( vii )
Dr. Hutchinson was obliged to leave on account of sickness, and was succeeded by
Dr. Allen in July, who found the establishment in a very unsatisfactory state from the mis-
conduct of Mr. overseer Manson, whose incapacity and irregularity of conduct led to his dis-
missal, and whose successor had not joined when the report was forwarded. It is intended
to appoint his wife the matron should she prove efficient. This is an excellent plan. The
asylum is in good order, with ample accommodation for the inmates.
Cuttack.—This is a small institution well looked after but inconveniently situated, and
requiring to be enlarged to receive a large number of inmates. General plans have been
suggested for this purpose. The best appears to be that suggested by Dr. Saunders, of con-
verting the old cavalry lines into an asylum and enclosing part of the grounds for gardens,
and dividing off a portion for the use of the police. This would cost little and answer the
required demand. The European overseer has been removed, as the expense for so small
number of lunatics (36) was considered too great. The superintendent with an efficient
native establishment should be able to manage this small number efficiently.
Moydapore.—A very small asylum for 18 lunatics, badly situated in the midst of paddy
fields, and managed by an inefficient European overseer—Mr. Frawley. A native darogah.
has recently been appointed.
Bhowanipore.—The report is highly satisfactory. There has been an increase of 16 in
the admissions during the year, and only 2 deaths. One of them—71 years old—had been 28
years in the asylum, and died from old age. The receipts from paying-patients have
increased from Rs. 2,676 to Rs. 3,646, and the expense of maintenance has diminished from
Rs. 29 to Rs. 23-5-4.
The institution continues in excellent order, well managed under the able direction of
Dr. Payne and his efficient establishment. The modification of the practice of forwarding
the insane soldiers to Bombay as the port for embarkation instead of Calcutta, was strongly
recommended. There is the same facility of land transport in the rail to either, and all the
invalids of the season are now embarked at Bombay, and in their company harmless insanes
can be transmitted without incurring the great expense of especially transmitting them. As
insanes in only a small ratio of such suspicious cases can be trusted amongst the ordinary
invalids or time-expired men, as those are now nearly all embarked at Bombay, the insanes
to be forwarded to England should be sent there also.
I have departed this year from former custom, and have appended the inspection reports
and remarks of the Deputy Inspectors-General of Hospitals on the several asylums. I trust
the arrangement will meet with the approval of His Honor.
I have the honor to be,
SIR,
Your most obedient servant,
JOHN MURRAY, M.D.,
Inspector-General of Hospitals, Indian Medical Department.
THE several reports were finally received correct in my office on the dates opposite
their names:—
Bhowanipore
Dullunda
Dacca ...
Patna ...
Cuttack ...
Moydapore
... ... 21st March 1870.
... ... 29th January „
... ...11th April
„
... ... 2nd February „
... ... 9th March
„