Auckland Provincial Government Gazette.

53

14 feet high. In the meantime it is indispensable that some more efficient fences than the present should be erected. Thorn quicks were planted inside the post and rail fence some four years ago, but owing to the quality of the ground, they have made little or no progress.

DIETARY.

The dietary scale has been liberal, and somewhat more varied than during preceding years. The suggestions furnished by the Commissioners under this head I believe to be very much to the point, and were they fully carried out, would, I feel convinced, prove most conducive to the health and comfort of the patients, especially as regards the allowance of certain extras to working men, and the substitution of good beer when required, for either porter, wine, or brandy, except in cases requiring special treatment. I find from several reports of the best Asylums that this practice has been adopted.

CLOTHING AND BEDDING.

The substitution of a strong tweed jacket for the jumper, would, I believe, prove very beneficial. The men’s dress bears a close resemblance to that worn by the inmates of the stockade, which cannot fail to have a prejudicial influence upon convalescent inmates. The female clothing, perhaps, cannot be altered at present without entailing increased expenditure, and is in most respects not so objectionable as that of the males. The beds are mattresses, filled with clean wheaten straw, which is changed as required. There has been no lack of comfortable bed clothing, the quantity of which has been regulated by the ruling temperature of the seasons. I am sorry to state that the propensity which several patients have manifested occasionally to tear up their bed clothing, has rendered this article more expensive than it would otherwise have been.

EXERCISE.

During fine weather, patients of both sexes, with a few occasional exceptions, have been encouraged to take exercise in their respective court-yards. As many of the quiet class, who desired to do so, have been allowed to take more extended walks, under charge of their attendants, and during warm summer weather several have had the benefit of saltwater bathing, owing to the kindness of Mr. Dignan, who allowed them to pass through his lands to the secluded beach, which bounds one side of his farm. The practice of saltwater bathing has been highly recommended as curative treatment and is practised, when possible, in some of the best Asylums.

AMUSEMENTS.

These have of late been more limited than heretofore, public entertainments not having received the sanction of the late Government. They are now of a quieter description, such as music and dancing among the patients themselves, a few picnics, or a walk to a strawberry garden, or a farm-house in the vicinity, &c., &c., and in every instance I can bear testimony to the kindness and liberality with which the patients were treated, as well as to the propriety of their behaviour on such occasions.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES.

These have been conducted with punctuality as far as circumstances permitted. Since the lamented death of the Rev. David Jones, we have been assisted by the Rev. Dr. Maunsell, who has punctually attended once a month. On other occasions the service was conducted by lay readers, Mr. Culpan presiding at the harmonium. The choral part of the services were, on the whole, very well carried out, several of the patients, who had been instructed by him, joining heartily in the singing.

I have the honour to append the Medical Statistics, Dietary Scale, &c., for the year 1873.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

THOMAS AICKIN, M.D., F.R.C.S.

Resident Surgeon.

To His Honor the Superintendent.

TABLE No. 1.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF ADMISSIONS, DISCHARGES, AND DEATHS DURING THE YEAR 1873.