54
REPORT ON THE
the mortality. Three cases of sudden death were recorded, one of epilepsy, another of
apoplexy, the third being a case of suicide by drowning. The particulars of the latter case
are as follows :—
A
case
of
drowning.
On the evening of the 2nd September a female insane named Ramkullea, aged about 50
years, who had been in an excited state for some days previously, after taking her evening
meal, approached the well and asked the two female keepers who were drawing water at the
time for a drink; she was told to stand back, and on the water being drawn she was told to
come forward; she accordingly did so, with both her hands to her mouth as if with the inten-
tion of drinking, and suddenly threw herself into the well. Assistance was promptly rendered,
and a rope thrown to her while she was on the surface. She would not, however, take hold
of it; a slip-knot was then thrown round her body, which she removed; and on the jemadar
getting into the well, she sank. The body was not recovered for 20 minutes. Notice was
given to the Magistrate, and a judicial inquiry held as to the cause of death. It was
subsequently arranged at a meeting of the visitors to call upon the Department of Public
Works for an estimate of the cost of a pump, to avoid the necessity of drawing water from an
open well.
A large proportion of those suffering from diarrhœa and debility are addicted to eating
earth, and much vigilance is needed to check this habit, which greatly aggravates the
disease.
Cures.
Cures.—The total number cured was 65; six were made over to their friends improved,
on the latter furnishing security that they would be properly taken care of.
Escapes.
Escapes.—The escapes during the year were two; one of these was subsequently arrested
at Behar, where he was set at large by the Magistrate, under whose orders he was detained,
as he was found to be quite sane.
Improvements
effected during the
year.
Improvements.—A new loom, on the English principle, has been constructed for the
manufacture of coarse canvas for the castor-oil presses, and other small looms also for cloth
and blanket manufacture. They have all been constructed within the walls. The garden has
been enlarged by the piece of ground enclosed by the new wall, and new roads made by the
insanes themselves.
New Buildings.—Owing to the overseer's bungalow having been brought within the
asylum walls, I took the opportunity of removing the male day-privy to another site, as it was
too close to his premises, and besides had become too small for the wants of the inmates.
The building was, therefore, knocked down and removed to the south wall of the asylum,
from which it projects, the door opening through the wall. A new cook-room was built at a
convenient distance from the overseer's bungalow, which answers the purpose well. This was
found necessary, as the old one was much too near the work-sheds, and great difficulty was
experienced in keeping the patients out of it. The old cook-room has been utilized as a
godown.
Finances.
Annual expenditure.—This has been slightly in excess of the previous year, partly
owing to the increase of dieting expenses resulting from the larger number of lunatics, and
partly arising from the increased amount under the head of contingencies, which includes
arrears of ground-rent, formerly allowed to accumulate. The establishment charges have
been reduced, although the yearly cost per man for diet is slightly in excess of 1872 on
account of the dearness of provisions; the total yearly cost per man is less than in the latter
year.
Manufactures.
Manufactures.—The manufacture of castor-oil gives employment to a large number of
the inmates, the husking and picking of the seed being chiefly done by the women, for whom
it affords excellent employment. The wheat-grinding is entirely carried on by the females
also.
Conduct of
servants.
Conduct of servants.—There was one case of maltreatment of a patient during the year
by one of the keepers. As I had no doubt whatever as to his guilt, I summarily dismissed
him, ordering that he should forfeit all wages due to him. A few other cases of neglect of
duty were also reported, which were dealt with according to circumstances. On the whole,
the servants behaved well.
Overseer.
Matron.
Overseer.—Mr. Nowlan, the overseer, still continues to deserve praise for the care with
which he conducts his duties and the interest he takes in his own work. His health was very
bad during a part of the rainy season, but he is quite strong again. His wife, who is the
matron of the asylum, also deserves credit for the manner in which she has cared for the
female patients under her charge.
Native Doctor.
Native Doctor Ahmed Khan is well reported of by the overseer. He resides just outside
the asylum walls, and has been most attentive to his duties.