5
inmate and an excellent worker, and who had never previously shown any
tendency of aggressiveness. On returning from work one evening finding
another inmate lying in the sleeping berth usually occupied by him, he prompt-
ly kicked the man in the abdomen rupturing his spleen. This incident
markedly elucidates the axiom that every lunatic is potentially dangerous.
In all these cases a magisterial enquiry was held, and in none was any blame
attached to the attendant staff.
Suicides.
Of these there were two, one in March 1912 a case of mania who without
giving any previous indication quietly
strangled himself and the second in Sep-
tember 1913, a melancholic, who was extremely depressed over an operation
which had involved the amputation of his leg, strangled himself to the bed rail.
In neither of these cases did the result of the inquest show any negligence on
the part of the attendants.
Cost of maintenance.
With the growth of the institution there has been a progressive increased
expenditure due in the main to an
augmented population, larger salaries on
account of superintendence and increased wages and cadre of attendance and
the progressive rise in food stuffs. This latter item accounting for a very
definite enhancement during the second half of 1914. The increase in book
charges in 1913-14 is accounted for by the new works undertaken in these
years by the Public Works Department. Clothing and bedding as usual form
heavy items of expenditure, being some Rs. 12,000 for 1914. This is easily
explained by the great destruction that is caused in these articles by a number
of the inmates. On the receipt side the amount obtained from paying patients
has increased to Rs. 10,176 showing a steadily progressive sum. In statement
No. X it will be seen that the value of manufactured goods in column No 4
made over for asylum use still maintains its high level. These manufactures
are a source of great profit and in addition to the benefit derived by providing
some form of occupation for the patients they furnish all the warm clothing
and blanketing and most of the summer uniform required.
Superintendent and staff.
The Superintendentship was held continuously up to the time of his
death on the 9th September 1914 by
Lieutenant-Colonel G. F. W. Ewens,
I M.S., excepting for the period when he was on leave on private affairs from
the 4th May to 5th November 1913 during which time Captain Owen Berkeley
Hill, I.M.S., officiated in the appointment. From the 10th to 27th September
1914 Lieutenant J. F. Fleming, I.S.MD., carried out these duties and from the
28th September to 3rd December 1914 Captain H.A.H. Robson, I.M.S., held
charge who was then relieved by Major E. L. Ward, I.M.S., who continued as
Supeirntendent till the end of the year.
The Punjab asylum began its career under the guidance of the late
Lieutenant-Colonel G.F.W. Ewens some 15 years ago, and he continued to
hold permanent charge until the time of his death.. From the first it has
maintained its great state of efficiency, and its increasing popularity testifies to
the care and treatment the patients receive. This state of efficiency and popu-
larity has been entirely due to the unfailing energy and kindness displayed by
the late Colonel Ewens. The Alienist Department, and the Punjab asylum,
especially, have sustained a severe loss in the death of this estimable officer.
His knowledge was profound, as was also his insight of the people and their
language. His never failing kindness and sympathy to those in trouble
endeared him to all who knew him. Through the generosity of Government,
the valuable collection of books on mental diseases made by him have been
secured to the asylum library.
Military Assistant Surgeon E.F. Hottinger, I.S.M.D., was Deputy Super-
intendent upto 16th May 1912 proving himself, as always, extremely able,
trustworthy, and conscientious in the discharge of his duties. He was succeeded
by Lieutenant J. F. Fleming, I.S.M.D. Of the latter officer, I have the know-
ledge that Colonel Ewens thought most highly of him, and for my own part I