56
REPORT ON THE
from Rs. 10 to Rs. 12. This increase was rendered advisable in consequence of the
increasing number of inmates. The cost of each patient has been somewhat lower than that
of the preceding year, being Rs. 78-6-7, against Rs. 80-14-2 in 1870.
Payments
for
maintenance.
5. Income.—The payments for maintenance of lunatics have slightly increased. A part
of the sum realized on this account was, as was the custom in former years, credited to
Government, and the remainder to the diet and contingent bills.
In accordance with orders lately received, all monies realized on this account will in future
be at once credited to Government.
Relatives might
contribute more
largely to sup-
port of patients.
I have every reason to believe that in numerous instances of patients admitted into this
asylum, their relatives are well able to contribute some thing to their support. This, however,
could only be recovered from them by the Magistrate of the district from which the
lunatic is forwarded, who can in most instances obtain reliable information regarding their
means.
Increased accom-
modation.
6. Building.—Considerable improvements have been made during the past year. Some-
time ago a sum of money was sanctioned by Government for the erection of three sleeping
sheds in consequence of representations made by the then Superintendent; somehow or other in
lieu of three sheds only one large one was built, which was diverted from its original purpose
and used as a workshed. This has now been rectified, a fine workshed having been built
along the the southern wall of the compound at a small cost, defrayed from the industrial
fund, and with bricks manufactured by the lunatics themselves. Into this shed all the
looms have been removed, thus allowing of the old shed being put to the use originally intended,
should the present sleeping wards become overcrowded.
Castor-oil pressing
introduced.
Finding I had not sufficient employment for the patients, I purchased a castor-oil screw,
which was in full work before the end of the year, and which promises to be a source
of considerable profit, while at the same time it affords light employment to a great number of
patients.
Weaving.
Three new looms were made in the asylum on the English plan, two of them adapted
for weaving cloth and the remaining one for gunny. The proposition for bringing the
Overseer's house within the asylum walls had not been finally sanctioned at the close of the
year. The Lieutenant-Governor has since agreed to the proposal, on condition that the
expense is met from the industrial fund. Nothing, however, can now be done until the close
of the next rainy season.
Restraint.
7. Treatment and management—The mode of restraint in most common use in this
asylum is a belt which is fastened round the wrist with a short chain and handcuff at each
side; in some cases the bag in use at Dullunda is had recourse to, but is not often required.
Garden.
The asylum garden gives healthy employment to a considerable number of the inmates,
and the looms and oil press occupy the attention of the majority of the remainder. The
women are especially useful in crushing and preparing the castor-oil seed previous to the
extraction of the oil. It affords them ample employment without overtaxing their strength
in the least degree.
Establishment.
8. Conduct of Establishment.—I continue to entertain the highest opinion of Mr. Nowlan,
the Overseer. He takes a great interest in his work, and I cannot speak in too high terms of
him whether as regards his treatment of the insanes under his charge, or the way in which
he conducts his current duties. These remarks apply equally to his wife, who is matron in
the asylum. The Native Doctor has been attentive to his duties, and has given every satis-
faction. He is a quiet, painstaking man. The conduct of the rest of the native establish-
ment has been on the whole good, with one or two slight exceptions.