4
makes a difference of Rs. 5,982-2-3, or Rs. 12-10-9 per head for
the cost of maintenance during the twelve months, and brings
it down to 105-3-2. There is also to be considered—
(2) the difference in the Public Works Department charges for repairs,
this being Rs. 1,826-2-6 in 1900 and only Rs. 1,148-5-9
in 1899;
(3) the heavy contingent charges of Rs, 4,238-5-10, due to necessary
expenses in the equipment of the new Asylum, as against
Rs. 1,993-11-7 in the year before ;
(4) the increased cost of diet, Rs. 26,313-12-7, against Rs. 21,322-0-9
in 1899. With these must also be included—
(5) small items, such as Rs. 444, still owing from paying patients
and Rs. 202-6-0 credited during January 1901, and which
should have been received in December.
When all these differences are allowed for, the cost of maintenance per
head will be seen to have been, if anything, rather less in 1900 than in 1899.
26. Apart from the fact that it is desirable to make the Asylum
to a certain extent self-supporting, one of the most important factors in
the treatment of the insane is the provision of some suitable form of occupa-
tion for them. Captain Ewens in his report says, "In a certain number
of patients, one symptom of their disease is the absolute refusal to do
anything; others are physically incapable, but with these exceptions all
those able to work are encouraged to occupy themselves with some form
of employment, and the result is in every way beneficial, both to them-
selves, and incidentally to Government. About 45 per cent. of the patients
are generally actively employed, and in the vast majority, from the day
that a patient can be induced to follow some occupation, he commences
gradually to improve; indeed the benefit to some of the more violent and
acutely maniacal who can be induced to do hard and active work, such as mulling
blankets, is often astonishing. A patient who has been incessantly for days
screaming and shouting, tearing down the walls, ripping up his clothing and
beating himself with his hands, if, instead, he can be induced to expend his energy
in this way, will frequently rapidly quiet down, become much more reasonable
and amenable, and sometimes make a good recovery." The ordinary maintenance
of the Asylum absorbs a large number; the remainder work in the garden and
manufactory, which includes weaving, tailoring, mat-making and pottery
making.
27. The value of manufactures turned out in the Asylum during the year
is as follows:—
Value of articles of clothing and bedding manufactured ... ...
Do.
pottery
...
...
...
...
...
Total
...
...
Deduct price of raw material ... ... ... ... ...
Net profit of lunatics labour ... ... ... ... ...
Rs.
4,888
11
4,899
3,201
1,698
a.
5
3
8
2
6
p.
5
6
11
3
8
28. The garden plays an important part, both in the provision of vege-
tables and fodder for Asylum use, and affording a most healthy and suitable
occupation to a large number of the patients. Although the total area of
land on which the Asylum stands is 75 acres, only 88 of these are culturable, of
which 13 were cultivated by the lunatics. The garden has in every way
been successful, and forms one of the most profitable and beneficial forms of
employment in the Asylum. Thus, the value of vegetables was Rs. 1,263, of
fodder Rs. 649, and a sum of Rs. 162 was paid into the treasury from sales.
29. Constant endeavours have been made to provide amusements for
the patients, such as magic lantern and puthli (doll entertainment); conjurors
and native musicians have occasionally been obtained. All these were much
appreciated by the patients, who watched them with attention, and seemed
improved and gratified by these entertainments.