4
to certain structural changes having been carried out at Berhampore to provide
the much-needed increased accommodation for patients, to the reconstruction
of the east enclosure wall which was out of plumb and a standing source of
danger, and to the provision of fly-proof wire gauze to a portion of the
kitchen in the Dacca Lunatic Asylum. The excess expenditure under the
head " Diet," amounting to Rs. 5,944, is accounted for by the increased
population and higher prices of articles of dietary.
STATEMENT IX.
12. Establishment.—There was no change in the establishment of the
Lunatic Asylums during the year under report.
An additional Sub-Assistant Surgeon has been
sanctioned this year for the Berhampore Lunatic Asylum, where the work
is too heavy for one man.
The difficulty of getting a good class of keepers still obtains at the
Berhampore Asylum. The rules for taking a monetary security from each
keeper at the time of enlistment and making each man sign a declaration
as to his antecedents, which were considered to be a factor in rendering the
enlistment of good warders still more difficult, have now been cancelled.
The excellent work done by Military Assistant Surgeon H. V. Mann, the
Deputy Superintendent of the Berhampore Lunatic Asylum, has again been
specially mentioned by the Superintendent. I fully endorse everything
that Captain Peebles has said about Mr. Mann's good work.
STATEMENT X.
13. Manufacture.—Suitable and judicious employment of the lunatics
(which is universally acknowledged as one of the
best, if not the best form of treatment of mental
disorders) was as usual resorted to in a fairly large measure at the Dacca
and Berhampore Lunatic Asylums, where 31.99 and 67.87 per cent. of the
inmates were employed on manufactures against 37.61 and 66.34 per cent.
in 1911 ; the better educated were employed as clerks, sick attendants
and assistant store-keepers. The European inmates of the Bhowanipore
Asylum were employed only on gardening, needle-work, etc. The nett profits
of the manufacturing departments of the Dacca and Berhampore Lunatic
Asylums were Rs. 2,321 and Rs. 9.314 respectively against Rs. 1,509 and
Rs. 8,001 in 1911. The manufactures of the Berhampore Lunatic Asylum
gained six first-class certificates and a few money prizes at the local exhibi-
tion at Banjetia.
14. General remarks.—It has been practically decided that a Central
Lunatic Asylum for Indians should be constructed at Ranchi on a sufficiently
large scale to meet the needs of the two provinces, and that it will be
worked by the Bihar and Orissa Government, Bengal paying a contribution
in proportion to the number of Bengal lunatics accommodated. Fresh designs
are now under preparation by the Bihar and Orissa Government in consultation
with the Engineering experts and the Inspector-Generals of Civil Hospitals
of both provinces and the Superintendent of the Berhampore Lunatic Asylum.
15. The Lunacy Act IV of 1912 came into force from the beginning of the
year. This has necessitated a revision of the Lunatic Asylum Manual of the
province, which has been undertaken by Captain Peebles, Superintendent of
the Central Asylum at Berhampore. Section 4 of the Act provides for the
admission of voluntary patients. None were however admitted under this
section.
16. Diet.—The diet has been ample in quantity, and good in quality, in all
the Lunatic Asylums, Infirm patients were given special diet and extras, e.g.,
eggs, soup, milk, Bovril, etc. At Dacca meat and fish were given on alternate
days.
17. Amusements.—Amusements of various kinds were provided through-
out the year in all the asylums at a cost of Rs. 479.
18. At the Berhampore Asylum the system of rewarding voluntary work-
ers and well-behaved lunatics was largely followed, and a sum of Rs. 399 was
spent on this account. It is a good system I think, as it affords an incentive
to steady work and good behaviour. At present it has not been introduced
into the Dacca Asylum, but well-behaved lunatics are encouraged by extra
diet and presents of pân and tobacco.
19. Besides the additions and alterations above referred to which were
carried out in the asylum buildings at Bhowanipore and Berhampore