( 4 )
viz., Rs. 705-8, which is attributed to the relaying of the floors of the female
ward with cement in place of asphalt. The average cost per lunatic on account
of contingencies was Rs. 9-11-8, against Rs. 8-15-9 in 1900.
The average cost per native lunatic was Rs. 116-13-4 against Rs. 112-1-10, in
1900. Deducting the payments by friends of lunatics, the net cost per head was
Rs. 113-7-9, against Rs. 108-8-10 in the previous year. Excluding, again, the
public works charges and rates and taxes, the cost per head was Rs. 96-15-10,
against Rs. 95-11-4 in 1900. The variations under the different headings have
been fully explained by the Superintendents.
The total receipts from paying patients in all the asylums amounted to
Rs. 13,701-15-2, against Rs. 18,016-10-8 in 1900. There was a large falling off
at Bhowanipur, owing to the admission of fewer paying patients—3 against
7 in 1900. The amount credited to Government by the five asylums for natives
was Rs. 3,175-15-2, against Rs. 3,199-10-8 in the previous year.
Statement IX.
15. Establishment.—As regards expenditure, there is very little to note.
Of the European staff, praise is bestowed by the
Superintendent on Mr. T. H. Lawton, the Deputy
Superintendent at Dullunda and Bhowanipur, and Mrs. Lawton, the matron at
the latter, for their good services. Mr. and Mrs. Slater, the overseer and
matron at Patna, and Mr. Lawrence, the overseer at Bhowanipur, are also
favourably mentioned. The old overseer at Cuttack died during the year, and
the clerk of the asylum was appointed in his place. He has given satisfaction.
At Berhampore a new overseer was appointed, who has proved his fitness for
the work. The medical subordinates are reported to have performed their
duties well. Discipline was fully maintained among the warders. Instances of
misbehaviour and neglect were met with condign punishment. The question
of the employment of suitable persons as warders will be kept in view when
the central lunatic asylum is ready for use.
Statement X.
16. Industries yielded a net profit of Rs. 6,540-5-2, against Rs. 6,721-5 in
1900. No manufactures were carried on in the
Bhowanipur Asylum. The dairy farms at Dullunda,
Dacca, and Berhampore showed a total profit of Rs. 951-4-1. Over 51
per cent. of the average population was employed in various ways.
Suitable occupation is essential in the treatment of lunatics, but there is always
a large number of them who are mentally and physically unfit for work.
Hard-working and well-behaved lunatics were allowed extra diet and other
indulgences. Some of the Superintendents do not approve of giving them
monthly stipends. The matter is left entirely to their discretion.
17. The sanitary arrangements of the asylums and all matters affecting
the well-being of the lunatics received the due attention of the Superintendents,
who adopted every possible means to keep the unfortunate people cheerful
and contented.
18. Prophylactic medicines were regularly issued with beneficial results
during 1901 to the lunatics in all the asylums except Berhampore. The
Superintendent of the latter institution will be instructed to use the drugs.
The infirm-gang system was kept up at Dullunda, Dacca, Patna, and Berham-
pore. The Superintendent of the Patna Asylum states that the arrangement
" is useful in picking out for special care and diet those who, for any reason,
are in indifferent health."
19. I inspected the Dullunda, Bhowanipur, and Cuttack Asylums, and
Colonel McConaghey, who officiated for me during the eight months I was on
leave, visited Dacca, Patna, and Cuttack. The asylums were in excellent
order.
20. The construction of the new Central Lunatic Asylum at Berhampore
has been taken in hand and will be completed, it is hoped in June 1903.
21. The following Medical Officers held charge of the asylums during
the year:—
Bhowanipur and Dullunda—Captain F. O'Kinealy, I.M.S., from 1st January
to 8th November, and Captain B. C. Oldham, I.M.S., from 9th
November to 31st December.
Dacca—Lieutenant-Colonel R. Macrae, I.M.S., from 1st January to 29th
April, and Lieutenant-Colonel R. N. Campbell, I.M.S., from
30th April to the end of the year.