3
The introduction of 2 superior Indian warders, retired non-commissioned
officers of the native army is a measure that has more than justified itself. These
men, and we have been extremely fortunate in getting a good type, have rapidly
grasped the nature of their duties and proved themselves entirely reliable and
very sympathic in the care of the insane. Perforce of good example their line
of conduct has, it would appear, to a degree permeated the subordinate staff, and
it is certainly not an extravagant hope that the future salvation of the Punjab
asylum attendant may be due to the example of his superior confrére from the
Indian army. A very line set of 15 quarters were added for this class in 1914,
and the inconvenience and overcrowding has been relieved. More quarters
are, however, required and the construction of a block of 10 is at persent under
consideration and their early completion is certainly most desirable to meet
the recent addition to the number of the attendant staff.
An European warder has been engaged since the early part of 1914,
but no quarters having been as yet provided, the incumbent has to make his
own arrangements for housing. The appointment is by no means attractive
and it is very doubtful whether a really good man could be induced to remain
under present arrangements.
Occupation.
As heretofore it has been found that the insane is very much better
controlled and more amenable to discip-
line when he can be induced to take
up some form of avocation, of these there are many in the asylum. All the
cooking, washing, weaving, mulling of blankets, cleanliness and the endless
varieties of occupation common to an asylum, are carried out by the inmates.
The larger number of whom are chronic maniacs. They are often good,
harmless workers, who under supervision perform most of the ordinary duties
of the institution, and without whose presence a vastly multiplied staff of
attendants and servants would be necessary. The criminal lunatic as usual
forms a very large percentage of the working population, being entrusted
with the occupations requiring some skill such as weaving, and mat making,
or as dressers and attendants on the sick. The garden provides occupation for
about 70 to 80 daily. It is an excellent and most healthy form of work and
extremely remunerative, for all the vegetables, a matter of 6 to 7 maunds
daily, required for asylum purposes, are provided from the garden and also all
fodder required for the asylum cattle. In addition there has gradually
matured a very good orchard which supplies all antiscorbutics required in the
dietary En passant it may be mentioned that the asylum garden has secured
two second prizes at the Lahore vegetable shows of 1913 and 1914.
Amusements.
These are continued in much the same way as before. The large
pleasing and shady grounds afford am-
ple space for enjoyment and, in sum-
mer more especially, form an ideal spot. Gymnastics are provided though
for some reason rarely or ever indulged in Newspapers and books are at the
call of the more literate while cards and various varieties of Indian games are
indulged in. A gramophone and magic lantern furnish a certain amount of
amusement.
On big holidays Indian musicians and jugglers and rag doll dancers
perform, and batches of the quieter and better behaved are permitted to
go to some of the circus performances, which visit Lahore. At these special
festivals the ordinary diet is replaced by sweet rice or supplemented by sweets.
Tobacco and cigarettes are supplied and to the better behaved and good
workers is given a small stipend monthly which they can spend on any com-
forts they choose. As far as possible the inmates are made comfortable and
certainly the majority are belter off than they are in their own homes.
Dietary.
This is ample and of excellent quality, in addition, the ordinary diet is
supplemented by a generous supply of
extras for those actually mentally ill,
and the hard workers are also given an increase above the usual diet. The
expenditure is large, but it must be remembered this is absolutely essential