fitted for hospital stores, to contain linen, blankets, and store for patients’ wardrobes whilst in the Hospital.

All timber in floors and roofs is to be kauri, with the exception of the doors and windows; no other woodwork will be introduced in the wards and principal parts of the building.

As a matter of cleanliness, all skirtings and architraves throughout, will be made in Keen’s cement.

All walls and ceilings throughout to be plastered.

The whole of the roofs will be covered with felt and stout corrugated iron.

The appearance will be of an imposing character. Among many benefits which the public will receive from such a complete institution, is one of immense service, namely, the fact that the Hospital will contain 112 beds, that number will entitle the Wellington Hospital to become a recognised Hospital, having the number of beds required by the Examining Board of the United Kingdom; which will enable young men to commence their studies for the medical profession in New Zealand, instead of having to go to England.

C. JULIUS TOXWARD,
Wellington, N.Z.
Architect.

Appendix G.

ANNUAL REPORT OF MOUNT VIEW ASYLUM.

Mount View Asylum,
Wellington, 1st April, 1875.

SIR,—

I have the honor to forward you the second Annual Report of the Lunatic Asylum, which shows that the number of inmates is steadily and lately rapidly increasing, so much so that the present accommodation will probably be only barely sufficient by the end of the present financial year.

The principal additions required will be to the back premises, and some single dormitories to the front. The present staff of attendants would suffice for about 60 patients, so that the increased expenditure would be chiefly for maintenance.

The number of inmates on the 1st of April, 1874, was 44, twenty-two of each sex. The number at present is 52, 27 females and 25 males.

Ten fresh cases have been received during the last three months, one of whom is out on leave with his friends.

The large number of incurables is owing to the majority consisting of aged infirm imbeciles, who might safely be placed in a benevolent institution, being unable from infirmities to obtain their living. In addition, there are several more or less paralysed and others epileptic, also several cases of relapse, others suffering from hereditary insanity, and 3 congenital idiots.

The general health of nearly all the patients is very good, with the exception of one, who is suffering from tubercular disease of the mesenteric glands.

Although there are generally 6 or 7 under medical treatment, no serious bodily disease has prevailed since the Asylum was opened two years ago.

Of the patients who have died, one was accidentally killed by a fall of earth, one from convulsions and paralysis, the result of an injury to the head many years ago. Another from general paresis, and another from old age, being upwards of seventy years. These were all males, no females having died in the present Asylum.

The patients are generally cheerful and appear quite contented with their position, and I have every reason to believe that they are considerately and kindly treated.

The men are employed forming an orchard, gardening, and levelling several inequalities of the ground, especially in front of the building. One is at present acting as a rough carpenter, another in working up canvas for several useful purposes. They amuse themselves with billiards, chess, draughts, quoits, cricket, reading, and usually by dancing and singing on every Wednesday evening, occasionally accompanied with the display of a good magic lantern or a concert and amusing readings.

The women are employed in making, washing, and mending their own clothes and the men’s, and all the men’s hose are knitted by them. In addition they keep the wards and corridors clean, under supervision of attendants.

They amuse themselves by excursions with the attendants, swinging, croquet, biquie, reading, and attending the amusements in the Recreation Hall.

The Sunday services are well attended, only having been once disturbed.

Convalescents of both sexes constantly accompany either the master, matron, or an attendant in a vehicle belonging to Mr. Seager. The patients consider this the greatest treat they can obtain, and if a larger trap and suitable horse or horses were supplied, a greater number might participate in it.