Pauperism in Neiv Sonth Wales. 119 



inmates of the hospitals as may be suffering from incurable dis- 

 ease, permanent infirmity, and destitution from age. They should 

 be under the control of the Central Board and managed by 

 officers appointed by it, but supervised by a local Visiting Board 

 appointed by the Colonial Secretary. Sucb of these asylums as 

 it would be desirable to erect at once should be supported by the 

 central Government until the colony is ripe for the inauguration 

 of a general scheme, of local responsibility in Poor Law relief, 

 when they might be handed over to tbe local authorities to serve 

 as models upon which other similar institutions should be 

 constructed. 



A deep sense of pride in the noble institutions which this 

 colony has raised for the reception of its destitute, orphan, and 

 depraved children, renders it difficult for me to express my views 

 in regard to some of their features. But I would ask, if it is 

 not possible that we may have accepted the charge of some child- 

 ren, the parents of whom might possibly have found, in the ne- 

 cessity for exerting themselves to support their offspring, the in- 

 ducement to labour and steady habits. If this is not the case, 

 where is this form of charity to end : alreaoy the number is enorm- 

 ous in proportion to the population, yet ever increasing. Nor 

 does the evil stop here. What .practical man expects children 

 thus deserted, and subsequently reared with hundreds of other 

 similarly placed, to possess the favouring influences which the 

 associations of family relations alone can give, or that they will 

 hereafter value their own family ties. Bather is it to be feared 

 that they may produce food for the asylums which sheltered them. 

 Industrial pursuits are, I am aware, now being fostered by the 

 managing Boards of some of these institutions ; and there can be 

 no doubt but that exactly in proportion to the self-supporting 

 power of the establishments will be the usefulness and success in 

 life of their individual members. To those interested in this sub- 

 ject, I would strongly recommend the perusal of a small book, 

 published at the public printing-office, and entitled " Reformatories 

 in Prance." It contains a vast amount of useful and instructive 

 information founded upon experience. 



The third class, namely, those rendered destitute by chronic or 

 incurable disease, are at present totally unprovided for by any 

 system. But too often these sufferers pass from the hospital to 

 the asylum, and vice versa, unable to gain admission. The hospit- 

 al has not the accommodation for them, and the Board cannot 

 receive them because the asylums are not hospitals. 



They should be provided for in a healthy country locality ; and 

 as they require similar accommodation simple dietary and attend- 

 ance to those of the " first class," they should be sent to the same 

 localities, though into separate buildings. 



