Mr. S. Smith was the first chaplain, and since 1868 that post has been filled by Mr. J. A. Torrance.
Note.—In the foregoing sketch reference is made (page 225) to the formation by the Asylum patients of the large Football and Cricket Park adjoining the Boy's High School, and which necessitated the removal of a hill 14 feet in height. As a matter of history, it deserves to be noted that on that hill were located the barracks of the soldiers, sent from Auckland on account of the rush of population into Otago, caused by the discovery of the goldfields. At that time Mr. St. John Branigan was engaged in the arduous work of organising the Police Force; but as his arrangements were not sufficiently advanced to ensure the preservation of peace and order, a detachment of the Imperial troops, stationed at Auckland, was sent to Dunedin by request of Sir John Richardson, the then Superintendent of the Province. So soon as Mr. Branigan's department reached the point of full working order, the military were withdrawn, and the buildings vacated by them were used in the additions made to the Asylum, but the house occupied by Major Ryan, who commanded the troops, still exists, and is now the residence of Mr. Weldon, Inspector of Police.
ASHBURN PRIVATE LUNATIC ASYLUM.
This useful Institution is the only one of the kind in New Zealand, and it is for the whole Colony. It is situated in the Waikari District, some two miles in a south-westerly direction from the outskirts of Dunedin. It is a lovely spot, and there is nothing in the cheery-looking block of buildings and picturesque surroundings to suggest the idea of a home for the insane. That it is the residence of some retired gentleman in very comfortable circumstances, is more likely to be the conclusion of any onlooker ignorant of its purpose. It was established in 1882 by Mr. James Hume and Dr. Alexander, upon the retirement of the former gentleman from the Superintendency of the Dunedin Lunatic Asylum. It is managed by Mr. Hume, who has had more than 43 years' experience of Asylum work in the Home Country and in the Colony, while Miss Ferguson, previously Matron of the Government Institution, presides over the female
