18
LUNATIC ASYLUMS OF BENGAL.
41. The Superintendents devoted greater attention to the diet of the
lunatics. Every effort was made to vary it as much as possible, especially in the
matter of vegetables of nutritive and antiscorbutic value. The weakly and the
sick were provided liberally with extras according to requirements. Greater
attention was also paid to clothing. At Dacca and Cuttack the wards were
warmed in the cold season. No such arrangement was needed at Dullunda,
Patna and Berhampore. Prophylactic medicines were regularly and systemati-
cally issued to the inmates of all the asylums during the year under report.
42. The earthquake of 12th June 1897 injured many of the asylum build-
ings, and much plaster fell. No damage, however, of any importance occurred,
and no lunatics were injured.
43. The following Medical Officers held charge of the asylums during
the year:—
Dullunda.—Surgeon-Captain D. M. Moir, from 1st January to 5th Octo-
ber, and Surgeon-Captain H. W. Pilgrim from the 6th
October to the close of the year.
Dacca,—Surgeon-Lieutenant-Colonel R. Macrae throughout the year.
Patna.—Surgeon-Major R. H. Whitwell all through the year.
Cuttack.—Brigade-Surgeon-Lieutenant-Colonel C. J. W. Meadows, from
1st January to 2nd June, and Surgeon-Lieutenant-Colonel
J. M. Zorab, from the 3rd June to the end of theyear.
Berhampore.—Surgeon-Lieutenant-Colonel G. Price throughout the
year.
44. Establishment.—The Deputy Superintendent of the Dullunda Asylum,
Military Assistant Surgeon M. E. Mungavin, was on privilege leave from the 27th
August to 26th November, and after that had to be given up for plague duties.
Mr. H. H. Lawton, the Deputy Superintendent at Bhawanipur, held charge of
Dullunda in addition to his own duties from the 27th August to the close of the
year. The Superintendent reports that he has given entire satisfaction in the
discharge of his duties: The Superintendent also testifies in very favourable
terms to the excellent work of Civil Hospital Assistant Babu Trailokhya Nath
Banerji, who is unremitting in his care of the sick. Dr. Pilgrim adds that the
high mortality of the asylum during the year, which occurred through no
fault of his (the Civil Hospital Assistant), would have been far higher had the
duties been discharged by an average Hospital Assistant. The clerk, Babu
Shama Prosonno Bhattacharji, is specially- mentioned by the Superintendent
for his good work. The conduct of the establishment generally is reported to
have been fairly satisfactory.
The Superintendent of the Dacca Asylum reports that the Overseer, Babu
Romesh Chunder Sil, takes intelligent interest in his work, and manages the
lunatics with much tact. The Civil Hospital Assistant, Munshi Abdul Majid, is
reported to be fairly efficient.
At Patna the services of Mr. Nowlan, the Overseer, and Mrs. Nowlan, the
Matron, were extended for one year. The Superintendent reports that
Mr. Nowlan has an intimate knowledge of the peculiarities of each lunatic, but
his old age stands in the way of improvements, which are carried out very
slowly. The Civil Hospital Assistant worked fairly well.
At Cuttack the Overseer, Benjamin Naik, is reported to have worked satis-
factorily. The clerk of the Civil Surgeon, who used to perform also the work
of the asylum, was convicted and sentenced to seven years' imprisonment for
embezzling Government money. The accounts of the asylum were examined
by a special auditor deputed by Government, who found some irregularities
in them, and the Overseer has been warned to be more careful in his work.
The Civil Hospital Assistant is reported to have rendered satisfaction in the
discharge of his duties.
At Berhampore Babu Mohendra Nath Roy, the Overseer, is reported to have
worked thoroughly well. The Civil Hospital Assistant is also well reported on.
45. The asylums were efficiently managed by the Superintendents during
the year under report. Increased care and well-sustained attention were paid
by them to the well-being and comfort of the unfortunate people committed to
their charge.