New South Wales, The Cornwall Chronicle (Launceston, Tas. : 1835 - 1880) Wednesday 19 August 1863

NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney, 12th August. The breach of promise case, Holmes v. Robinson, has resulted in a verdict for the plaintiff — damages £1OO. The weather continues very wet and stormy. Three bushrangers, one of whom is supposed to be Ben Hall, have been captured at Murrundi.

Locked in a former lunatic asylum doesn't sound like fun, but for busy parents and children it is a world apart at Willsmere.

Life is relaxed, happy and secure. It is almost a paradise for families.

There are sprawling lawns - but you do not have to mow them; there are groves of trees but you do not have to prune them; there are flower beds but you do not have to plant them. You do not have to renovate, cars are diverted from play areas and the swimming pool has no deep end.

It is unsurprising that Willsmere has been home to many colourful individuals in its time. One of these was Paris Nesbit (1852-1927), a former schoolmaster, author, land agent and social activist. A child genius, Nesbit was fluent in German, French and Latin, and well versed in the major poets by the age of 10, translating Goethe and Schiller into English (which was eventually published, albeit not until 1911).

At the Protestant Hall, corner of Exhition and Little Collin street, at 8 o'clock on Tuesday evening a public meeting will be held to protest against the dismissal of three Kew Asylum attendants who gave evidence before the Royal commission. There will be several speakers. The meeting has been arranged by the Hospital Employees' Association, and a general invitation to the public is given.

Before the Royal Commission inquiring into the administration of Kew Asylum (Vic.), Dr. Ellery said that the alleged intoxicating liquor which, Nurse Bourke said he had brought to the asylum, was a cordial. He could not recollect telling any indecent story to a nurse. He agreed that the conditions of airing the, court and drill hall were abominable, but his efforts at improvement had failed, for financial reasons. Patients had to be bathed in the open, while the bathroom was being repaired, because there: was no place inside.

The annual picnic provided for the inmates of the Kew Asylum was held in the reserve on Wednesday last. About 5OO patients were present, and took part in the various sports and games got up for the occasion. The " merry go round " and dancing ring were well patronised, and the running and jumping events, &c., for which prizes were given, were keenly contested, whilst "Aunt Sally " and other such forms of amusement had their supporters. During the day all were plentifully regaled with refreshments, and, the day being pleasant, everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy the outing.

Dr. Fishbourne, who is an expert, says of Kew Asylum :-" I wouldn't send a dog there." The Chief Secretary, who is no expert, trots over the institution, and says it is a very nice place, He found the floors washed and the patients in clean bibs and tuckers, and what more could any reasonable lunatic demand ? The expert asks that the asylum be something more than a mere storehouse for maniacs, and thinks it should be first and foremost a hospital devoting the best energies of its staff to the work of ministering to the mind diseased.