( 16 )
It appears from this that the larger number of inmates in 1877 was not due
to the admissions of that year, but to the increase in the number admitted
during the previous year, and to the comparatively few discharges within the
same period, which was the cause of an unusually heavy balance being
brought forward at the commencement of 1877. The total of that year, after
taking in the admissions, was only 1 in excess of 1875, and 12 in excess of
1876 ; while at the close of the year the number had fallen to 7 below that of
1876. It will be seen that the admissions during the last year were fewer, and
the discharges more numerous, than in the previous year, so that any strain
there may have been on the establishment owing to the number of patients
was apparently diminishing when the increase to the staff of the institution
took place ; and thus the grounds set forth by the Superintendent do not seem
sufficient to justify the additional expense incurred on establishments during
the past year.
6. The year was remarkably healthy, and the percentage of deaths fell
from 17.6 in 1876, and 20.5 in 1875, to 13.9 ; and Mr. Egerton directs me to
express his recognition of the care and attention Dr. Scriven has shown in
the superintendence of this institution during the year under report.
No. 53, dated Delhi, 28th February 1878.
From—Colonel W. G. DAVIES , C.S.I. , Commissioner and Superintendent, Delhi Division,
To—The Officiating Secretary to Government, Punjab.
HAS the honor to forward copy of Deputy Commissioner of Delhi's
No. 54, dated 16th instant, with its enclosure in original, from the Civil Surgeon
of Delhi, reporting on the management of the Delhi Lunatic Asylum for the
year 1877.
2. Commissioner concurs in the opinion expressed by Deputy Commis-
sioner of the efficient manner in which the institution was looked after by the
Superintendent during the year.
3. The question of special accommodation for criminal lunatics will be
taken up and reported on as a separate matter.
No. 54, dated 16th February 1878.
From—T. W. SMYTH , Esquire, Deputy Commissioner, Delhi,
To—The Commissioner and Superintendent, Delhi Division.
HAS the honor to forward the report on the Delhi Lunatic Asylum submitted by the
Superintendent, Dr. Fairweather.
2. Although there was an increase in the number of patients, as compared with previous
years owing to a larger number of admissions, the general health continued good, the rate of
mortality was low, and a large number of patients were cured or sufficiently cured to be re-
stored to their relatives or friends. A small profit was derived from the labour of the inmates
and from the manufactures on which they were employed. These results show that the insti-
tution has been carefully managed during the year.
3. The Superintendent will be requested to report upon the question of separate accommo-
dation for criminal and dangerous lunatics, in order that steps may be taken for remedying the
defect referred to in paragraph 8 of his report.
Annual Report of 1877, by Surgeon-Major J. Fairweather , Superintendent, Delhi Lunatic Asylum.
Total population.
THERE remained 75 lunatics from the previous year; 61 were admitted and 4
re-admitted during the year, making a population of
140.
Admissions.
2. The admissions greatly exceed those of any previous year , which is partly accounted
for by the Lahore Asylum having become overcrowded,
rendering it necessary to send on many here who would
otherwise have found admittance there.
Discharges.
3. The discharges also far exceed those of former years, 28 having been cured ( or 33.28
per cent. of daily average strength, and 45.90 per cent. of
admissions), 15 having been made over to their friends
improved in mental condition, and I not improved; while I was transferred to the Asylum
for Europeans Colaxa , and another was transferred to the Central Jail , Lahore, under the
orders of Government.