34
PATNA ASYLUM.
Statement No. 12 shews the articles manufactured and amount realized and disbursed for the
same. These four last returns are not as favorable as last year's, owing to the reprehensible
conduct of overseer Manson, whose laxity and incapacity totally unfitted him for the post
he held.
There is but little to remark upon with regard to treatment. The. application of the cold
douche has been followed by good results, and I have freely permitted amusements and
recreations. I have frequently remarked that an accession of excitement occurs at the period
of the new moon, but no tables have been kept this year.
The food is unexceptionable in quality and sufficient in quantity. The atta is ground in
the asylum by the female insanes, who also prepare soojee for sale.
The monthly meeting of visitors has been most studiously attended, and the Inspector-
General of Jails paid his annual inspection visit in March last.
The dry-earth conservancy system has been strictly carried out.
One large shed was added for the use of the males, which cost Rs. 858, the whole
amount sanctioned by the Government of Bengal in letter No. 779, dated 22nd February 1869.
A large tank, 150ft. x 100ft., was sanctioned by the visitors to be excavated at a cost
of Rs. 1,641-6, and application was made through the magistrate to the commissioner for
assistance from the relief works, and sanction obtained for half the amount, Rs. 820, and sub-
sequently a further sum of Rs. 17-9-9 was granted. This tank was considered necessary in
consequence of the wells failing to give the needful supply. The work has been satisfactorily
performed, and the earth made use of to level the compound. A pucka ghât yet remains
to be built.
Bamboo machans were put up in the verandah for the insanes to sleep on, damp was
so excessive in the cells of the male ward.
Upon receiving charge of the asylum, an unfavorable report of overseer Manson was
given me by my predecessor, and the overseer's subsequent conduct proved him to be totally
unfit and incompetent for such a charge. For two months after my taking charge he was con-
fined to the house and incapacitated for work by severe illness. Shortly after returning to duty
he was charged with committing a criminal assault upon a female insane, which charge though
not proven, strong reasons existed for condemning his conduct, and his removal was ordered.
Pending arrival of his successor he was retained, but behaving in a disgraceful and insubor-
dinate manner, his immediate dismissal became necessary. A native overseer was appointed
pro tem.
I regret to say the whole of the subordinate establishment connected with the asylum
became disorganized in consequence of the conduct of overseer Manson. The native doctor
proved himself untrustworthy and was transferred.
I may truly say I have had nothing but difficulties and up-hill work since I took charge
of the asylum, but am glad to be able to add that I have every hope next year's report
will be satisfactory.
I have advised the appointment of a matron, and the Lieutenant-Governor has kindly
taken it into consideration.
I have the honor to be,
SIR,
Your most obedient servant,
J. BEDFORD ALLEN,
Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum.