of such trees, which in time will be extended, line the southeasterly end. It is pleasant to see on Sundays groups of female patients, in their attire for the day, promenading the tastefully laid out plain in front of the main building, with the far-reaching landscape and seascape before them, or lolling enjoyably on the lawn, or, with book in hand, quietly seated on the rests. From the centre of this lawn a high flagstaff rises. In the general work of the institution and in the clearing and cultivation of the land, a large number of the patients are daily employed, not by compulsion, but by kindly inducement. Apart from the parties of males engaged in the fields, and the women serving in the laundry, kitchen, &c., all directly under the eye of male and female officers respectively, there are men who, in various kinds of asylum labour, and without any surveillance beyond that of the general superintendency, work to good purpose. Yet if they were out in the world on their own account, they would not only be aimless and useless members of society, but in some instances be dangerous to themselves and others. The regularity also, and the precision and efficiency, with which some of them attend to their respective charges are really amazing. While there are drawbacks unavoidably arising from the congregating of so many of the insane in one establishment, there is nothing connected with Seacliff Asylum to justify the common expression, "the horrors of a lunatic asylum." It is a home, as far as such a large institution of the kind can be made a home, where everything possible is done for the welfare and recovery of the unfortunate people on whose account it exists.
Dr. Neill was the first medical superintendent appointed. When he took office the asylum was in a divided condition—partly in Dunedin and partly at Seacliff, and under him the final transference took place. Upon his retirement he was succeeded by Dr. T. R. King; and upon that gentleman's removal to Auckland Dr. Truby King, the present superintendent, took charge. There have also at different periods been five assistant doctors: Drs. Elliott, Nelson, Macandrew, Money, and Jeffreys. There is no assistant now, and the charge wholly devolves upon Dr. Truby King. Mr. F. R. Chapman is the local inspector, and Mr. J. P. Maitland the official visitor. Mrs. Huston succeeded Miss Ferguson as matron, and that office is now held by Mrs. Grundy.
