2
"Toxins" again as an ætiological factor stood out prominently accounting
for 82, of which Charas, Ganja and Bhang were responsible for 60. Cases due
to a " Traumatic " origin number 5, diseases of the nervous system 24, '' other
bodily afflictions" 4, and lastly, as usual, those without any " Ascertainable " and
"Assignable" cause account for 150 or nearly 50 per cent. of the total number
of admissions.
Statement VIII.—Cash account.
9. The total receipts from all sources were Rs. 1,65,445 against
Rs. 1,70,788 for the previous year, excluding
receipts on account of paying patients which are
credited to Government, the actual working cost for the year was Rs. 1,52,893
against Rs. 1,56,584 for 1915. The difference though in the main attributable
to a smaller amount spent on Public Works, still indicates that despite high
prices prevailing for food and clothing and the increased number of inmates the
financial results were satisfactory. The amount received from paying patients
shows a diminution of Rs. 2,423 as compared with 1915.
Statement X.—Manufactures.
10. The manufactures of the Asylum continued to progress satisfac-
torily. There was an increase of Rs 2,282-4-5,
in the profit as compared with that of the
previous year.
Statement XI.—General.
11. Owing to the rapid increase in the population, which this year has
been the highest on record, there has been a
certain amount of overcrowding in the Male
Section, where frequently the number confined exceeded the accommodation
by as many as 45 to 50. This congestion is now being met by an addi-
tion of a block of 20 cubicles, the work is already in hand and later it is
intended to convert an unused work-shed into a sleeping barrack providing
for 15 inmates. As there is every reason to anticipate a further growth
in the population, this arrangement will only afford temporary relief and it
is under consideration to make a very considerable increase in the accommo
dation by building a separate annexe for criminals. In this connection
more land will be required and it is hoped that it will be possible to secure
it while it is still available in the vicinity. During the year quarters for the
attendants and 8 sweepers were constructed, adding very materially to their
comfort. A cottage for the European Warder has also been provided. With
a view to reducing expenditure the pumping-up of the drinking water-supply
by an electric motor in place of steam engine is in hand.
12. Major Ward, I.M.S., held charge as Superintendent in addition
to his duties of Superintendent of the Lahore Central Jail till the 17th of Janu-
ary when he was relieved by Captain J. F. Fleming, I.S.M.D., who was still in
charge at the end of the year.
Staff.
Captain Fleming has proved a good Manager and Superintendent
of the Asylum. His long connection with the
institution has been of the utmost value at this
juncture and I feel that his devotion to his onerous duties has well deserved
the honour recently conferred upon him. He has been very ably supported
by his staff and by the sisters in charge of the Female Section who have
once more shown much devotion and sacrifice in their self-imposed duty.
LAHORE :
H. HENDLEY, M.D.,
COLONEL, I.M.S.,
The 23rd March 1917.
Inspector-General of Civil Hospitals, Punjab.