(
4
)
manufactures at Berhampore fell off by Rs. 448-7 in the year under review,
chiefly because the sale of garden vegetables to the outside public was restricted
to meet the requirements of a larger population in the asylum. The garden
itself did not fare well during the cyclonic disturbances. Altogether 56.72
per cent. of the lunatics were employed on various industries in 1909 which
were judiciously selected, the principal object being to keep them employed
on some sort of congenial work, which is essential in the treatment of the
insane. A bakery was started at Berhampore through the exertions of the
Deputy Superintendent. It was most useful to the asylum and to the public.
The system of rewarding hard-working and well-behaved lunatics was conti-
nued during the year under review. The dairy at Berhampore which is a
valuable part of the asylum, showed a profit of Rs. 751-14-9 in 1909.
16. General remarks.—Despite the unsuitability of some of the buildings in
which the asylums are located and their unhealthy surroundings, the death-
rate among the lunatics showed a further reduction in the year under review.
This admits of one conclusion, viz., that the sanitary conditions in the
asylums have been much improved and that much personal attention on the
part of the superior staff was bestowed on the details of asylum manage-
ment. The infirm gang system was maintained with advantage to the
weakly and debilitated patients. Prophylactics were issued to the lunatics
in all the asylums during the unhealthy seasons of the year. The Superin-
tendent at Berhampore states that but for this cases of malarial fevers
would have been more numerous The lunatics were treated to various
kinds of amusements, and were provided with pet animals, and musical
instruments to keep them lively and cheerful. The total amount spent on
amusements was Rs. 452-4-6 in 1909. Thus the physical and mental welfare
of the patients received due attention during the year under notice.
Detailed plans and estimates of cost amounting to Rs. 24,91,231 for the
construction of a Central Lunatic Asylum for natives at Ranchi have been
submitted for the final approval of the Government of India. The revised
scheme for a Central European Lunatic Asylum at Ranchi, which was
drawn up by a special committee and estimated to cost Rs. 15,20,000
was rejected by the Government of India, owing to the cost being prohi-
bitive. The project is therefore again under revision.
17. The following officers held charge of these institutions during the
year under review :—
Bhawanipur.—Captain J. G. P. Murray, I.M.S., from 1st January to 24th
March, and Captain J. W. D. Megaw, I.M.S., for the rest of the year.
Patna.—Major B. C. Oldham, I.M.S., throughout the year.
Berhampore.—Captain L. Cook, I.M.S., from 1st January to 6th November,
and Major C. J. Robertson-Milne, I.M.S., from 7th November to the end of
the year.
18. I have pleasure in stating that the management of the asylums
during the year has been entirely satisfaetory, and that much credit is due
to the superior staff.
Major Robertson Milne has submitted a useful report and has raised
some questions which will have to be dealt with separately. My thanks are
also due to my office staff for prompt submission of this report which is
due on 30th April.
I have the honour to be,
SIR,
Your most obedient servant,
R. MACRAE, M.B., COL., I.M.S.,
Inspector- General of Civil Hospitals, Bengal.