11

H.—7

■, ■ ■■■' •' ■ Nelson. - 29th August, 1898.—Pound everything satisfactory. 30th January, 1899.—The Asylum is in a very satisfactory condition, considering the great difficulties which had to be overcome owing to the overcrowding. My special object on this visit was to examine the new auxiliary building before taking it over from the Public Works Department. I , am very sorry to find that further delay must take place, owing to the fact that a large part of the plaster must be done over again. The dados throughout the building are cracking all over. Nothing could be conceived more likely to furnish an ideal breeding-place for the germs of disease. As soon as the auxiliary is fit for occupation the dormitory at the further end of the male day-room ought to be included in the day-room by removing the existing partition. I have arranged with Mr. Morrison that Nurse McGoldrick is to take charge of the female side during Mrs. Morrison's holiday. It will be necessary to get a water-supply for the auxiliary from the upper reservoir. I regret to find that nothing has been done as yet to provide a suitable laundry. It is absolutely necessary to make provision for the winter, especially now that our numbers have increased so much. The patients number 138—males, 83 ; females, 55. Wellington. 6th June, 1898.—Found everything in good order. Was witness of an assault by a very powerful and violent woman, who was well managed by the attendants. Ist August, 1898. —Inspected the whole building, and saw all the patients. It is quite a relief to find such a contrast from last winter. Some complaints were made about not having enough to eat in the refractory male ward. I examined the dinner, and found it good in quality and sufficient in quantity. Every part.of the institution is admirably clean. There is plenty of bedding, and all the patients wear flannels, except a few who refuse, and some wet and dirty cases. Good order is apparent everywhere. 20th February, 1899.—1 have this day examined every part of this Asylum. I found all the departments working well. The staff are efficient and contented. I visited all the recent cases, and saw all who were in bed, and under medical treatment. The dinner was abundant, well cooked, and of good quality. The patients' clothing and bedding are clean and sufficient. The long-standing opprobrium of this Asylum—the old dungeon which served as an airing-court for the male refractory ward—has now at length been supplemented by a magnificent court carved out of the side of the hill. Dr. Hassell deserves the greatest commendation for designing and carrying out at a very small cost this great work. It is admirable in every respect. Miss Mills, the matron, has her department in good order, and all her earlier difficulties seem to have disappeared. The stock is well kept, and all the statutory books are in order. Pobieua. 19th May, 1898.—Found all the patients suitably clad and shod for the coming winter. The dinner was good, and well served. The order was good, and the rooms were clean and well warmed. Two males were in bed—one a chronic case. All the women were up and about. Evidently there is no falling-off under Dr. Fox's rule. I heard none but the usual complaints arising from the loss of liberty. lam satisfied with the condition of the institution. I went all over the recent additions with Mr. Tillman, and I am bound to say that the work is creditably done with the exception that the stairs at the end of the dormitories are made of bad material, and cannot be put right except by stripping the whole off. The door-lintels in many of the doors, especially along the corridors, were made of unseasoned timber, which is shrinking, and has cracked the brickwork. The private rooms for the assistant doctor have been recently painted after new floors had been put in, and now look habitable, but I fear the walls will never be right, because the-mortar was mixed with sea-sand. lam glad to hear that instructions have been given to have the corridors painted. 2nd October, 1898.—T0-day I saw all the patients. Only two men and three women were in bed. The two men were only in bed for a portion of the day, with slight ailments. I was present at the dinner, which was good in quality, abundant in quantity, and well served. The whole Asylum is in excellent order, and the staff are efficient and working harmoniously. The store department was examined, and was found to be well kept. All the bedding and clothing was found of good quality and carefully looked after. There is too much breakage of crockery in the kitchen. The statutory books are properly kept. The general health and appearance of the patients is satisfactory. 6th January, 1899. —I have examined every part of the building, and saw all the patients. Everything was in good order. The new wing on the female side is approaching completion, and will soon be ready for occupation. The foundations only of the terminal wing are laid. It is very important that no time should be lost in pushing on the work, for very great difficulties are experienced in managing so many patients without single rooms. Ashbuen Hall. 17th August, 1898.—1 have seen all the patients and examined all the rooms. I found everything working smoothly, and unmistakable evidence on every hand that the institution is managed with the utmost skill, kindness, and care. I am particularly pleased with Dr. Hay's success in interesting his patients in some congenial occupation. No one who uses his eyes can fail to see that a spirit of kindness and goodwill pervades the whole house. All the statutory books are in order. The staff is sufficiently numerous for all requirements, and of suitable quality.