( 6 )
The expenditure on account of rates and taxes showed a large reduction
in 1905, viz., Rs. 1,126-14 as the result of the closure of the Dullunda
Asylum.
Medicines cost Rs. 1,223-0-1 in 1903, Rs. 1,152-1-5 in 1904 and
Rs. 1,346-0-4 in 1905. The increase in 1905 mostly occurred at Bhawanipore
owing to the maintenance of a separate stock since Dullunda Asylum was
closed.
The total receipts from paying patients in all the asylums amounted to
Rs. 13,644-10 in 1903, Rs. 14,232-15-9 in 1904 and Rs. 14,697-12-7 in 1905,
an average of 14,191-12-9 against 15,407-13-7 in the last triennium. The
increase in 1905 was due to the admission of a larger number of paying patients
at Berhampore and Bhawanipore.
Statement IX.
19. Establishment.—By the closure of the Dullunda Asylum, and the con-
stitution of a combined establishment at Berham-
pore, which came into force from 1st September 1905
there was saving of Rs. 179 per mensem in the sanctioned establishment. There
will be a futher saving of Rs. 100 per mensem on the 1st April 1906 owing to
the abolition of the post of the Overseer. There was no change in this respect
elsewhere. At Berhampore in the new scale of establishment which was drawn
up before the amalgamation of the two asylums, the pay of the warders was
increased to attract good men, but experience has shown that the establishment
needs to be further strengthened, especially as the Cuttuck Asylum will soon be
amalgamated with Berhampore. The proposal is now under the consideration
of Government. The Superintendent commends the Deputy Superintendent,
Military Assistant Surgeon H. V. Mann, for his energy in inaugurating work
in the combined Asylum. This officer was first appointed as Deputy Superin-
tendent at Dullunda on 5th July 1905 relieving Mr. T. H. Lawton, who was
holding it in addition to his duties as Deputy Superintendent at Bhawanipore.
At Patna the Overseer, Mr. Slater, who was originally appointed temporarily
has lately been unfavourably reported on, and will shortly be replaced. Mr.
T. H. Lawton died on the 12th January 1906, and the post has now been
filled up by a Military Assistant Surgeon.
Statement X.
20. The Manufacturing Department was worked with a profit of
Rs. 3,533-11 in 1903, Rs. 4,418-5-11 in 1904 and
Rs. 3.234-9-5 in 1905. It afforded varied occupa-
tion to the lunatics, 60.72 per cent. of whom were employed in 1903, 67.44 in
1904 and 61.88 in 1905. At Berhampore most of the recovered lunatics
were employed regularly as work overseers or in the garden. It is, however,
difficult to find suitable employment for a large number of lunatics who are
incapable of doing any work requiring moderate intelligence. The subject
will no doubt receive the best attention of the Superintendents, as the
employment of lunatics on work is one of the most powerful agents in the
treatment of insanes. Dairy farms existed at Dullunda and Berhampore
in 1903 and 1904 and yielded a profit of Rs. 291 and a loss of Rs. 260-12-4,
respectively. The loss occurred at Dullunda owing to great mortality among
the new born calves. In 1905 there was a further loss of Rs. 370, as a number of
cows were sold at Dullunda prior to the transfer of the inmates to Brehampore.
At the latter asylum also two of the best cows dried up. The value of the
dairy farms is indicated by the work it affords to the lunatics and by the
supply of pure milk which is so necessary. In all the asylums the hard-working
and well-behaved lunatics were rewarded in various ways, viz., extra diet, indul-
gences or monthly stipends. At Patna the amounts earned by lunatics who
were likely to be discharged were deposited in the Post Office Savings Bank, so
that they might have something to start life when discharged from the asylum.
21. Sanitation.—At Berhampore a large new Alipore Jail pattern latrine
was provided in 1905 in the place of masonry latrines which were most objec-
tionable, and the sanitary arrangements which had been provided for the new
buildings were brought into use. The drains of the asylum were also improved.
There was no change in this respect in the other asylums.
22. General remarks.—The diet and clothing of lunatics received well sus-
tained attention during the past three years. Antiscorbutics were also allowed
to the inmates at Berhampore. The weighments of lunatics were carried on
regularly, and the old, the weakly and those who lost weight were put on the