In the discussion which followed, Dr. Cahill warmly-supported the suggestion for the separation of the specially mental diseased from the hopelessly insane. He said that it sometimes happened that people of whom there was some hope of recovery became permanently insane on being incarcerated in our asylums. He generally supported the reforms suggested in the paper.

Dr. Fell, in seconding Dr. Collins's motion, said he had listened with the greatest interest to the paper, the writer of which, it was very evident, had been animated by the purest humanity. He had never listened with greater pleasure to a paper, and he thought the Government must give the most careful consideration to the suggestions put forward. He was not against the first examination of suspected lunatics at police stations, but thought "hospital" did not suggest safeguarding and forcible detention.

Dr. Mackie said the subject of lunacy reform should be of still greater interest to the public than it was. In some cases the future of large families depended upon not only the accuracy of the certificates of the consulting doctors, but also upon the treatment in the asylum-The public was greatly indebted to Dr. Collins for his suggestions, and it should insist upon the carrying of them out, especially in regard to separate institutions.

Dr. Symes cordially agreed with the suggestions, but a so agreed with Dr. Fell that the change of term from "asylum" to "hospital" lost strength from a detention point of view. He suggested colonies rather than asylums for epileptics and imbeciles. Sooner or later we would have to take steps to prevent our criminals and lunatics propagating their species. (Here, here.) He suggested an easy method of doing this, and maintained that it was for the safeguarding of the State that it should be done.

Dr. Grace said that 27 years ago he publicly advocated lunacy reform. The people and the Legislature thought there were no other public interests beyond the roads and bridges. He was astonished at the wonderful results obtained by the medical directors of the lunatic institutions—results due to unwearied patience and industry. It seemed hopeless to look for satisfactory results under overcrowding.

Dr. Cleghorn spoke strongly upon the need of classifying the curable and the incurable, and thought the time was opportune for the agitation so ably suggested by Dr. Collins.

Dr. Collins's resolution was carried unanimously.

Dr. Barnett said that Dr. Collins's paper was the most important, from the scientific point of view, that the Congress had yet had before it. In addition to the motion put forward by Dr. Collins, he moved—"That a printed copy of Dr. Collins's paper, with a report of the discussion thereupon, be sent to the Inspector-General of Asylums, with a request that it be brought before the proper authorities." This resolution was carried.

On the motion of Dr. Grace, it was resolved—"That a deputation consisting of the President, the General Secretary (Dr. Campbell), the Parliamentary Secretary, and Drs. Collins (Wellington), Symes (Christchurch), Cleghorn (Blenheim), and Barnett (Dunedin), wait upon the Premier and urge upon the Government the necessity for lunacy reform."

It was decided to meet at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning, when Dr. James will make some observations on public health.

The Congress then adjourned.