself a most capable and careful officer, has been promoted to take charge of the new Asylum at Porirua, where he has superseded Mr. Wybourn, who has been promoted to Auckland. Miss Sullivan, who acted as second to Miss Finch at Mount View, takes charge of the female side at Porirua. Dr. William Mill, M.8., M.C., Edinburgh, and B.A. of the New Zealand University, has been appointed assistant to Dr. Fooks, at a salary of £250. Ashburn Hall. 24th August, 1892. —I have made a careful inspection of this Asylum this day, and found everything in perfect order. Every patient has been examined and given a private opportunity of making complaints. The food, bedding, and rooms were all that could be desired. Perfect cleanliness is everywhere, and the kindest relations manifestly prevail between the patients and their attendants. A new billiard-table has been provided, and the room most comfortably fitted up. The whole institution is admirably managed, and it is a great boon for persons who do not care to send their friends to the public asylums to have such an institution in New Zealand. It provides all the comforts of a home, with as little restraint as is consistent with the safe keeping of the inmates. All the books and documents were found in order. 4th January, 1893.—This licensed house contains this day thirty-four patients—eighteen males and sixteen females. I examined them all. I found one man in a state of acute mania, with violence, secluded in a single room. He is well cared for, but too violent and dangerous to be outside. I found another man recovering from the effects of attempted suicide. I think it would not be prudent to grant his request for liberty till after some time has elapsed. The Asylum as a whole is in the usual satisfactory state, notwithstanding that Mr. Hume has been ill for some time, showing that the attendants have been specially attentive. The female side is in admirable order. Miss Ferguson's care of her patients and devotion to her duty could not be surpassed. A comfortable cottage in the near vicinity has been acquired for the use of any patients who may require quietness and absence of all suggestions of asylum life during convalescence to hasten their recovery. The books and statutory documents are all in order. I made careful inquiries, and found that no one is detained without necessary cause. The comfort of the patients is carefully looked after in every respect. 17th May, 1893.—1 made a careful examination of this institution; conversed with every one of the patients; inspected all the books and documents, and found everything going on in the usual satisfactory way. I have, &c, D. Macgeegob, M.A., M.8., Inspector of Asylums.