293

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PROVINCIAL LUNATIC ASYLUM.

To the Provincial Surgeon.

SIR,—I have the honour to forward the Second Annual Report of the new Provincial Lunatic Asylum.

The physical health of the Patients during the past year has been good. They have also been generally tranquil, and amenable to order and discipline, which is to be attributed to the kind and humane treatment they receive at the hands of the Attendants. I would here repeat an opinion expressed in my report of last year, that I consider the Attendants under-paid for their peculiar and arduous services in attending upon those unfortunate creatures. The Police and Warders at the Stockade are far better paid, although their duties are not so harassing or confining as those of the Attendants upon the Insane.

GROUNDS, IMPROVEMENTS, &C.

There has been a considerable increase of lunatic labour this year compared with that of last, and I am happy to say it partakes of a remunerative turn: four acres of excellent potatoes, five tons of well-saved hay, garden vegetables, fencing, ditching, weeding, &c., being the result of their labours. All this work, of course, has been performed under the supervision and direction of attendants who only number four working hands, for the males, and have in addition to the supervision of the working party, to keep each his own ward in a proper state of cleanliness. We have been promised many requisites by the Government, such as fencing to divide the paddock, and also to protect the young trees. A couple of milch cows to supply the milk consumed in the house have been spoken of, and would, no doubt, be a very great boon. An enclosed farm-yard, with a few out-houses for potatoes, hay, &c., is very much required. When these arrangements are complete a much greater profit may reasonably be expected from the land.

AMUSEMENTS.

The indoor amusements consist of bagatelle, draughts, &c., whilst ball, quoits, &c., are provided for their out-door relief, when the weather and the business of the house permit. Two benevolent concerts took place during the year, for the double purpose of amusing the Patients, and augmenting the recreation fund, a small charge being paid by strangers who visited each. For the first entertainment we are indebted to the Whan Amateur Christy Minstrels, who have shown a very friendly desire to break the monotony of this Asylum, and do all the good possible. We have to thank several local ladies and gentlemen for the second, especially the Amateurs. The splendid Band of H.M. 2-18th Royal Irish, by kind permission of Colonel Elliot and officers, attended, and contributed greatly to the evening’s enjoyment. Several social gatherings took place in the female day-room, under the auspices of Mr. King, now Inspector of Asylums for the Province of Auckland, and some ladies and gentlemen from Auckland. The Patients were regaled with cake and sweet-meats supplied by the visitors, and dancing was joined in, con amore, by nearly all. I may here state that Mr. King takes a very great interest in the welfare of the Patients, and has been of signal service to some of them in finding missing friends, and sending others upon recovery to their family. Through his energy also in raising subscriptions, we have been enabled to give the Patients treats and entertainments, which have a decidedly beneficial moral effect upon them. Our best thanks are due to the Very Rev. Father Walter McDonald for a contribution of 33 volumes of story books, &c., for the Patients belonging to his communion; also to the spirited proprietors of the DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS, for sending us (gratis) a copy of their valuable journal every morning. Daily publications, above all others, are most sought after by the quiet patients. We have received no contributions, with the exception of the foregoing, of books or illustrated papers during the year, although, I feel certain, that in many houses in Auckland these articles are lumber. I have no doubt that much good is left undone through thoughtlessness, and now that the want of these sources of recreation for the mentally afflicted has been reported, I hope the Benevolent will bestir themselves, and that an adequate supply will be obtained. I regret to report that the Institution is about to lose the services of one of its oldest and effective attendants in the person of Miss Lowrey, who has resigned. She was a kind and faithful attendant, and often cheered the drooping spirit, and soothed the troubled breast by her sweet music.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES.

The very interesting Sunday Services, inaugurated by the late Bishop of New Zealand, are still regularly carried on by the Rev. D. Jones, Rev. Dr. Maunsell, and the Venerable Archdeacon Lloyd. The Choral part of the Services have improved much of late, under the direction of Mr. Thomas Barraclough. Mrs. Fisher presides at the Harmonium. On Thursdays Mr. Barraclough conducts a singing class, and spares no trouble upon his peculiar class of pupils. The Very Rev. Father Walter McDonald is very assiduous in attending to the spiritual wants of those of his communion, who are in a fit state to receive instruction.

ROBERT E. FISHER,
Resident Surgeon.

Lunatic Asylum,
February 3rd, 1869.