ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PROVINCIAL LUNATIC ASYLUM.

To the Provincial Surgeon.

SIR,—I have the honor to submit, for your information and approval, the Annual Report of the Provincial Lunatic Asylum.

As you are already aware, the insane patients were removed, on 5th of last March, from the old Asylum, on the Grapton-road, to the new and magnificent edifice on the Great North Road, which will remain a monument to the practical benevolence of the government of the day. A great boon has been conferred upon the insane, in very many respects, by their change of quarters; this class of suffering humanity, demanding our utmost support and sympathy; thanks to the philanthropy of a more enlightened age, those unhappy persons receive more consideration at the hands of their fellow men, and cities and provinces now vie with each other in erecting costly buildings for the sole purpose of promoting their comfort and welfare. It will, no doubt, be a pleasing reflection to our Auckland senators, that in New Zealand they have taken the initiative in this respect.

The total number of patients treated during the year 1867, has been 86; the admissions amounted to 24, being six fewer than in 1866; the discharges, exclusive of readmissions, who are included among the admissions given above, amounted to 14, or 66.6 per cent. upon the admissions. The average stay of each of those discharged in the Asylum has been 172 days. There were three deaths during the year, being 3.48 per cent upon the total. The average daily number throughout the year has been 63. 66 remained on 31st December, 1867 (consisting of 47 males and 19 females), of whom four are aborigines (i.e., three males and one female).

With the exception of a few minor ailments, the general health of the inmates has been excellent, the fine tonic air of Point Chevalier creating in them a good appetite for their food, which I am happy to report is upon a liberal scale, and of good quality. Each adult receives at breakfast, ½lb. of bread, 1 pint of tea, with sugar and milk; at dinner ½lb meat, including bone, 1 pint of soup seasoned with vegetables, ½lb. of potatoes, and ½lb. of bread; supper same as breakfast. Medical comforts are supplied liberally to the sick when required. Very few ever leave any food upon their plates; and if they do, others are able to eat it, so that nothing is wasted. The above scale is not too liberal, when we consider the sustaining and satisfying influence of a full stomach upon the insane.

Treatment.—The treatment rigidly pursued is that which has been so ably advocated and successfully practised by the late Dr. Conolly, Superintendent of Hanwell Asylum, i.e. the non-restraint system. Seldom, indeed, have we to put any of the males into seclusion, and that only in cases of recurrent mania, when, from the ravages of disease, the patient loses temporary control over his actions, and becomes destructive and dangerous. During such seclusion the first dawn of tranquillity is anxiously looked for by his attendant, and when it is considered safe to do so, he is released, and allowed to resume his accustomed exercise or employment. One great object we always keep in view, and that is to obtain suitable employment for all who can be induced to work. Turbulent excitement of mind, with torpidity of body, being concomitant symptoms, in most cases, of insanity, it is quite obvious that moderate bodily exercise in the open air, must be most conducive in restoring lost equilibrium, by diverting through other channels already torpid, that excess which pervades the brain, and to this end our chief efforts are directed. Inducements of tobacco, extra bread, &c., are held out to those who work, and it is often surprising how much valuable work is done for a very small remuneration. For those who cannot be prevailed upon to work, bagatelle, draughts, cards, dominoes, &c., are provided as means applicable for diverting them from their own diseased thoughts. A handsome piano-forte, for the use of the female patients, has lately been introduced by Dr. Pollen, purchased from the proceeds of the sale of a land scrip, presented to the institution by Mr. Thomas Gibson, of Auckland. I may here state, from my own observation, that I consider music stands pre-eminently foremost of all our means for obtaining tranquillity, and giving pleasure to the diseased mind. Three entertainments for the patients have been provided during the year, viz., two exhibitions of the magic lantern, and a feast, with dancing, in celebration of the Queen’s birthday.

Library.—The government very liberally gave a money order for ten pounds’ worth of books to form the nucleus of a library. Through this liberality 57 well assorted volumes have been obtained; since then 30 other volumes with illustrated papers, &c., have been added, for which we are indebted to the following ladies and gentlemen:

Mr. Aickin, Newton, Leisure Hour for 1858;
Mrs. Abraham, bagatelle board, two boxes of historical card puzzles, "Boy’s Own Magazine," 4 volumes, Robinson Crusoe, 1 volume, two drawing books with bundle of pencils, several copies of "Punch" and illustrated papers;
Dr. Home, bundle of "Illustrated London News";
Mr. James O’Neill, "The World," 20 volumes, with 4 other books;
Mr. Hamley and Dr. Pollen, large bundle of "Illustrated London News";
Provincial Secretary, "Jurors’ Reports and Awards of the New Zealand Exhibition" for 1865;
Mr.