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from tearing their dresses, and hindering the application of medical remedies, which of course must never be lost sight of.

As your Honor has determined on the erection of a new Asylum it may not be inappropriate to quote the remarks of Dr. Kirkbride, an American physician. Referring to the mode of treating the Insane, he says:—

"It begins in the very choice of a site, it continues in the construction of the buildings, in the arrangement of the wards, in their furniture and fixtures, in the kind and position of the enclosures, and in the conveniences, comforts, and luxuries of the establishment."

A Lunatic quickly appreciates any amelioration of his condition, and I have endeavoured, so far as lay in my power, to provide those amusements best calculated to exhilarate the mind. It affords me pleasure to state that a considerable addition has been made to the Library during the year; it contains a number of useful and entertaining books, of biography, travels, history, romance, &c., together with a variety of miscellaneous reading. I have also procured a piano, bagatelle-table, musical box, dominoes, &c. I beg your Honor will allow me to take this opportunity of thanking those by whose liberality I have been enabled to effect these improvements; all who have visited the patients can appreciate the positive happiness conferred on them.

The well known Dr. Connolly, referring to certain conditions which are essential to the non-restraint system being successfully maintained observes, "One of the first of these is a properly constructed building, in which the patients enjoy the advantages of light and air, and a cheerful prospect and ample space for exercise, and for classification, and means of occupation and recreation;" and again, speaking of the Hanwell Asylum, he says, every airing-court has been converted into a garden, and an abundant portion of ground assigned to the entire use of the most tranquil and orderly patients; shrubs and trees have been planted, which promise shade and refreshment for years to come; summer-houses have been erected, and numerous seats scattered about, where the female patients may rest, or the male patients smoke their pipes in peace." It affords me pleasure to have to report that the attendants both male and female have performed their duties very satisfactorily. The services of the assistant matron in particular are rendered valuable by her knowledge of music which she is required to perform daily for the Lunatics.

III.—PRISONS.

On the subject of Prisons I shall of course confine my remarks to what merely appertains to the sanitary condition of these establishments.

1. With reference to the Convict Prison at Mount Eden I will observe that although the number sentenced to under penal servitude therein was only 15, the enclosed table shews 59 cases of illness, the same individuals having been on the sick list on several occasions during the year. These attacks were generally very slight and of short duration and the table marked No. 6, shews the character of these complaints.

The diet allowed to the prisoners is abundant and of good quality, by which they are enabled to perform a larger amount of labour than with a less liberal one they could effect. By the system adopted in this respect the medical officer is no longer liable to constant imposition from simulated ailments which is a constant practice in all prisons. The result furnishes the best test of its being rational and profitable as well as humane, for since the adoption of the liberal diet scale, there has not been a single instance of an attempt to feign sickness of any kind, and the Province has now the benefit of the full amount of the labour which they perform under the well-directed management of Mr. Flynn.

2. City Gaol.—By the return No. 9, herewith transmitted, your Honor will notice that although the total number confined in the City Gaol during 1857 exceeded that of 1856, by 91 prisoners, the number on the sick list during the latter year was less by 69 cases than that of 1856, notwithstanding that 1857 was less healthy than the preceding year. I am not in a position to account for this greater amount of sickness there during 1856 not having had medical charge of that establishment during that year.

I believe that the slight improvement in their diet which they have enjoyed for the last few months has not only tended to prevent sickness but also has done away with the desire to impose on the medical officer by simulating ailments which they have not. Although far from entertaining the opinion that the arrangements should be of such a character as to make a gaol a place of comfort instead of punishment, I cannot refrain from expressing my strong conviction that a better diet is requisite for the maintenance of health of many of the prisoners confined there.

By adopting the change here suggested Mr. McElwain, who is an efficient officer of long experience, would find much greater facility afforded for obtaining a larger amount of work from the prisoners.

In conclusion I will observe that notwithstanding the unusual quantity of rain which has fallen during the past summer it is highly gratifying to think that no epidemic of a serious character has occurred, with the exception of Influenza and other Catarrhal affections of a slight nature which prevailed to some extent throughout the Province.

It is one of the principal features of this delightful climate that epidemics do occur they invariably assume the mildest form, and it affords me great pleasure, after a fourteen years residence here, to add my humble testimony in favour of what is now very generally admitted, that the climate of New Zealand is, all things considered, the most healthy in the world.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your Honor's most obedient
humble servant,
T. F. McGUARAN,
Provincial Surgeon.

To the Superintendent,
Province of Auckland.