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Dr. Fox, is also giving satisfaction. This Asylum owes a great deal to the unsleeping vigilance and care of the Deputy Inspector, and the Official Visitors, Mrs. Hendre and Mr. Ewington. I arranged with the Public Works Department before leaving Wellington that the plans for the female side single rooms should at once be sent to Mr. Vickerman, who has so satisfactorily carried out our buildings in the past, with full authority to finish them as soon as possible. On the male side it is imperative that a new wing should be built corresponding to the extension carried out some years ago on the female side. This is required to enable us to provide better hospital accommodation. At present it is a very painful experience to visit the hospital wards, where, notwithstanding the constant care and unfailing kindness of Attendant Owens, a very great deal of suffering is caused to the sick and dying by want of room for their humane treatment. It is also indispensable that a considerable sum of money, probably £500 (Mr. Bell's estimate for a complete scheme was £1,000), should be voted to ventilate the older portions of the building. I was sorry to receive to-day notice of Mr. Macdonald's resignation of his office as Clerk to the Asylum. . Some" time ago he applied to be transferred, owing to the climate not agreeing with his wife, but at the time I saw no way of meeting his wishes. Cheistchuech. 17th June, 1898.—Pound everything in good order. 20th August, 1898.—Found everything going on satisfactorily. 25th February, 1899. —On this occasion I have twice visited the Asylum. I examined all the patients, and found every one receiving proper attention. The rooms and, indeed, the whole building are admirably neat and clean ; the beds, bedding, and wearing-apparel are abundant and suitable. There will soon be no overcrowding on the female side. The dietary arrangements are satisfactory. I heard of no grievances from any of the staff, although I took particular pains to inquire, in consequence of certain letters which I saw in the newspapers. No man in the department is more solicitous than Dr. Levinge to press for the rights and secure the comfort of his subordinates. I have arranged with the doctor for the transfer of thirty female patients to Porirua, almost entirely those who had to be removed from there owing to the overcrowding. All the statutory books are in order, and the Asylum as a whole is in excellent order. Sbacliff. 18th August, 1898.—1 saw all the patients ; visited all who were in bed. The general health this winter has been good. There has been no appearance so far of the epidemic pneumonia of last year. The Asylum is in a condition of order and organization that reflects the utmost credit on Dr. King and his staff. Nothing but the most unremitting care and attention could have produced such a result in the circumstances. The new auxiliary building on the upper part of the farm is nearing completion; soon forty patients can be removed there, and that, as things are, will be a great relief. Mr. Farrant, the head attendant, with assistance of other members of the staff and some patients, has done the whole work so far, and deserves the greatest credit for what he has done. 3rd March, 1899.—1 have satisfied myself by careful examination that this Asylum is in good order. The staff is efficient and The Superintendent's rule is able and vigorous. The way in which he has transformed Seacliff, both inside and in its surroundings, is creditable in the highest degree. It is now one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The internal structural arrangements, which were originally very defective, especially as regards ventilation, have been improved with great skill. I saw every patient in the main building in bed last night, and, though there is still considerable overcrowding, the atmosphere of the dormitories was wonderfully fresh. Considerable relief has been afforded by the new convalescent cottage on the female side, and the opening of the new farm auxiliary reduces the pressure on the male side. About thirty shakedowns have still to be used in the large hall and in the female corridors. Four male and four female patients were confined to bed and receiving careful treatment. It is matter for thankfulness that last winter was got over without any reappearance of the septic pneumonia that was so terrifying last year. The rest of the auxiliary building should be pushed on as rapidly as possible, before next winter. Remarkable progress and vigour are manifested in conducting the farming operations. The poultry department is, I believe, unequalled in the colony both as regards the completeness of the arrangements and the pecuniary results. The treatment of the patients, in spite of many difficulties which I pointed out in last year's report, isbeing sedulously attended to. It was very pleasant to-day to see the delight they took in the harvest operations. As regards the food, and clothing, and bedding of the inmates, they are good in quantity and quality. The stock is carefully kept, and all the statutory books are in order. Hokitika. 23rd November, 1898.—1 find this institution in good order in all its departments. The new dormitory has been of great service. The chief requirements still are ten single rooms on the female side, where they are greatly needed. The day-room ■ space has been increased by building, by asylum labour, a sitting-room for the old and chronic cases on the male side. The new range has been a great advantage. I found no one confined to bed. I regret to find the cases recently admitted, with perhaps one exception, unlikely to recover, most of them being old and brokendown people. The inmates to-day number eighty-five males and thirty-seven females. The staff is very efficient, and works harmoniously. Mr. and Mrs. Gribben are admirable managers, and the Medical Officer is most assiduous in discharge of his duties. The condition of the institution as a whole is satisfactory. ,' . .