3

H.—7

this the public feeling of late years has been steadily demanding longer holidays and larger salaries for attendants; for example, all charge attendants have had their salaries increased as well as all artisans in the department. The introduction of more elaborate machinery at Porirua and Sunnyside has necessitated the employment of skilled engineers, with lai-ger salaries, as well as firemen. Assistant medical officers have been appointed at all the large asylums. All this means an outlay of more than £2,000 per annum; while, over and above, we have had to provide for an increase of 121 patients resident during the year.

ENTEIES OF VISITS TO THE DIFFEEENT ASYLUMS. Auckland. 15th October, 1894. —The total number of patients to-day is 383 —males, 238; females, 145. Two women were confined to bed, and one secluded; one hundred men were employed on the farm and garden, and eighty others were engaged in some active work; ninety-eight women were occupied in various domestic duties; four men and eleven women were wearing strong dresses to prevent unnecessary waste of clothing; fifty-eight men and forty-seven women were incapable of any employment. A great improvement has been effected since my last visit in the Infirmary ward by putting a fireplace in the dormitory and converting it into a day-room. Messrs. Cooper and Ewington at their last visit reflected strongly on the want of proper ventilation in one of the single rooms on the female side. I have carefully examined this, and have given instructions to make certain alterations, which I hope will have the desired effect. A vote has been put on the public-works-estimates which will enable us to meet the demand for single rooms which has so long been felt, and provide for the overcrowding which now exists; it will also be possible to make better provision for epileptics and suicides. The Eegister of Mechanical Restraint is carefully kept, and lam satisfied that every effort is made to avoid having recourse to this means of control. I find the staff of attendants to be very efficient and contented. I have heard no complaints of any kind. The condition of the wards and their accessories is very satisfactory; the beds and bedding are excellent; the food is abundant and well cooked. The antiquated fire-appliances inside the building are to be immediately put right under the superintendence of Captain Hennah. Cautioncards are issued to attendants who have charge of dangerous or suicidal patients. Next year I hope to be able to introduce into this Asylum a system of electric tell-tale clocks, such as ai*e now in use in Sunnyside and Porirua. An attempt has been made this year to get a vote for uniforms for the attendants, but I was obliged to put it off for another year. The Case-book is carefully kept by Dr. Beattie. All the other books and documents are in order. The condition of the Asylum as a whole is very satisfactory to me, and creditable to Dr. Burns and his officers. Bth January, 1895.—1 have made my usual examination of this Asylum during the last three days, and I find everything in order. My chief anxiety has been, of course, to see what arrangements had been made to find accommodation for the inmates of the Auxiliary Asylum, which was so unfortunately burned to the ground. It is most gratifying to find that Dr. Burns and his staff have behaved most admirably in this trying emergency. All the patients were saved without accident or injury of any kind. The only person who was burned was Dr. Beattie, the Assistant Medical Officer, who, in his anxiety to make sure that no one was left in the building, had his face and hands scorched; but lam thankful to find he has now recovered without sustaining any permanent injury. Mr. Theo. Cooper has held an inquiry on oath, and, after examining all who had any knowledge of the facts, came to the conclusion that the origin of the fire was involved in mystery. In a letter to me he says the conduct of the doctors and the whole staff was deserving of the highest commendation. The loss of the building was due to want of pressure. Drs. Burns and Beattie have succeeded in making suitable arrangements at Motuihi Island for lodging sixty-two patients in the old Immigration BaiTacks. Great energy and practical sense were manifested in the preparations made for the comfort of the patients, and I am satisfied that at any rate until winter all essentials have been provided for. Dr. Burns has arranged to have one or two marquees erected for shelter from the sun. There is sufficient water available, and there is ample room. I have made such arrangements as I hope will make the attendants on the island content, and also convince them that their good conduct has been duly appreciated. The main Asylum is in thoroughly good order. The books and statutory documents are in order. The new clerk and steward has turned out a thoroughly reliable and capable officer. Messrs. Cooper and Ewington were invaluable to the Asylum during the recent difficulties, and I desire to express my warmest thanks to them. Cheistchukch. 2nd August, 1894.—1 have made a general examination of the Asylum, and find everything going on well. 7th March, 1895.—1 have made an examination of this Asylum, and I find everything satisfactory. I heard no complaints. The new laundry is still far from completion, and very great difficulties are being experienced in laying down the heating-pipes for the hall and dormitories. The apparatus for the laundry ought to be ordered at once from England. Dr. Levinge has returned to his work restored to health, and I confidently anticipate a continuance of his hitherto admirable administration.