16
LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN BENGAL.
There was thus a fall of Rs. 2,340 on the whole. With the exception of
Dacca, all the asylums showed diminished profit. At Dullunda the loss is explain-
ed to have been due to the entire abolition of the castor-oil industry, which for
years past was working at a loss, to the disposal of its plant and machinery,
which resulted in a debit against the sale proceeds of the year, and to the indul-
gences to lunatics of the manufacturing department. At Patna the loss is attribut-
ed to the higher price of castor seeds, and to the diminution of sale of the castor-
oil, the result of competition. The sale of other products, such as table covers,
purdahs, sattringees, durries, and towels having also fallen off, the articles
lying in store for many years had to be sold at reduced prices. The decrease
at Berhampore is said to be due to the employment of a smaller number of
lunatics on the different industries, to the cessation of profitable branches of
manufacture for three months, for want of work-sheds which were blown
down by a storm in May, to the expenditure of money towards the recon-
struction of these sheds and repairs of the implements, and to the making
over of manufactured goods of higher value for the purposes of the asylum
than in former years. At Cuttack the diminution of profits is reported to be
due to the wear and tear of tools and plant during the year, and to the purchase
of raw materials at a higher rate than that of 1883, while the sale of the
produce continued at the same rate as in the previous year.
46. General management, alterations, improvements, &c.—The interchange of
buildings between the jail and asylum at Dacca noticed in the previous report
was in abeyance for want. of necessary funds. The defects in the bathing
arrangements at Dullunda were removed during the year, and the Superin-
tendent reports that the work has been satisfactorily executed, leaving nothing
to be desired in this direction. The water-supply at Patna continues the same.
47. Establishment.—The management of the Dullunda Asylum was in
the hands of Surgeon-Major F. C. Nicholson from 1st January to 25th Feb-
ruary 1884, of Surgeon W. Beatson till the 1st of March, of Surgeon E. G.
Russell from 2nd March to 16th December, and of Dr. R. D. Murray from 17th
December to the end of the year. Mr. Bancroft continued to sustain the
reputation which he has already earned for conduct and efficiency. Mrs.
Monteiro performed her difficult and responsible duties satisfactorily. With
regard to other subordinates the Superintendent says that his acquaint-
ance with them has not been sufficiently long to warrant an expression of
opinion.
At Dacca, Surgeon-Major A. Crombie held charge throughout the year. On the
21st January Supernumerary Assistant Surgeon Nrityalal Basack, Acting
Overseer, made over charge of the duties to Mr. T. H. Lawton, about whose
efficiency of management the Superintendent speaks highly. The Civil
Hospital Assistant and Accountant performed their work satisfactorily.
Surgeon-Major J. G. French was in charge of the Patna Asylum
throughout the year, except for a month from 4th August to 5th September.
During his absence Surgeon W. A. Gilligan acted for him. Mr. and Mrs.
Nowlan, the overseer and matron, are reported to have continued to merit the
commendation for the zeal and efficiency in the discharge of their duties.
At Cuttack, Surgeon-Major W. D. Stewart was in charge through-
out the year. The darogah is reported to have worked satisfactorily.
Surgeon-Major S. M. Shircore was in charge of the Berhampore
Asylum throughout the year. He reports that the conduct of the native
overseer has been commendable, and that the Civil Hospital Assistant acquitted
himself in a satisfactory manner.
EUROPEAN INSANE ASYLUM, BHOWANIPORE.
48. Population.—On the 1st January 1884 there remained from the
previous year 29 persons, 15 males and 14 females. In 1883 there were 27
remaining on the same date. Of the 25 persons admitted in 1884, 19 were
males and 6 females, against 24 in all in 1883. Of these 25 admissions, 17 were
Europeans, two Armenians, four East Indians, one Eurasian and one West
Indian. All were from the civil and sea-faring population.
The total number treated in 1884 was 54 against 51 in 1883, and the
daily average number was 29 against 28.