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The asylum is always overcrowded with natives, so that if it could be
arranged for the soldiers to be sent direct to the transport from the railway
stations, as one set of men was sent during the last season, great relief would
be afforded, whilst the regularity in the work of the institution would not
be interfered with.
The sanitary condition is very far from what it ought to be. This is due
to site and want of efficient drainage.
The Deputy Surgeon General alludes to the mal-odour which prevails
during wet or still and close weather. It is only by constant attention to
cleanliness the asylum is kept as healthy as it is. No improvement can take
place so long as the present deficient water-supply prevails—greatest at the
time when the largest quantity is required both for the use of the patients
and for sanitary purposes.
This demands early and most earnest attention on the part of Govern-
ment.
Employment.—I believe it is rare for skilled workmen of any kind to be
found in asylums of this country, at all events in this Presidency ; it is there-
fore the more to be regretted, that the want of out-door occupation, so largely
conducive to the amelioration of the inmates generally, is here almost alto-
gether wanting, the grounds being so very limited. But even were they of
any extent, the want of water alone would prevent any attempt at gardening
or cultivation. During the hot season, there is not sufficient water for the
use of the patients and for sanitation, and cotton presses and other buildings
are cutting off the supply more and more; Government will therefore, I trust,
recognize the absolute impossibility, under existing circumstances, of carrying
out their wish for the formation of gardens.
The employment of the Europeans, at present, is, perhaps, of less mo-
ment, on account of the short time most of them remain.
It is so far satisfactory to note that many natives have been employed in
useful work, both inside and outside the asylum. The Working and Relief
Fund, as it is termed, is not in a flourishing condition, and has only been saved
from bankruptcy by some chance contributions during the year. A proper
system of employment for both men and women should be introduced, the only
handicraft for the former at present being in cane ; the latter might grind
all the grain for the establishment, by which, possibly, a saving might be
effected, though I would recommend this solely for the sake of employing
them ; and some of them might at least mend the clothing for both sexes, if
not make their own. The system of the workshop being carried on at the
risk of the Superintendent is, in my opinion, very objectionable, and should
at once cease, and the whole be remodelled as suggested by Dr. Niven, with
the approval of the visitors and of Government. I have been informed
that, at times, articles are sold at less than cost price, in order that funds
may be obtained for the purchase of fresh material for labour. Dr. Johnstone
recommends that the whole be made over to the Accountant General, and
that he be authorized to grant a certain sum under sanction of the Deputy
Surgeon General for the working fund alone, and small sums to poor
insanes to enable them, when cured or made over to friends, to return home;
a regular account of expenditure being submitted to the Accountant General.